Spending a week or two in Varadero is the ultimate way to unwind.
Go ahead: Read that book you’ve been waiting all year to get into. And do it while soaking up the sun, sipping a piña colada, in front of calm turquoise waters.
But wait…. this blissful escape from the real world can be rudely interrupted if you happen to stay at a hotel that doesn’t meet your expectations.
First things first: When choosing to vacation in Cuba rather than Jamaica, Mexico, or another Caribbean destination, you have to know what you’re signing-up for.
Due to the US trade embargo, Cuba has limited access to food and products which are readily available at that high-end Mexican resort where you spent your honeymoon. If you think a 5-star resort in Cuba will offer an equivalent experience to those other countries, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
On the other hand, if you set the right expectations for traveling in a developing country, you’ll be ready for a fantastic experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
All-Inclusive Resorts
The Varadero peninsula is scattered with resorts offering all-inclusive options. Even if you have the desire to venture off the resort for a meal now and then, you’ll likely chose a resort with food & beverages provided.
Unless you’re on a really tight budget (or extremely adventurous), try to stay at the highest-rated resort you can afford. This will not only allow you enjoy the best quality food and amenities but also avoid those college tour groups celebrating spring break with 2 AM binge drinking contests.
Here are 10 of the top-rated resorts to consider. These resorts consistently have high user ratings on websites such as TripAdvisor:
- Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero
- Iberostar Varadero
- Blau Varadero Hotel
- Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa
- Melia Las Americas
- Starfish Cuatro Palmas
- Sol Palmeras
- Ocean Vista Azul
- Melia Varadero
- Iberostar Tainos
When researching your resort, take the negative reviews with a grain of salt. Although some are legit, many reviews are usually outliers by someone who had misplaced expectations before visiting Cuba.
Casa Particulares
In recent years, Cuban families have been allowed to open up their homes to visitors and operate as a business. These government approved Bed & Breakfast locations are available throughout Varadero and all over Cuba.
Not only is this an option for tourists to travel inexpensively, but it’s a great way to experience the local culture and interact with the Cuban people.
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, check out the many available Varadero Casa Particulares listings & reviews on AirBnB.
Idea: You may want to book an all-inclusive resort for a week in Varadero, and then stay at a Casa Particulares for a few days in Havana.
Wherever you choose to rest your head in Varadero, take the opportunity to appreciate the Cuban people and fall deeper in love with the Caribbean.
You’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world; take it all in an enjoy the Varadero lifestyle!
~ Varadero Life
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