The all-inclusive Sol Palmeras is a family-oriented three-pearl resort that’s hardly high style, but it is boisterous and big on activities, especially the kid-friendly variety. Free water-sport rentals, a game room with Wii and PlayStation2, and a shooting range join the typical diversions of sun and sand, including Varadero’s notably beautiful beach and two pools. The 408 rooms and 200 bungalows are excellent for families, with multiple bedrooms, mini-kitchens, dining spaces, and interconnecting rooms available. Some couples do come to stay in the Bungalow Suite Romance units, but given the atmosphere here, those travelers might prefer the adults-only Melia Las Antillas, another mid-range resort in the area.
The all-inclusive Sol Palmeras is a family-oriented three-pearl resort that’s hardly high style, but it is boisterous and big on activities, especially the kid-friendly variety. Free water-sport rentals, a game room with Wii and PlayStation2, and a shooting range join the typical diversions of sun and sand, including Varadero’s notably beautiful beach and two pools. The 408 rooms and 200 bungalows are excellent for families, with multiple bedrooms, mini-kitchens, dining spaces, and interconnecting rooms available. Some couples do come to stay in the Bungalow Suite Romance units, but given the atmosphere here, those travelers might prefer the adults-only Melia Las Antillas, another mid-range resort in the area.
Sol Cayo Guillermo is a traditional mid-range all-inclusive resort that’s much smaller and more intimate than most sprawling Cayo Coco properties. Its 268 bungalow-style rooms are simple but comfortable and clean with furnished patios and garden or sea views. But the beach is the biggest highlight here -- a long, wide stretch of white sand and aqua water, although it can get windy (a bonus for kite surfers). Guests also appreciate the nightly entertainment, intimate atmosphere, and the casual, chilled out nature of this place. Overall, Sol Cayo Guillermo is dated and there’s nothing fancy going on here (a la carte restaurants are even devoid of dress codes), but it’s this laid-back simplicity guests appreciate. Another similar property to consider could be the Sercotel Club Cayo Guillermo.
Sol Cayo Guillermo is a traditional mid-range all-inclusive resort that’s much smaller and more intimate than most sprawling Cayo Coco properties. Its 268 bungalow-style rooms are simple but comfortable and clean with furnished patios and garden or sea views. But the beach is the biggest highlight here -- a long, wide stretch of white sand and aqua water, although it can get windy (a bonus for kite surfers). Guests also appreciate the nightly entertainment, intimate atmosphere, and the casual, chilled out nature of this place. Overall, Sol Cayo Guillermo is dated and there’s nothing fancy going on here (a la carte restaurants are even devoid of dress codes), but it’s this laid-back simplicity guests appreciate. Another similar property to consider could be the Sercotel Club Cayo Guillermo.
The 178-room Be Live Havana City Copacabana has a playful Brazilian theme and a storied past as a mid-century jazz club. Today it’s your typical mid-range seaside hotel with a buffet restaurant, a pool, and poolside bar. But one atypical feature is the hotel’s “natural pool,” a hemmed in portion of seawater that gives guests a calm, protected place to swim. Rooms here are basic, but not unpleasant, in beachy colors. The location, however, is a bit removed from Old Havana and most major attractions. Travelers looking for a more central location could try Hotel Telegrafo, although this property lacks a pool or proximity to the ocean.
The 178-room Be Live Havana City Copacabana has a playful Brazilian theme and a storied past as a mid-century jazz club. Today it’s your typical mid-range seaside hotel with a buffet restaurant, a pool, and poolside bar. But one atypical feature is the hotel’s “natural pool,” a hemmed in portion of seawater that gives guests a calm, protected place to swim. Rooms here are basic, but not unpleasant, in beachy colors. The location, however, is a bit removed from Old Havana and most major attractions. Travelers looking for a more central location could try Hotel Telegrafo, although this property lacks a pool or proximity to the ocean.
Situated on a quiet side street in Old Havana, the Casa Castellon offers cozy budget lodging and most of the essential amenities. Relative to the city’s many casa particulares (private homestays), the six rooms here are surprisingly modern with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and ensuite bathrooms. Common amenities include free hot breakfast and a small, lovely lounge and furnished, city-view balcony. The surrounding neighborhood and balcony views aren’t picturesque by traditional standards, but they do offer an authentic slice of modern Havana life. Although its rooms are more rustic, Casa Colonial 1715 has similar amenities just one block from Old Havana’s popular pedestrian mall for the same money.
Situated on a quiet side street in Old Havana, the Casa Castellon offers cozy budget lodging and most of the essential amenities. Relative to the city’s many casa particulares (private homestays), the six rooms here are surprisingly modern with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and ensuite bathrooms. Common amenities include free hot breakfast and a small, lovely lounge and furnished, city-view balcony. The surrounding neighborhood and balcony views aren’t picturesque by traditional standards, but they do offer an authentic slice of modern Havana life. Although its rooms are more rustic, Casa Colonial 1715 has similar amenities just one block from Old Havana’s popular pedestrian mall for the same money.
The eight-room CasavanaCuba is a homey and welcoming bed-and-breakfast a couple of blocks from the Malecon in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, a business and residential district with lots of restaurants and nightlife. Amenities are a bit spare in this simple value property, but a lovely homemade breakfast with fresh juice is available for an additional fee, and the friendly owners provide personal travel tips. Guests can make use of living room-like common spaces, dining areas, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. Wraparound balconies offer views of the surroundings. Rooms are clean and pleasant, equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and minibars, plus all have en-suite bathrooms, though some are dated (but well maintained). There's no Wi-Fi, and it's about a 10-minute drive to Old Havana's attractions, but overall this a great value choice. For something more central to the tourist sites, check out the historic Hotel Telegrafo.
The eight-room CasavanaCuba is a homey and welcoming bed-and-breakfast a couple of blocks from the Malecon in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, a business and residential district with lots of restaurants and nightlife. Amenities are a bit spare in this simple value property, but a lovely homemade breakfast with fresh juice is available for an additional fee, and the friendly owners provide personal travel tips. Guests can make use of living room-like common spaces, dining areas, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. Wraparound balconies offer views of the surroundings. Rooms are clean and pleasant, equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and minibars, plus all have en-suite bathrooms, though some are dated (but well maintained). There's no Wi-Fi, and it's about a 10-minute drive to Old Havana's attractions, but overall this a great value choice. For something more central to the tourist sites, check out the historic Hotel Telegrafo.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. The upper-middle-range Hotel Raquel occupies a beautiful historic building with impressive architecture and interiors (including a stunning stained glass atrium skylight) in a prime Old Havana location that's close to restaurants, nightlife, and popular tourist sights. Its 25 guest rooms are fairly basic, though have some charm, and come equipped with private balconies, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms -- but guests complain of poor water pressure in the showers and occasional cleanliness issues. There's no Wi-Fi here, and food at the on-site restaurant receives mediocre reviews, but perks include free breakfast, a small fitness room, and a lovely rooftop terrace with a charming wrought-iron gazebo, plenty of greenery, and views over the city. For better features check out the upscale Hotel Saratoga -- though rates are higher and breakfast is not included. Hotel Florida is another comparable option so it may be worth comparing rates.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. The upper-middle-range Hotel Raquel occupies a beautiful historic building with impressive architecture and interiors (including a stunning stained glass atrium skylight) in a prime Old Havana location that's close to restaurants, nightlife, and popular tourist sights. Its 25 guest rooms are fairly basic, though have some charm, and come equipped with private balconies, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms -- but guests complain of poor water pressure in the showers and occasional cleanliness issues. There's no Wi-Fi here, and food at the on-site restaurant receives mediocre reviews, but perks include free breakfast, a small fitness room, and a lovely rooftop terrace with a charming wrought-iron gazebo, plenty of greenery, and views over the city. For better features check out the upscale Hotel Saratoga -- though rates are higher and breakfast is not included. Hotel Florida is another comparable option so it may be worth comparing rates.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. This 16-room, mid-range property occupies a historic 18th-century colonial house in a prime Old Havana location close to tourist sights. It shares its amenities and services with the historic Hotel Florida (where guests check in), which offers two atmospheric bars and a restaurant -- plus there's a restaurant and bar on-site at the Hotel Marques de Prado Ameno as well. Breakfast is included, but guests remark that it's mediocre. Guest rooms feature simple, colonial-style decor (that's a bit dated) as well as en-suite bathrooms and basic amenities like flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. But guests complain of cleanliness issues, mold, street noise, and small (or no) windows that make the spaces dark. Guests might also want to check out the connected Hotel Florida, which offers nicer, cleaner guest rooms.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. This 16-room, mid-range property occupies a historic 18th-century colonial house in a prime Old Havana location close to tourist sights. It shares its amenities and services with the historic Hotel Florida (where guests check in), which offers two atmospheric bars and a restaurant -- plus there's a restaurant and bar on-site at the Hotel Marques de Prado Ameno as well. Breakfast is included, but guests remark that it's mediocre. Guest rooms feature simple, colonial-style decor (that's a bit dated) as well as en-suite bathrooms and basic amenities like flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. But guests complain of cleanliness issues, mold, street noise, and small (or no) windows that make the spaces dark. Guests might also want to check out the connected Hotel Florida, which offers nicer, cleaner guest rooms.
The all-inclusive Hotel Tuxpan represents the typical family-oriented resort of Varadero. Its 233 standard rooms with mini-fridges and tube TVs aren’t remarkable, but guests are happy to spend their days splashing around the enormous freeform pool or the gorgeous white-sand beach. And activities abound, including water-sports, a kids’ club with games, tennis, and diving classes. Maintenance issues, like ceiling leaks in the lobby, do mar the tropical haven. But guests intent on an affordable, sunny, family-friendly getaway find these can be overlooked. Travelers could also consider the Sol Palmeras, another Varadero resort with plenty to offer families.
The all-inclusive Hotel Tuxpan represents the typical family-oriented resort of Varadero. Its 233 standard rooms with mini-fridges and tube TVs aren’t remarkable, but guests are happy to spend their days splashing around the enormous freeform pool or the gorgeous white-sand beach. And activities abound, including water-sports, a kids’ club with games, tennis, and diving classes. Maintenance issues, like ceiling leaks in the lobby, do mar the tropical haven. But guests intent on an affordable, sunny, family-friendly getaway find these can be overlooked. Travelers could also consider the Sol Palmeras, another Varadero resort with plenty to offer families.
Tryp Cayo Coco is an all-inclusive three-pearl resort with sprawling palm-treed grounds and plenty of space for guests to find tranquillity or fun or both. The 607 rooms are dated, but clean and vibrant. They come with large patios (some with stunning sea views), mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Overall, the resort is starting to show its age, however grounds are meticulously maintained and updates are underway as of 2017. The biggest highlights here are the gorgeous aqua beach (Playa Larga) on which the resort sits, and the enormous lagoon-style pool. There’s plenty to eat, drink, and do on-site -- guests appreciate the evening entertainment, and while food reviews are mixed, the buffet is solid and diverse -- there are five a la carte restaurants. TRYP isn’t luxurious, but it’s well suited to families, couples, and groups (especially water lovers) seeking a laidback timeout. Travelers seeking a newer Cayo Coco resort could try Melia Jardines Del Rey.
Tryp Cayo Coco is an all-inclusive three-pearl resort with sprawling palm-treed grounds and plenty of space for guests to find tranquillity or fun or both. The 607 rooms are dated, but clean and vibrant. They come with large patios (some with stunning sea views), mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Overall, the resort is starting to show its age, however grounds are meticulously maintained and updates are underway as of 2017. The biggest highlights here are the gorgeous aqua beach (Playa Larga) on which the resort sits, and the enormous lagoon-style pool. There’s plenty to eat, drink, and do on-site -- guests appreciate the evening entertainment, and while food reviews are mixed, the buffet is solid and diverse -- there are five a la carte restaurants. TRYP isn’t luxurious, but it’s well suited to families, couples, and groups (especially water lovers) seeking a laidback timeout. Travelers seeking a newer Cayo Coco resort could try Melia Jardines Del Rey.
The upscale Melia Varadero has a lovely beachfront location half way up the peninsula of Varadero. The 490 rooms are split between two categories: The standard rooms have an old-fashioned look with dated bedspreads and bathrooms, while the executive-level rooms look far more chic with dark-wood furniture and stylish artwork. But all rooms have balconies, and some offer truly stellar views. Features are in line with other upscale resorts including two pools with a waterfall feature, five restaurants, and basketball and tennis courts. A kids' club and kiddy pool appeals to families, and business travelers can use the meeting rooms or Internet cafe. One thing to note: Wi-Fi is available in both public areas and rooms, a rarity for Cuba. Travelers could compare rates and amenities with the neighboring sister resort, Melia Las Americas.
The upscale Melia Varadero has a lovely beachfront location half way up the peninsula of Varadero. The 490 rooms are split between two categories: The standard rooms have an old-fashioned look with dated bedspreads and bathrooms, while the executive-level rooms look far more chic with dark-wood furniture and stylish artwork. But all rooms have balconies, and some offer truly stellar views. Features are in line with other upscale resorts including two pools with a waterfall feature, five restaurants, and basketball and tennis courts. A kids' club and kiddy pool appeals to families, and business travelers can use the meeting rooms or Internet cafe. One thing to note: Wi-Fi is available in both public areas and rooms, a rarity for Cuba. Travelers could compare rates and amenities with the neighboring sister resort, Melia Las Americas.