Blau Varadero

This was my second time in Cuba so I knew what standards to expect. The hotel is clean and well maintained with an interesting design, incorporating the outdoors into the indoor spaces (vines, plants, trees planted inside the hotel). I went with my mother and we were initially a little worried about what the crowd would look like, given that this is an adults-only resort, but were pleasantly surprised that it was a nice blend of all kinds of people including couples, families, and groups of friends. Upon arrival, we were put in a room on one of the main floors directly across from the piano bar. This was not ideal since it was loud and noisy (not so much complaining about the piano player who was great) with lots of foot traffic. We asked to be moved to another room and were first told that the hotel was fully booked but the next morning they moved us to another room on a higher floor anyway. This room faced away from the hotel grounds which was much quieter (something to keep in mind if you want a more peaceful sleep). This was pretty much the only issue I had with this hotel. I want to give kudos to all of the staff especially the waiters, reception staff, porters and animation staff. Whoever does the hiring here really has a knack for picking genuine, fun, hard-working folks. They're a great bunch and deserve all of the credit for making our stay enjoyable. I will definitely consider coming back.

Cuba is a very poor country which I think most people forget and think that they are getting a bargain Bahama holiday or something which in some ways they are but the level of luxury is appropriate for the location and poverty within the country. The rooms are very simple and clean which is the same for the rest of the hotel, they do the very best with what they have and it's great however I just had the impression that most visitors could not appreciate the efforts Cuban people make. The two visits to the specialist restaurants where great, one is just amaxinly fancy so make sure you get well dressed, the mexican restaurant is more relaxed but still has great food. The main buffet restaurant has a lot of great people and choice, the flies are quite annoying and they could do with some sort of zapper but it's not like it's infested and they do what they can. Great choice in simple dishes and something for everyone. Through the day you can sit round the pool or on the beach and again the food and drink is simple but nice so does the job just don't expect to be blown away with the cuisine. Don't know why so many people spend all day around the pool as the beach is honestly one of the most amazing and perfect beaches we have seen. Could have just spent the entire holiday there. Overall, remember Cuba is really poor but this is still a very good hotel with everything you could expect, in Europe this would be a 3.5 / 4 star hotel. Staff a great, wi-fi is expensive and only about 1mb connection speed at best but we didn't really use it.

Both me and my husband have just come back from Blau Varadero, we was celebrating our 1 year anniversary and we had the best time. From the time we arrived we was greeted and offered drinks at the door. Check in was so simple and easy and fast. Rooms We had the standard refurbished room which was great. Enough storage space for clothes. The bed was so big you could fit 3/4 people In which was great. There was safe and a fridge which was stocked with water, coke and beer everyday. The bathroom was big enough for us with big towels and a bath Matt. There was also shampoo and shower gel. Every room has a balcony with an area to dry your clothes and chairs and tables. Pool The pool was very clean and well kept there are loads of chairs by pool and around the green. But get early if you want a space under the shade. They have activities and games every day. There’s a bar by the pool, a stand that has fresh fruit, a grill area with someone cooking burgers, hot dogs, chicken, chips and more it’s great and all made fresh. Beach The beach is beautiful and really well kept and clean. There’s loads of chairs and places under the shade. There’s pedal boats, canoes and a catamaran ride you can do all included. You can do snorkelling and scuba diving for a fee. The sea water is so warm and you can easily walk in it as it’s so shallow There’s also a bar serving drinks and fresh grilled fish, burgers hot dog and fresh fruit. Restaurants The main restaurant serves breakfast and dinner all buffet style. For breakfast you have a range of things to eat from cereal, healthy juices you can make omelette, pancakes and more. For me being a vegetarian it was great as they had a vegetarian corner and they offered gluten free and dairy free options. Dinner similar to most all inclusive restaurants having theme nights every day. Everything was always fresh. You could always get fresh meat and fish cooked to order and pasta that you can get cooked to order and add your own ingredients. Lunch if you don’t want burgers or chips you can go to the restaurant by the pool that serves fresh fish, meat salad pizza and pasta. A la carte restaurant We tried both and you have to prebook The best one was the international one but book 2 days before as everyone wants to go there. A small menu but food was lovely. The Italian wasn’t the best not much to offer for me being a vegetarian also wouldn’t call it a fine dining restaurant but worth a try. Entertainment There is so much to do at the hotel at the pool and at the beach. You can never get bored. You can do salsa classes, archery, shooting pool games, yoga, Zumba, Tai chi and more. In the evening there’s always a show and a quiz. There’s an area to play pool, ping pong and watch tv. There’s 4 bars for you to drink at in the evening. A piano bar where they have opera singers and piano players. A chill out bar which is quiet and has beds and comfy chairs to sit on. The looby bar where all the entertainment is. The beach bar which is 24hr. The best thing about the hotel is the staff they are so attentive you can never say you are not looked after. At dinner they are bringing you drinks and cleaning your plates at speed. Always making sure you are not waiting for something. There is always a waiter around to help and get you something. I would like to say a big thank you to a few waiters Arnesto, Eviol and Fidel-Arnesto. They were the best so friendly and helpful The hotel also has spa facilities a gym, a pharmacy for your needs. 2 shops one serving snacks and souvenirs which is expensive (but you don’t need snacks as you can eat all the time in the hotel). The other is a rum and cigar shop. The hotel has WiFi and just like all of Cuba you have to buy a WiFi card which cost 1 CUC for an hour and you don’t have to use it all at once. Just remember to turn off your WiFi once your done as your minutes will still be used. WiFi in Cuba is not common so be grateful you have it, it’s not the best speed but didn’t bother me at all There is a train to varadero town that costs 2 CUC each way that stops outside the hotel. Also at the end of the road you can get the open top bus that costs 5 CUC all day and you can hop on and off. There’s also currency exchange at the reception which is great so you don’t have to go into town to get money. Top tips Bring a travel mug with you so you can get bigger drinks at once as the cups are small. Saves you getting up all the time for refills There is a guy by the pool that you can get pillows for your sun loungers. I would definitely return here.