Breezes Varadero Hotel, Varadero Beach Cuba. 4 stars,

“Not like the first time! ”
We visited for our second time from Nov.16-26. We decided after the previous visit in Feb. we would stay for 10 days. We flew with WestJet this time not realizing Nolitours is where all the perks are. They even sit non-nolitours in a different room in the Cuban a la carte. We experienced a couple of day of rain. We were in room 155 and it flooded. We quickly packed up and were moved to an upper floor which we had originally requested but were told was unavailable. The second day of rain it flooded as well. The water came in through windows and doors and even the ceiling. The staff was nice but don't expect them to come out and help you clean it up or help you relocate. They are all very busy. The beach was amazing very well kept and quiet. Except for the vendors. They are relentless. It was tough just getting in and out of water. We saw several other vacationers go onto property that were clearly not guests. This resort does not issue wrist bands so its easy to spot outsiders. No problem security was either sleeping or non existent. So off the beach onto the resort they went. The only entertainment worth going to is the trivia night. At least you dont have to watch the same young adults dance for an hour.The coffee bar was nice. They are very clean and professional. I found it difficult to navigate around the grounds. The lights being on were hit and miss. They have special lunches and dinners that you dont even know are going on. There is no communication of hours of operation for anything. You just have to ask around. We were hanging out in room around 4 on Sunday and the staff brought us a bottle of rum and a can of pop and 2 bottles of water.We thought this was a nice gesture for all the mishaps. Then someone attempted to enter our room. We had the chain on. They told us we were in their room. After some confusion and yet another trip to the front desk we realized they had us as checking out on Sunday instead of Wednesday. No problem they relocated the new couple. Only problem our key cards no longer worked so back to front desk yet again. While I was gone they came back for the rum,coke,and water. Not for us. Dont expect drinks when you arrive, fruit,cigars or rum in your room thats just for nolitours. The phone rings once for no reason several times an hour. The front desk said not to worry theirs does too. Just un plug it.The food here is fine. I am not picky so I could find things but it was the same day after day. The beach barbecue serves hot dogs and hamburgers. Friday night is lobster night at the buffet good to know before booking ala cartes. I have vacationed dozens of times and I can honestly say I have never had to deal with so many different problems. And I will Not be returning. Before going I just want to say take your own toilet paper they only give it to you when asked and take an umbrella its a bit of a walk around and they have none.

“Great location but dated ”
We stayed here first week of November. Not very busy which made it good for us, no waiting. We booked a room in the hotel with a great view of the ocean. However when we got to our room we noticed some mold on the bathroom door. It looked as though they tried to clean it. We we to the front desk and informed them. They said no worries they would give us another room. To our suprise they gave us a suite. The hotel section is further away from most things a can get loud at night (disco). The suites are the way to go when staying here. Service was good. Food was typical for Cuba, something for everyone. There are small bars you can enjoy a drink at night. You will have to explore to find them. The resort is small which was nice. The location of this resort to Varadero is excellent. A vintage taxi is $7-10 to town. We took the hop on hop off bus as well. This is great way to see the area and it is $5 each all day. We found everthing at the larger flea market by 15th street was $1 more than the smaller ones close to the resort. Not much happing around the pool area. That might have been as there were not many people around the pool. Pool was large and close to buffet and bar. There are no washrooms close to the pool. You will have to go to lobby or behind the buffet to find one. Now for the beach, fantastic!!! There is a bar and grill by the beach that has burgers, hotdogs, pizza and sometimes salad. Carlos is the man in charge there, great guy. In all it was a good vacation. I will go back to Varadero but will try another resort. I have nothing bad to say about this place, just like to try something else.

“Just returned on November 21st ”
The Breezes Varadero is very over rated as a 4 star resort. We stayed in 'E' section and room was nice and clean plus close to pool and buffet. Special thanks to our maid for her hard work as room was impeccable. Although we had a bottom level room (143), after several days of rain, there were numerous complaints of flooded rooms. Second level would be a better option. Seldom did we see a matching glass (no martini glasses). Be sure and take a Bubba Mug or you will be drinking out of small plastic dollar store cups. There is no internet or wireless to be had anywhere so I would suggest leaving Ipads etc. at home. Also, no ATM machines so bring cash. There is only one ATM machine in the town of Varadero plus bank cards are not taken in the majority of places on or off the resort. Food was very bland as to be expected and we ventured there with eyes wide open. I would suggest visiting the town of Varadero to enjoy a good meal. We tried a few and loved Varadero 60 (all the glasses matched:-). But the highlight of our week and the reason to visit Cuba was to see Havana. We spent a great day in learning the culture and history of this historic city thanks to tour guide, Yosel. We booked a private tour with Yosel Vazquez who picked us up at our resort with his good friend driving an immaculate 1955 Chev Belair. Yosel's command of the English language is outstanding. Adding to his red hair, it almost seemed like we were travelling with a fellow Canadian. He takes numerous pictures of his tour group and dropped off a DVD promptly at our resort the following morning. This trip is a must and you can contact Yosel via his email address: yoselvazquez@yahoo.com or check out his website: http://ilovecuba.webs.com plus he can be reached by phone at (+53) 52932057. In closing, I have to thank all the Canadians we met during our stay as they greatly contributed to the fun time we had.

“The infracstructures are right but... ”
This resort proudly shows off the Tripadvisor rating of 4* at the entry. My experience says otherwise. The good things first. - The beach and sea are superb (no motorboats!); when there is no wind, you can see your toes even when you have water to the neck. - There was ample supply of chairs. - For adults only - this translates to me as additional quietness and it was the case. - The resort was right sized, the rooms were huge and the food was ok. - There is a good gym and plenty of various games/activities available. - The location made it possible to go to Varadero with no taxi. What is a few hours of walking? I didn't mind. That is one benefit of having a resort on the Las Americas. Many of Varadero resorts are way further on the peninsula. - The value proposition was good. Then there are the "complication"s. Nothing was grave but they all added up to be annoying. - The resort is nice but has no "wow factor". - The pool was large but not attractive. - The SPA was primitive and barely working. - ***NO INTERNET AT ALL***, much less wi-fi. In the week-end, we were asked to come back Monday 9:00AM and they played the excuses game all our journey. This is 2015 and other resorts at Cuba don't have this nonsense. Of course they will tell you that it is "temporary". - The level of service borders on the side of unacceptable. Most of the staff are ok, but too opten at the bars or restaurants, many servers will ignore you until you talk to them. Not much proactive. - There is no snacks/collation available between the meals. There was a counter in the lobby but rarely there was food. - At the buffet, (it happened more than once) that there was no cup for coffee or glasses for wine available. At one dinner, we had to wait 30 minutes before finally we could use some cleaned glass. And it was NOT because the affluence. - Also the chef at the grill is easily overwhelmed and be prepared to a 15-20 minute line-up. - - - They were not very well organised. - And for the last, my room in the main building was rather noisy... too many corridors. - The selection of TV channels was minimal. This was by no mean a bad experience and sorry if it sounds negative, but as a 4* Tripadvisor recommendation I expected better - even at Cuba.

“Life of luxury here.”
If you're looking for a private retreat where you can enjoy cocktails, private beach area, hotel entertainment and daily leisure activities then I'm sure you won't be disappointed. This hotel has a games room, gym, jacuzzi's featured around the hotel, a large pool, private beach, a club, shop, 2 a la carte restaurants and round the clock all inclusive bar serving snack food. They also had a great yoga teacher on site from Canada! The rooms were spacious, with a balcony, aircon, TV, lounge room with a fridge, coffee maker and wardrobe space. The rooms were cleaned everyday and our maid was very friendly. The staff at reception and in general were helpful but did find a mixed welcome from staff (some were not always interested in helping you or appear friendly and approachable). Overall and in general staff were great though so nothing I needed to complain about. There was a great selection of food from buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner and enjoyed the nights most where they had lobster (prob one of the best) - but don't go here if you expect a Michelin dining experience because you're not going to get that. The staff work very hard and tips are hugely appreciated and would encourage everyone to be as generous with their tips as they go a long way to helping an increase of income for Cubans and it's hugely appreciated. The hotel entertainment was great and my fave was the ballet and aqua ballet dance group. At the beach you could take out a pedalo or canoe which was all inclusive too but only if the sea is not too choppy. You're going to have to venture outwith this resort though if you want a glimpse of real Cuba. Try a private restaurant and a ride in an old car. A hotel porter organised a trip to Wacos, with a pick up in an old car. The food there was great but check wine list price before you order to save you being charged hefty tourist prices! If you get a chance I'd also recommend the trip to the 3 cities- Trinidad, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos. I also enjoyed the markets in Varredero town and picked up a lovely oil painting, and other gifts at very cheap prices.

“girls trip!! relaxing vacation!! ”
this resort is adults only. it is on a beautiful large property, staff are very friendly, I had a room upstairs with balcony, it was very nice, always clean. food was ok. as in any part of Cuba. the shows were good. they play games at the pool in the afternoon. that was nice . the beach is very nice but a bit of a walk to the closest washroom and bar. but I would go back!

“Wonderful People & Resort ”
This was my first time at this resort and I was extremely impressed. The facility and grounds are beautiful and very well kept. The staff, from GM to restaurant workers, show great professionalism and attitudes. Service was super across the board! No doubt about where our group will stay next time.

my best vacations
Located next to the beach, 18.6 miles away from Varadero's international airport. Built in 1992, it is the first Super-Inclusive resort in Cuba. It is recommended for couples and adults, 16 years and older, who want to enjoy the most complete "All-Inclusive" plan of the country. It covers 26 acres of land, with several blocks of rooms offering paradisiacal privacy, further enhanced by lavish tropical vegetation, in which trees alternate with exotic flowers.

Disappointing
We stayed at this resort from 7 to 21 . I’m sorry to say this is the first time our review is quite negative. I must begin by saying that we have done a fair bit of traveling over the years, and so we have something to compare with. Flew with Sunwing yet again, was great yet again, just 30 mins delay (not the norm with Sunwing!) on our trip back home. Flight down was 3 hrs and 15 mins long. Upon arrival, all first line airport staff were wearing masks. Our rep said this is normal, and not just H1N1 fears. Washroom facilities by baggage collection. Drive from airport to resort was 35 mins, with super quick stops at 2 other resorts. No crazy drivers here, and no garbage whatsoever visible! Small older hotel, very nicely laid out, pleasing to the eye, landscaping very nice. Wheel chair accessible. Most rooms would be very quiet, even those at front of resort and closest to street as traffic is very light. Don’t know about noise in tropical suites as that is where disco is. Staff are wonderful! No ID bracelets, guests are 14+ in age, and no USA guests! E-mail: guestrelations@breezesvaradero.cyt.cu (don’t expect a reply).

know your spanish
hotel great been there many times we just got one free week for going there 5 times but we will not be going back. last day there my wife had a brain hemmerage you do not want to stay in the hospital in matanzas it is descusting very old & dirty i had a spider in my bed next morning no towels no shower like i said know your spanish or you are screwed.love you canada by the way she is in london universaty hospital still recovering. dont let the cubans operate unless you have no other way out just remember once you are off the resort in an ambulance your on your own no more english

I am sold on Cuba!
Incredible! Even at the busiest of times we always found a chair. We walked up to the beach bar, and had left our digital camera, watches and stuff on our chairs, and ended up being gone for about an hour. Nothing was disturbed, would never have done that anywhere else.

Nice
Highly recommend the Catamaran to Cayo Coco. Incredible boat ride with a fun boat crew, lots of drinks, snorkeling with tons of colourful fish, swim with the dolphins, and a lobster lunch on the island. Want to have fun on a boat, then go! Also recommend the Havana Tour with the rum museum and cigar factory. Wow, talk about going back in time! I am not a rum drinker, but the sipping rum they give you is so smooth, I could convert! The cigar factory was interesting too!