Varedero Cuba - Early June
Discussion
This may not be really helpful but i did Mexico a couple of years ago on an all inclusive and i loved it (i am easily pleased)
Whilst there i bumped into a buddy of mine, anyway he gets around quite a lot and went to Cuba this year. He told me that is pee's all over Mexico in every way. Loads of history, cheap and really really friendly people. I've yet to speak to a person that hasn't liked it.
He loved it and is going back, its penciled for my next long haul trip due to the positive feedback i've had off people.
Whilst there i bumped into a buddy of mine, anyway he gets around quite a lot and went to Cuba this year. He told me that is pee's all over Mexico in every way. Loads of history, cheap and really really friendly people. I've yet to speak to a person that hasn't liked it.
He loved it and is going back, its penciled for my next long haul trip due to the positive feedback i've had off people.
we went last year, great value, best bits are the sea and beaches are fab, take a day trip to Havana.
Staff are great and welcoming, they are very poor so a small tip goes a long way.
What hotel are you staying in?
Only negative is vareedaro is a tourist resort so if you want to see the real Cuba you need to get out and about.
Here is a pic I took from the beach
CIMG1833 by melliottuk, on Flickr
Staff are great and welcoming, they are very poor so a small tip goes a long way.
What hotel are you staying in?
Only negative is vareedaro is a tourist resort so if you want to see the real Cuba you need to get out and about.
Here is a pic I took from the beach
CIMG1833 by melliottuk, on Flickr
Edited by MElliottUK on Saturday 12th February 23:00
Agree with the above. The beach's are superb and the water is clear and warm. The hotels are not the best in the world, but the staff are very friendly and helpful. Ypu'll have a great time. Getting out and about is a must...be ready to share your cab with someone as if they have spare seats, they'll pick up a hitch-hiker!
we stayed in that hotel, was very nice, that pic is taken from the hotel beach.
things to note with the hotel, drinks are served in small plastic cups, so take your own larger ones or you will be forever going for refills. also make the most of the resturants, book them all up as soon as you arrive as they are by booking only. finally use the boats and kayaks on the beach, they are free
overall good hotel for the money, you will have a great time, havana day trip was quite cheap, they do over night ones too. flight is a drag but tranfer is quite short.
things to note with the hotel, drinks are served in small plastic cups, so take your own larger ones or you will be forever going for refills. also make the most of the resturants, book them all up as soon as you arrive as they are by booking only. finally use the boats and kayaks on the beach, they are free
overall good hotel for the money, you will have a great time, havana day trip was quite cheap, they do over night ones too. flight is a drag but tranfer is quite short.
MElliottUK said:
we stayed in that hotel, was very nice, that pic is taken from the hotel beach.
things to note with the hotel, drinks are served in small plastic cups, so take your own larger ones or you will be forever going for refills. also make the most of the resturants, book them all up as soon as you arrive as they are by booking only. finally use the boats and kayaks on the beach, they are free
overall good hotel for the money, you will have a great time, havana day trip was quite cheap, they do over night ones too. flight is a drag but tranfer is quite short.
The brochure says 3 motorised water sports per week too things to note with the hotel, drinks are served in small plastic cups, so take your own larger ones or you will be forever going for refills. also make the most of the resturants, book them all up as soon as you arrive as they are by booking only. finally use the boats and kayaks on the beach, they are free
overall good hotel for the money, you will have a great time, havana day trip was quite cheap, they do over night ones too. flight is a drag but tranfer is quite short.
(Don't think that means i can spend 3 days a week playing with jetskis though).Is the beach full of 'looky, looky men or is it guarded?
Did you book Havana in the hotel or beach type bargain? (In cape Verdi it was less than half the price 5m outisde the hotel.
Good tip on the own glasses, first time we did AI in Egypt met a bloke who took his own pint glass, thought it was a bit odd. But as you say saves all that refill time.
One other thing, do they insist on long trousers in restaurant? For some reason we only have 15kg limit and they wanted £70 for another kg, so don't want to be packing shoes and trous if not essential.
There were no jet ski's there when we went, i'm not sure if they have any in Varedaro due to the noise (shame as I would have loved that).
Havana was booked in the hotel, it was less than £100 or 2 people, that included tour, lunch and travel.
As for eating there are lots of places, the main hall does not require booking however its just standard food, there about 4 (I think) restaurants you can book them 3 days in advance, so everyday you need to book the next one as you go through your days, the Chinese is excellent. I don't remember needing long trousers however I ate in linen type combat pants which was fine.
You can buy plastic mugs which keep your drink cool, its well worth taking a couple.
Enjoy the endless free cocktails!
As for baggage, we has a 15kgs limit but loads of people where over and they said nothing.
P.S I thought we got it for a great price but yours is better, amazing value. I think we paid £1200 for 1 week.
Havana was booked in the hotel, it was less than £100 or 2 people, that included tour, lunch and travel.
As for eating there are lots of places, the main hall does not require booking however its just standard food, there about 4 (I think) restaurants you can book them 3 days in advance, so everyday you need to book the next one as you go through your days, the Chinese is excellent. I don't remember needing long trousers however I ate in linen type combat pants which was fine.
You can buy plastic mugs which keep your drink cool, its well worth taking a couple.
Enjoy the endless free cocktails!
As for baggage, we has a 15kgs limit but loads of people where over and they said nothing.
P.S I thought we got it for a great price but yours is better, amazing value. I think we paid £1200 for 1 week.
Edited by MElliottUK on Sunday 13th February 11:57
MElliottUK said:
There were no jet ski's there when we went, i'm not sure if they have any in Varedaro due to the noise (shame as I would have loved that).
Havana was booked in the hotel, it was less than £100 or 2 people, that included tour, lunch and travel.
As for eating there are lots of places, the main hall does not require booking however its just standard food, there about 4 (I think) restaurants you can book them 3 days in advance, so everyday you need to book the next one as you go through your days, the Chinese is excellent. I don't remember needing long trousers however I ate in linen type combat pants which was fine.
You can buy plastic mugs which keep your drink cool, its well worth taking a couple.
Enjoy the endless free cocktails!
As for baggage, we has a 15kgs limit but loads of people where over and they said nothing.
P.S I thought we got it for a great price but yours is better, amazing value. I think we paid £1200 for 1 week.
Price is a 5 day special, went to our local travel agent as i'd sooner give them the money. He was quite amazed with the price too, managed to match it, just, so he got the money.Havana was booked in the hotel, it was less than £100 or 2 people, that included tour, lunch and travel.
As for eating there are lots of places, the main hall does not require booking however its just standard food, there about 4 (I think) restaurants you can book them 3 days in advance, so everyday you need to book the next one as you go through your days, the Chinese is excellent. I don't remember needing long trousers however I ate in linen type combat pants which was fine.
You can buy plastic mugs which keep your drink cool, its well worth taking a couple.
Enjoy the endless free cocktails!
As for baggage, we has a 15kgs limit but loads of people where over and they said nothing.
P.S I thought we got it for a great price but yours is better, amazing value. I think we paid £1200 for 1 week.
Edited by MElliottUK on Sunday 13th February 11:57
We weren't looking at long haul just the price popped and we though it's cheaper than Europe.
Beach looks awesome, hopefully some good snorkelling locally too.
Wouldn't risk being over on baggage TBH, the mad price they try and charge could be a killer. 15kg is a bit tight for a fortnight. Though i'm sure i'll manage.
I have *cough cough* umm heard that umm Cuba is a lovely place to visit (Because us Americans are technically not supposed to fly to the Bahamas and then catch a Cubana flight to Havana you see)
wink win nudge nudge.
It's nice but where you're talking about going is basically a resort for tourists that happens to be in Cuba. Wow, big deal, might as well go to Florida, Barbados, Bahamas, etc...
If you are going to Cuba, not spending a few days in Havana is a real shame, it's an amazing place.
wink win nudge nudge.
It's nice but where you're talking about going is basically a resort for tourists that happens to be in Cuba. Wow, big deal, might as well go to Florida, Barbados, Bahamas, etc...
If you are going to Cuba, not spending a few days in Havana is a real shame, it's an amazing place.
I just got back from the Sol Palmeras on Saturday and loved it.
There were no Jet Skis on the beach at the hotel. The only ones I seen were up at the 'Boat Adventure' place up the road.
No 'Looky looky' men on the beach giving you hassle.
The prices of trips etc are apparently fixed by the government so as far as I could see the prices given by Thomas Cook and the hotel were the same.
I think an overnight trip to Havana was in the region of £130 which included return coach, hotel for the night, tours and the Tropicana. We had stayed in Havana for 3 nights prior to Varadero so I really would recommend that you do try and get there if you can - its an amazing city to wander round. I never went to the Tropicana so couldn't say whether that was worth it or if you would be as well doing the day trip.
The ticket for the resturants you have to book in advance did say something about being smart!
There were no Jet Skis on the beach at the hotel. The only ones I seen were up at the 'Boat Adventure' place up the road.
No 'Looky looky' men on the beach giving you hassle.
The prices of trips etc are apparently fixed by the government so as far as I could see the prices given by Thomas Cook and the hotel were the same.
I think an overnight trip to Havana was in the region of £130 which included return coach, hotel for the night, tours and the Tropicana. We had stayed in Havana for 3 nights prior to Varadero so I really would recommend that you do try and get there if you can - its an amazing city to wander round. I never went to the Tropicana so couldn't say whether that was worth it or if you would be as well doing the day trip.
The ticket for the resturants you have to book in advance did say something about being smart!
SerialLurker said:
I just got back from the Sol Palmeras on Saturday and loved it.
There were no Jet Skis on the beach at the hotel. The only ones I seen were up at the 'Boat Adventure' place up the road.
No 'Looky looky' men on the beach giving you hassle.
The prices of trips etc are apparently fixed by the government so as far as I could see the prices given by Thomas Cook and the hotel were the same.
I think an overnight trip to Havana was in the region of £130 which included return coach, hotel for the night, tours and the Tropicana. We had stayed in Havana for 3 nights prior to Varadero so I really would recommend that you do try and get there if you can - its an amazing city to wander round. I never went to the Tropicana so couldn't say whether that was worth it or if you would be as well doing the day trip.
The ticket for the resturants you have to book in advance did say something about being smart!
Another question, do they provide towels? And is the a kettle in room. Some sites say yay some say nay.There were no Jet Skis on the beach at the hotel. The only ones I seen were up at the 'Boat Adventure' place up the road.
No 'Looky looky' men on the beach giving you hassle.
The prices of trips etc are apparently fixed by the government so as far as I could see the prices given by Thomas Cook and the hotel were the same.
I think an overnight trip to Havana was in the region of £130 which included return coach, hotel for the night, tours and the Tropicana. We had stayed in Havana for 3 nights prior to Varadero so I really would recommend that you do try and get there if you can - its an amazing city to wander round. I never went to the Tropicana so couldn't say whether that was worth it or if you would be as well doing the day trip.
The ticket for the resturants you have to book in advance did say something about being smart!
And one final one, do they do kite boarding? I'd really love to have a go.
The_Burg said:
The hotel we've booked is the 'Sol Pameros'.
First ever long haul and i have to admit i'm a bit nervous of it. Being on a plane for over 10 hours is a bit scary, can't even have a smoke!
What sort of cost are we looking at for a trip to Havana?
Stayed at Sol Palmero last year, nice hotel, good food and a good selection of alcohol.First ever long haul and i have to admit i'm a bit nervous of it. Being on a plane for over 10 hours is a bit scary, can't even have a smoke!
What sort of cost are we looking at for a trip to Havana?
This is the review I posted on trip advisor last year about it.
Me and my Partner stayed here for two weeks in May, upon arrival it was a nice quick check in and up to the room which was great after our prolonged flight and delay at the Airport.
The Staff in the hotel were all friendly and apart from a couple did not seem to expect tips and the service was excellent. The restaurant staff were exceptionally good and we often tipped because we felt they had earned it.
The room was very clean and so was the hotel, unfortunatly there were quite afew plastic cups on the beach but that was due to the holiday makers dropping and being blown away. The room had all the mod cons we needed and the only thing that may have been nice would be tea and coffee making facilities but I don't know if I would have used it to be honest. I'm not sure if room service was available as there was no handbook or information cards like you usually have in a hotel room.
The beach was fantastic, white sands, crystal clear water and the temperature fantastic. From what we saw around the peninsula Sol Palmeras really did have the best beach. The flag system worked very well on the beach, always plenty of sun loungers and the pedalos were great fun. We also saw some fish when we were only a few metres from the beach which was great.
Food was the only downside for us, I am by no means a fussy eater I will eat anything from McDonalds to Japenese food but the buffet was not amazing, I understand it's hard to keep it all hot but there never seemed to be anything exciting. Saying that though we booked into the Chinese restaurant which was excellent, the steak house which again was excellent but were not impressed with the cuban and Italian. We booked restaurants for every night the second week so were not dissapointed. The snack bar on the beach is excellent as is the bar on the way to the beach which is where we had lunch most days. The food is definatly not terrible but the buffet smell isnt to nice when you first enter. Breakfast in the buffet is very good.
Overall we very much enjoyed the hotel, food was the only downside and the only reason I have not given this a higher rating was because the bed I thought was to hard and I like a hard bed, food not amazing and also value for money not fantastic because after holidaying in Sri Lanka we realise how far your money can go!
The_Burg said:
Another question, do they provide towels? And is the a kettle in room. Some sites say yay some say nay.
And one final one, do they do kite boarding? I'd really love to have a go.
Yes they provide towels and fresh ones each day by the pool if you want, we had a kettle but didn't see any kite boarding at the hotel.And one final one, do they do kite boarding? I'd really love to have a go.
Shinobi said:
The_Burg said:
Another question, do they provide towels? And is the a kettle in room. Some sites say yay some say nay.
And one final one, do they do kite boarding? I'd really love to have a go.
Yes they provide towels and fresh ones each day by the pool if you want, we had a kettle but didn't see any kite boarding at the hotel.And one final one, do they do kite boarding? I'd really love to have a go.
It you want to learn how to do it, try the North Devon coast around Barnstable, where you would be well insured. My wife used to work in the Trauma Dept of Exeter Hospital, and some of the stories she's told me about Kite boarding / surfing have put me off for life. (I have been bungee jumping and sky diving, so I'm not a complete wimp.)
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