Cuba is a hot and passionate country. The mysterious and unpredictable island state beckons and at the same time frightens with its exoticism, color and previously unknown shades of relaxation with a taste of Cuban cigars and Hawaiian rum.
Forget about all the problems, ridiculous daily bustle, act according to the principle: let the whole world wait and find yourself in tropical nirvana among silk beaches, aquamarine sea waters and spicy national traditions. What could be better for an active tourist looking for sparkling adventures? After all, it is not for nothing that he is already greedily flipping through the pages of the websites of travel companies, looking for a place in the sun in the category: 5 star hotels in Cuba all inclusive.
The white-stone splendor of Havana - the capital of a state that is still truly a bulwark of socialism and stubborn faith in a brighter future. Enfilade, round dance, necklace, endless series of stunning sandy beaches of Varadero and Holguin, islands with pirate wonders Cayo Largo, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco in the Caribbean.
Eternal summer in the epicenter of sunlight and refreshing only for a short time salty sea water awaits travelers to once again amaze their imagination and capture their hearts.
Iberostar Varadero 5 *
The first coastline of the Varadero resort, the lulling rustle of the ocean, the shy rustle of palm leaves, incredibly cozy rooms with a full range of services. Five-star network handsome - the place for a paradise vacation with family or friends.
While the adult generation will choose what entertainment to devote to this day, a young team of younger family members can go to the children's park or take part in games and competitions at the Star Camp complex.
Many travelers put the accent in the fireworks of Cuban delights on fancy cigars with a cascade of spicy aromas, so the lobby zone will be a reward for tourists for their burning curiosity - to have time to try everything, everywhere. In the local hospitable bins there are also a magnificent ten champions of taste: 5 restaurants and 5 bars for any, even the most demanding character of the traveler.
The coveted all-inclusive package contains many pleasant surprises: comfortable pools with a lot of water activities, a wide sandy beach on the ocean, friendly staff, ready to help and serve in any situation, live music to the rhythm of Cuban melodies, evening shows and magic massage in spa salon on site. Maybe this is what heaven on Earth looks like?
Ocean Varadero El Patriarca 5 *
Another legionnaire of the endless series of accommodation facilities on the coast of the resort of Varadero, the impressions of travelers are twofold. It seems that the line of services in the institution is at the level, the rooms in the Art Nouveau style are new, comfortable, the territory pleases with lush tropical vegetation, the ocean coast is almost always clean, if the day before there was no time to pamper the storm, the staff, if not impeccable, is quite hospitable and diligent ...
And yet this Cuban top five just falls short of the absolutely perfect 'excellent' rating, disappointing guests with the assortment of dishes on the buffet lines and the quality of exotic cocktails and soft drinks.
Scolding a complex for minor flaws is a thankless task. Tourists who have come to rest, having tuned in in advance to a positive attitude to the surrounding reality, are advised to do so that the minor flaws of the accommodation facility become a continuation of its merits.
Travelers sincerely praise the à la carte restaurants, celebrate the fine art of the maids in making masterpieces of creativity in the form of figurines from towels, warmly recall interesting and well-organized excursions around the neighborhood. Sow a good mood - you will reap a rich and memorable vacation for a long time, won't you?
Grand Memories Varadero 5 *
The province of Matanzas, with the hard name of the area translated from Spanish as "massacre", is in fact no different in its ferocious character. Geographically, the complex is located near Varadero, west of Havana. Guests are incredibly lucky to be near the picturesque town of Matanzas, nicknamed "Cuban Venice" for its collection of bizarre bridges.
Continuing with the topic of local attractions, curious travelers who cannot imagine a vacation without dizzying adventures will be very pleased with their choice. Many years ago, mysterious Matanza stone labyrinths with a vernissage of rock paintings were discovered in the area.
Scientists undertake to assert that the works of ancient artists are more than 40 thousand years old, and they are perfectly preserved. Having put an end to the PR of curiosities in the vicinity, it's time to return to the hotel, famous for its well-groomed green area with a mass of tall palms and a scattering of residential buildings.
Despite the proximity of the ocean, the guests of the institution constantly arrange a sold-out in 2 pools, perhaps they are attracted by the skill of the bartenders in the pool bars, who are able to quickly and masterly create an exotic cocktail of Hawaiian rum and fruit juices. The staff is fluent in English, but they are still trying to learn and apply Russian words in a dialogue with tourists.
Ocean Vista Azul 5 *
An excellent worker in service and tourism training is ready to show his art of receiving guests on the coast of Varadero mainly to VIPs. The magic phrase "guests from a privilege room" works flawlessly and gives a lot of additional amenities.
Premium rooms have access to a private pool, their own Coral restaurant, whose menu includes lobsters, oysters and other delicious seafood, and another area with strong drinks in the main building for privileged guests.
The staff, of course, does not offend the rest of the guests, but the contrast in the service is felt and this brings up the idea that social equality in socialist Cuba does not rule the show throughout its entire territory. The complex on the coast of the ocean has 2 private beaches with a sandy surface, but strangely, differing in the caliber of grains of sand and their shades.
One piece of land is wide, equipped with rows of umbrellas and sun loungers, buried in dunes of white velvet sand and is almost impeccably clean. For some unknown reason, tourists themselves like to sprinkle another site with garbage, the sand here is not so clean and fine, and its surface is always strewn with remnants of civilization in the form of the remains of smoked cigarettes, plastic cups and other annoying trifles.
Motto: I am the way I behave, travelers on vacation, alas, sometimes forget.
Barcelo Solymar 5 *
The first thoughts that come to tourists in this accommodation are that the Cubans have strange notions of what 5 stars are. The rooms in the establishment, alas, are very, very much in need of repair. Among the categories of premises, it is better to choose a location in a bungalow in the immediate vicinity of a neighboring brother in the hotel workshop. The service is average, although the staff tries in every possible way to please the vacationers.
Choosing this place in the province of Matanzas near Varadero is definitely worth those who are ready to close their eyes to some shortcomings and are ready to be content with the fact that there is a fabulous, picturesque, stunning beauty and pliability of the Atlantic Ocean sandy beach. Coming ashore to plunge into the gentle coolness of the salty turquoise water as soon as possible, you forget about minor troubles and endlessly enjoy water and sunny pleasures.
It shares the beach area with the neighboring Arena. Both establishments have a common infrastructure, among which the public's favorite stands out - a restaurant right on the seashore.Its arsenal includes deliciously cooked fresh catch seafood and hot Cuban music.
The ensemble is able to surprise visitors even with a repertoire from the vaults of Russian chansonniers singing the hard hardships of the criminal world. Odessans would certainly joke: modestly, not royally, but what sunsets over the sea.
Iberostar Laguna Azul 5 *
Another example of chain hotels, Iberostar, is in many ways inferior to its brother in corporate ethics. Everything seems to be in his possession, the sandy coast is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, there are 4 outdoor swimming pools on the territory, he serves tourists, just think for a minute, 15 restaurants and bars, including 4 a la carte establishments with different types of national kitchens.
The magical fact, once noticed by the famous Soviet satirist Arkady Raikin: let everything be, but at least something will not be, turned out to be relevant on the shores of distant Cuba. Here furniture weary from the crowds of travelers lives in the rooms, and the chefs for the exclusive catering outlets and for the main restaurant work the same.
Therefore, dishes of Italian and Japanese style have notes of a Cuban look at their recipes and cooking technologies. Indiscriminately scolding the complex for all its shortcomings is not entirely honest reception from our side.
Travelers are sincerely delighted with the exemplary behavior of the ocean and the clean beach, albeit not intricate, but rather tasty cuisine, the respectful attitude of the staff to the guests and their natural giggle and friendliness. And how much service happiness does a tourist really need if he feels the efforts of the workers and is forever captivated by the charm of Cuban nature?
Memories Paraiso Azul Beach Resort 5 *
The first ball in the piggy bank of the advantages of this complex on one of the Caribbean islands is the staff, albeit not all of them, who have mastered Russian and speaks it perfectly. Focusing on Russian-speaking tourists is a good sign of hospitality and cordiality, not to mention the desire for travelers to come back here again.
In the necklace of precious opinions, it is worth immediately adding amazing shades of the color of the ocean on the local coast, warm embrace of silky sand on the shore, good equipment of beach spaces with the benefits of civilization. The next prize for excellent service is an ode to hotel food, as one of the best options in Cuban resorts.
Grand Memories Cayo Santa Maria 5 *
The leitmotif of tourists' stories about this place was the verdict that it is worth making a long flight by plane in order to be able to relax in such wonderful conditions. Restaurant and room service meets the high demands of a seaside holiday.
The clear ocean waters of all shades of ultramarine, coupled with white sand, give rise to dreams of tropical fairy tales and magical adventures.
Well-trained staff tries in every possible way to decorate travelers' vacation with service benefits and kind warmth coming from the heart. Guests here fully enjoy the pools and parkland, the superb Havana Club rum and delectable Mojito and Pina Colada cocktails in the bars and the waterfront fireworks display.
Among the dishes in the restaurant, tourists especially note the culinary products from tuna and the abundance of avocados and pineapples. Discerning gourmets should pay attention to the skill of the chefs in the a la carte restaurant, but the administration will have to work on the variety of animation programs.
Ocean Casa del Mar by H10 5 *
Here you will find a beautiful ocean and a wonderful cozy beach with fine crystalline sand and fancy shells sharpened to the softness of the edges. The main contingent of tourists in the institution is guests from Canada, who came to bask in the rays of the generous sun.
The staff have only vague ideas about professional service, but they have already learned how to make transparent hints of a reward in the form of a tip. You will not find Russian-speaking guests here in the afternoon with fire, but in fairness it should be said that one of the managers at the reception speaks good Russian.
The work of catering outlets also did not leave customers delighted. The notorious all-inclusive system, from which guests expect a full abundance of food and drinks, does not work well.
In the southern regions, they almost do not treat them with ripe fruits and do not indulge in dishes from the sea catch. Custom-made restaurants disappointed with the assortment and service, the service in the main place of food turned out to be a cut above, but also very far from the perfection of the five-star level.
It's time to remember Ilyich's behest: the complex needs to study, study and learn to meet guests from all over the world, otherwise a seemingly beautiful object of the tourism industry seems like a cheap fake up close.
Melia Marina Varadero 5 *
By monitoring the reviews and stories of tourists about the vacation, you gradually build an overall picture with reasonable conclusions. Do not expect European chic and aristocratic gloss from the Caribbean resorts in this region.
For example, this complex was able to deserve epithets: soundly, at a good average level, and this verdict is worth listening to. As always, a series of praise songs to the ocean and the beaches of Varadero, advice be sure to visit Havana and plunge into the thick of its color, a recommendation to leave a bad mood at home and enjoy those hot emotions flavored with the taste of tropical fruits that the island can honestly give.
The large green area attracts, so sometimes it is better to move around it by an electric car. In the evenings, travelers are dashingly dancing to the fiery music in Latin American and Spanish rhythms at a disco in a bar, a discount for daredevils - a spicy cocktail based on Hawaiian rum and a kind smile from the bartender.
After a busy day, stylish spacious rooms await guests, some of which have a view of the picturesque bay and the ocean, and then sleep especially sweetly and peacefully under the inky southern sky with twinkling stars.
Melia Jardines del Rey 5 *
A slightly flirtatious complex on a picturesque coast with still low palm trees and not very large thickets of tropical vegetation on the territory greets guests according to the principle: who is lucky and how. The lottery starts at the reception, here you have to keep your ears open. Rooms of the same category in different buildings and bungalows can differ significantly in terms of filling and service equipment.
The complex has a lot of positive qualities: 2 spectacular multi-level pools with pool-bars, sparkling animation in the evenings with pleasant melodic music, luxurious bowling for those who like to drive colorful balls.
In restaurants, the chefs give priority to meat dishes with spicy spices, but the guests found fresh juices not the most delicious. Those who like to surf the Internet should be as careful as possible.
On the island of Cayo Coco, no one will turn their tongues to call wi fi frisky, but with interactive traps, everything is tip-top. Some travelers who like to imprudently leave neighbors access to their wi fi, which still works in some places, risk falling into material costs and paying other customers their Internet curiosity.
With this sound advice from the seasoned, leave your personal collection of mobile apps at the doorstep of your vacation and go for the gentle embrace of the ocean and the hot kisses of the sun.
Iberostar Bella Vista 5 *
And again on our list is the brainchild of the network corporation Iberostar, this time with several different service offerings. The main focus is family vacations without problems. The infrastructure provides for a round dance of entertainment for children and adults, all-inclusive meals with endless snacks at intermediate meal stations with snacks and drinks.
Active tourists will find on the territory of the site for a wide range of sports activities. Clients who love a special luxury service can indulge their vanity in the Star Prestige complex, in the depths of which they will find a water park, a Spa & wellness salon, and the fashionable Ranchón Playa restaurant.
The rest of Bella Vista's guests are not bored either. Four restaurants are inviting travelers to quench their appetite and thirst throughout the day, serving both à la carte menus and the favorite buffet format.
The Atlantic Ocean lures in the bliss of the cool bosom of the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Varadero invite you to relax on the sun loungers with an umbrella in the company of a book or a delicious cocktail. Theatrical performances and concerts from qualified animators become a worthy end to the day under the cover of deepening twilight. Sleep both older and younger generations after a sparkling day fit in nice rooms to the measured buzz of split systems and the unobtrusive rustle of ocean waves. Tomorrow again in a tourist battle towards discoveries and adventures.
Fiesta Americana Punta Varadero 5 *
Some travelers, having chosen once a vacation on the shores of the island, do not change their passionate partner anymore, others are looking for benefits and endlessly compare the island state with fellow tourist clans, others say a firm "no" to the still young Cuban service and return to old Europe, where everything is clear and stable.
All 3 categories of travelers made the same verdict: the ideal ratio in the price / quality category. Restaurants with delicious and hearty dishes of fish and seafood, chicken and pork, vegetables, legumes and cereals received generous praise from the guests.
Separate respect was given to the beaches, on which everyone and always had enough space in the sun at the edge of the emerald-blue water. The sandy surface was not always perfectly clean and depended on the momentary diligence of the cleaners - it doesn't matter. But on the beach there was always a decent amount of free sun loungers and umbrellas, which made it possible to sleep an extra hour in the morning and not run to take positions on the shore.
Another bonus for tourists is a cascade of sweet desserts and the most delicate ice cream with fruits, which could be enjoyed both during 3 meals a day and during the sudden appearance of appetite during the day.
In the arsenal of this Cuban hotel there is another pleasant trump card - an extremely good-natured, sincere and hospitable staff. The very case when you feel that you are welcome not only for a tip, but just like that. Smile and you will receive a smile in return, which will immediately brighten everyone.
Valentin Perla Blanca 5 *
The location on the island of Cayo Santa Maria is a good choice for those who want to spend a vacation closer to unspoiled nature. A picturesque area with graceful pools, bridges and islets of emerald southern greenery.
A long beach with yachts equipped with brightly colored sails, yellow golden sand, azure clear water, sun loungers and umbrellas woven from palm leaves and tree branches. Discreet, almost homelike comfort of rooms with colored fragments of the interior, pleasing to the eye.
On the territory of 19 buildings, mostly stylized as bungalows and equipped with an unobtrusive scattering among the vegetation frame. The complaints of tourists about the service are not original. Complaints mainly relate to some inertia of the staff in the course of resolving certain issues.
Not always a wide assortment of dishes on the Swedish line in restaurants leads to crowding at the counter and a struggle for individual culinary products. Not always high-quality drinks at first, suddenly becoming delicious cocktails after giving a tip, the bartender's imaginary indifference to those travelers who are in no hurry to fork out.
The target audience of the fans of the establishment is noisy Canadians, "Russo Turisto" - guests for the staff are rather rare and almost exotic, therefore, without a primitive knowledge of English or Spanish, it will take a long and tedious explanation. The prophecy of local guides: Cuba is a poor country and still developing, one should not expect luxury and aristocracy from it, although, who knows, maybe after 100 years of work in the tourism business, there will be some progress.
Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa 5 *
A rare feature of this accommodation is the egregious fact that it only accepts adult tourists and never positions itself as a family establishment. There are no playgrounds on the territory, in restaurants they have no idea about a children's menu, animators are used to entertaining only an adult audience. The complex is located in the tourist village of Las Morlas, some distance from civilization.
The arsenal includes standard category rooms, and guests are also offered accommodation in suites and junior suites, all-inclusive meals are provided in 4 restaurants, one of which offers Italian cuisine dishes more familiar to the Slavs.
The range of services includes a spa complex with massage areas, a fitness room, outdoor pools with bar counters, a beauty salon with a large selection of hairdressing and beauty treatments. Intermediate meals are freely available for guests almost round the clock; you can have a snack here in snack bars with a string of fast food and other culinary products.
A shady court and a squash court will help to maintain physical shape; in the evenings, guests of the institution are greeted by animators and noisy discos with live music take place. The undoubted plus of the accommodation facility is a beautiful, thought out to the smallest detail, picturesque territory. On the wide beach, pelicans and seagulls come to visit tourists. In the necklace of hotels in Cuba, this five-star residence occupies one of the highest lines of the charts, and for Cuba - such an assessment is worth a lot.
Summing up our unvarnished truthful narrative, we decided to take the trouble and bring the data into a single summary:
- vacation will be a memorable gift for those tourists who appreciate the charm of nature, the Atlantic Ocean with incredible beautiful water of all shades of blue, velor soft sand and the equipment of the beaches is everywhere at a height
- complexes of an exotic island state with a 5-star status may not meet generally accepted standards in terms of service level and room equipment
- the cost of the trip is undoubtedly much lower than the price level for holidays in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica
- it is better to choose network options where the corporate culture is developed and the requirements for the work of staff are stricter
- The Cubans themselves are distinguished by a good-natured disposition and some imposingness, probably caused by life in the fertile southern latitudes, employees are incredibly fond of tips, but the generosity of travelers, alas, does not relieve them of laziness and sluggishness
Forewarned is forearmed. It is always worth replenishing your personal tourist treasury with previously unknown impressions. May your dreams of a trip to a colorful overseas country come true for you.
