Varadero, Cuba: Half-Empty Hotels and Deserted Restaurants
The famous resort town loses its lifeblood
Many workers have chosen to return to their cities of origin, chiefly Cardenas and Matanzas, to seek alternatives outside the tourist sector.
By Pedro Padilla Cruz (14ymedio)
HAVANA TIMES – During the 90s, amid the so-called Special Period [years of extreme economic hardship in Cuba that followed the collapse of the Soviet bloc], the Cuban regime placed its bets on international tourism as the life-raft for their tottering Socialism. Within several years, the Hicacos peninsula, better known as Varadero, had become the emblem of the new economic model with all-inclusive hotel packages, rum, tobacco, and a low-cost tourist offering that principally drew in the Spanish hotel chains.
However, only the memory of that high point is left. Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Varadero has been experiencing its worst crisis in decades. The drop in tourism has left the hotels half-empty, the streets deserted, and thousands of workers barely subsisting.
After Covid, we had to reinvent ourselves,” says Maria Carla, who’s been an employee of the Floridita VaraderoRestaurant for thirty years. “There’ve always been ups and downs, but nothing like the last five years. The all-inclusive hotels have affected us a lot: the tourists no longer leave the hotels; they offer a tip within their package to assure good service, and leave without setting foot in a shop or restaurant outside the resort complex.”
She recalls with nostalgia the days when the town was buzzing with life. Today, except for some points frequented by locals, such as the beer parlor on 43rd Street, or the bowling alley on 45th, “Varadero is a desert.” Many workers are returning home to Cardenas and Matanzas, their cities of origin, to seek alternatives outside the tourist sector.
During the past decade, the official press boasted of having surpassed the figure of four million tourists annually, of which over a million had gone to Varadero. However, that figure has been questioned, even from inside the country.
“At Radio 26 where I worked, everyone knew that the numbers were inflated,” said an ex-technician of the provincial radio station. “Every December they’d claim we reached the goal of a million visitors, although we were still short of that number.”
International competition has also played a role: Puerto Cana, Cancun, Puerto Rico, Isla Margarita and the Bahamas all offer modern infrastructure and better service. The comparison is embarrassing.
“The hotels here resemble Cuba’s low-end workers’ resorts,” says Antonio, who works at the buffet of the Hotel Los Delfines. “You almost never see shrimp or lobster. And if they do come in, the workers fight for them. The salary doesn’t stretch far enough, and when a tourist comes and sees drips, toilets without covers, or leaking roofs when it rains, they don’t leave a tip. If you don’t believe me, go into the Cuatro Palmas Hotel on a rainy day.”
Anthony recalls bitterly a week he spent in a modest hotel in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. “That hotel, if it were in Varadero, would be one of the ten best.” He’s not surprised that the State-run chains – Cubanacan, Gaviota and Islazul – are recurring ever more to national tourism.
It’s the third year we’ve come with the family,” says Elena, a Havana resident from the Marianao sector. ”My husband and I work hard, and we allow ourselves this luxury. There’s been a noticeably large drop in the service and the offerings, but we still have a good time. However, every year we think it’ll be the last. Just three days at a small three-star hotel costs us over 100,000 pesos (US $265) – with that money we could eat for several months at home.”
To many from Matanzas or Cardenas, Varadero isn’t just a beach, but the sustenance of their homes. Every tip, every bag of groceries, or of leftovers from the hotel, ends up in their homes. “If Varadero is doing well, Matanzas is doing well,” is the mantra repeated by those who live from whatever “trickles down from the peninsula.”
First published in Spanish by 14ymedio and translated and posted in English by Havana Times.
I plan to leave Marathon Key for Varadero in July on my sailboat
I have been to Cuba more than 40 times last time in March this year. I had a great vacation. Hotels have always been half empty in the summer. Canadians are by far the number 1 tourist in Cuba why would they go there in the summer when it’s warm here.
Cuba is in a horrible state, not sure why anyone would say beyond the Cuban people it’s wonderful, I have been visiting Cuba for 25 years and have never seen it as bad as it’s become since Covid. Havana used to be a busy place full of tourists and Cubans out late into the night now it seems empty with many sad and desperate people, you know things are bad when so many homes in the best parts of Havana are up for sale, these are the homes owned by the military and government higher ups who can longer tolerate conditions in Cuba and want to escape ,so one can only imagine what it’s like for the rest of the people in Havana and conditions get exponentially worse as you head east into and throughout Oriente, my last visit in January 2024 I was shocked at the number of Cubans in the Marti airport leaving Cuba, mostly young people and able bodied young folks. I find it truly disturbing that so many tourists say how wonderful it is when there’s so much widespread suffering on the island, if you’re not seeing it or oblivious to it that says more about you and your detachment from the reality of daily hardships Cubans are suffering through, now more than ever before, by every metric Cuba is truly on its last legs, its a very sad state of affairs. Low budget tourist drunks visiting all inclusive resorts because the unlimited booze is cheaper than their daily bar tab at home are the last people I want to hear from telling the world how wonderful Cuba is.
Well I went there ten yrs ago and I over paid, harassed for money or clothes because I was Canadian, stopped eating at the restaurant or drinking the hotel drinks that were very bad we ate the food of one restaurant for a week and I said I’d never go back, yes U can be a tourist and get screwed a lil money and we are ok with it but not at all time, but the use of a toilet or U get the toilet but not the paper to wipe Ur ass, and the little lady outside smiling saying U want wipe ass paper you pay. Eventually ppl have enough, young kids waiting for U for money and deal with U and screws U and taking advantage of the tourist eventually ends it’s too bad because it was one of the nicest beaches I have been to but I will not be back.
A non profit I volunteer with would send down over 100 kgs with each of the 20 plus people they send with certain medical items and things like small generators each winter and a few in the summer from Canada and Mexico. They are being stopped by the Cuban gov now and have also had shipping containers siezed by the people at the ports of battery units electric scooters and water purification equipment and bottles of water . Until the gov treats people better it is impossible to improve things and become very unsafe for tourists
Cuba used to be cheap but now you can book a plane and a 7 days cruise for pretty similar price or go to any better location for barely more. So the price went up and the quality went down. Your not even sure to have decent quality of food and drinks anymore and people don’t feel safe outside resort no more. If I can get Cuba 7 days around 650-750$ cad I would go but nothing over this so many being at 1100$ is plain ridiculous what a joke.
This is beginning of July 2025. We just came from visiting Cuba for 3 weeks. Since 1994 we have visited Cuba 32 times, the previous visit was April of 2022. We met no one, not a single person, with a positive outlook of their present situation; much less the future. Hopeless seems to be on faces of everyone we met. The Cuban people, with the exception of those that rule them, have ZERO hope. It is very sad to see this. This is the first time that we witnessed this. People simply have no money or food. Basic food prices have skyrocketed at levels never seen before or anticipated before. In two small towns that we visited in the countryside, we were told that there were many families that the only thing that they were eating were mangoes. It was mango season. Now into July, mango season has ended. I wonder what these families are eating now.
Another thing that we observed is how the small towns and large cities have much less persons. In the last 3 years with President Biden open border policy, several millions of Cubans have fled the country to come to the USA. They have also fled in large numbers throughout Latin America and other countries including remote countries like Russia. The streets are mostly empty of Cubans between the ages of 18 through mid 50’s. We mostly saw small children and the elderly.
This last factor has brought a deep sadness to many families as they miss those family members that have had to flee the desperate daily struggle of living in Cuba. We were told this by over 15 different families. That in Cuba there is deep sadness over the separation of family members who have fled the country to find a better future. I pray everyday that the current government leave the country and allow Cubans, within Cuba and outside, tp build a better present and future for all Cubans and not just the 1% that miserably rule over the rest. They and those Cubans that have a direct family member living outside of Cuba, do not have to worry about what they will eat today. All other Cubans, which may represent over 75%-80%, worry every single day what they will eat.
Another tragic thing that we heard over and over is the fact that many elderly are dying out of simply not having any daily protein to eat. When they get a cold or dengue, or diarrhea, their bodies are too weak and succumb to death. There is a great human tragedy in Cuba. It has never been like this nor has anyone imagine that it would get like this.
Because of this situation, many have sunk to the miserable level of stealing and causing physical assault to their fellow Cubans. The level of stealing and violence is at the highest levels since Columbus arrived on the island in 1492. The current government has amply demonstrated over the last 66 years that they are incapable of providing the bare necessity of life: food.
Pray for Cuba and a new government and economic system. The current one has had 66 years and has proven itself to be incapable of a present and much less a better future for Cubans.
I’ve been to Cuba, staying both on & off-resort several times over the past twenty years & it holds a deep, deep place in my heart. Truly, one of my favourite places to visit in the world. But when we last visited in 2023 it was a bit shocking to see how much had changed economically for the Cuban people. There has always been economic hardship there as I’ve known it, but the level of actual poverty was staggering.
My partner and I have been debating going back this year – I desperately miss it – but we are having a hard time deciding if it’s ethical to do so while so many people are struggling there? Is our small contribution as tourists enough to offset the fact that, as tourists, we get first dibs on everything, food & amenities, while actual Cubans have to rely on tips & donations, or hours-long line-ups at government shops? Are we helping the economy? Or just creating resentment among Cubans? It’s really hard to get a clear picture.
So timing of the article is questionable. It’s off season travel at the resorts. My family has spent several weeks in Varadero over the past few years. Most recently, we discovered a small fishing town about 40 minutes outside of Varadero called, Boca De Camarioca. We stay at an Airbnb hosted by Maria and her husband.
It’s clean and comfortable. The bed and linens are new and soft. The fridge is well stocked with juices and beer. The view of the ocean from the balcony is beautiful.
Our dear friends Henry and Muma live in Boca and we hold them close.
Shortages? Power outages? Yes, they exist and daily life for our friends is challenging. We do whatever we can to help. Rechargeable lights and fans, small generators, they appreciate these items but that’s not what it’s about.
Our friendships are unconditional and the time spent with them create memories of true friendship that will last forever.
We can’t change the status of the government and the way they operate. Nobody can. But what we can do is continue to travel to visit our friends as we will be doing this coming November.
For those who are entitled and didn’t enjoy their travel to Cuba, that’s too bad. The Cuban people need you. It has nothing to do with ‘supporting the regime.’ That’s bigger than you and all of us. You’re supporting those who struggle daily and the struggle is worse without us.
I filled out an ESTA form to visit Orlando. One of the questions is “have you visited Cuba since 2011?” Don’t expect access to the US if you have.
Went to Playa Pesquero in Dec 2024, and loved every minute of it. Everything was clean, food and drink were plentiful. Cuban people are wonderful. Cuban beaches are amazing. The entire trip was very affordable. I cant say enough. We will continue to vacation in Cuba and help support the Cuban people.
Wow, amazing stories. I been to Cuba 3 times and will go back in a heart beat. My favorite place, Guardalavaca, and my favorite town is an hour away from Holguin called Gibara. I do not need to go to another beach, there is three small beaches there. All for my self. Yes, is some sadness with the beautiful people, but if can spent a dollar while somehow helping them I will do it. I am planning to go back. Cuba is in my heart, i pray for for Cuba.
We’ve all been told, both by our Governments and anecdotes from those who have, that Cuba is no longer safe outside of the resorts. Since the resorts are old and poorly maintained, you’re trapped on property with no amenities. This is why we’re no longer travelling to Cuba.
Suggestion… Learn to cook!
I love Cuba, traveled to many carribean destinations, but Cuba always leaves me with the best feeling. People are humble and will do anything to please the tourists. Holguin area is the better choice, I believe, and my staff in March 2025 was amazing!!
The people in Cuba are resilient and we as Canadians in our cold winter months have to support them. The Americans can’t. Tough times. Travel to Cuba!
Cuba’s tourism crisis reflects more than just empty hotel rooms—it’s a sign that the system no longer meets the needs of its workers or its visitors. With outdated infrastructure, poor service quality, and limited opportunities outside of all-inclusive resorts, the heart of Varadero is being pushed out.
A simple solution? Empower local businesses. Open access for small, independent operators—cafés, tour guides, craft vendors—to thrive alongside the resorts. Let the people rebuild the economy with pride, creativity, and ownership. No politics—just people.
I was a DJ in Varadero for many years. I know the Cubaroneros, I know the rhythm of the streets, and I know the love Cubans have for their country. They’re not political. They’re loyal, joyful, and full of heart.
I also lived in Miami and saw a different culture—but at the core, people want the same thing: peace, love, unity.
The greatest force in the universe is love. Spread it. Share it. Live it.
We don’t always understand our path, but sometimes the universe puts us in difficult positions—not to break us, but to transform us. The answers we seek? They’re already inside us.
That’s my wisdom for the day. See you at my next DJ event.
—Rocko
I went to Havana in April.. first I would like to say what most people ate saying the people are wonderful..I was there for 2 weeks and 80% of the time there were power outages, no wifi, and the shortage of food was a little devastating for me. I was not prepared and would have paid top dollar for even a peanut butter sandwich..the b&b I stayed at was clean. Landlady was amazing since she was 1 of 2 people who could speak English and she had I believe all meals were made in advance and it was the same food breakfast lunch and dinner.(not their fault) but I was sick of the same stuff.. I felt stuck for 2 weeks. No wifi.no power. No English and I did / not find 1 English book to read..it was a very long 2 weeks..this sounds like one big Complaint but it is more than I feel for the people who have to live like this everyday..I do keep in touch with my English translator..I would go back but be more prepared and do the homework before I book..anyone planning to travel to cuba, bring foods you won’t find there. Survival food
I commend those whose comments were appreciative of the Cuban people, and understanding of what the situation is and has always been in the communist country of Cuba. Since Covid, it has become an even worse situation. The embargos, prices of anything and everything skyrocketing!! This country and its citizen’s are doing the best it and they can. Tourism is one of their main sources of income. A Third World Communist Country. Shame on the First World complainers. Be grateful for what we have, and show Cubans some respect and support because of what they don’t have. Yes, the quality has dropped dramatically, supplies are limited, some not even available. Shops, restaurants, and bars have shut down, the streets are empty, families aren’t bringing any income in, barley any food in their cupboards, and this is how they live on a daily basis, with no end in sight. Complaining about no lobster, random beer or liquor shortages, live entertainment cutbacks, low end fruit, scarce meat menu options, leaky ceilings, no more champagne service, etc…?? Live what they live EVERY SINGLE DAY leaving all of your First World bank accounts behind. THEN maybe there will be some respect and more understanding of what is going on in their country. Once again, shame on the entitled Karen’s…..
Why would any government want to treat its people like
Shit. Makes no sense to me
Or anyone with a brain
I met my wife in Cuba 30 years ago. But we won’t come back. We don’t like Cuban politics and we vehemently oppose the Communist government.
Was in Varadero in February 2025. Beautiful and wonderful area. No issues orher than the availability of diet soda lol. I have already booked 2 weeks for next year. Hotels are fairly empty now because this is the off season which seems to be missing from the article above. Anyone saying negative remarks might have an agenda of their own. Last February was my first time ever to Cuba. Enjoyed it so much more than my previous 3 trips of Dominican, Jamaica and Mexico. I am a happy Canadian heading south when it gets wintery cold up here next February.
I was born in Cuba in 1959. Came to US fleeing communism. All of you that go to Cuba are only feeding the Communist dictatorship. While you are eating lobster , bread, milk etc. Most of Cubans never had lobster and do not get to eat bread everyday. Shame on you , I hope all flights are closed to go to Cuba until the people are Free and can eat what all of you brag about eating. By the way a lot if men that go to Cuba is for the cheap prostitutes (JINETERAS) . HAVE FUN . BUT KARMA WILL BE KNOCKING SOON
Went in Jan 2025 ,16 dollars for a large bag of chips at the Airport, Five bucks for a no name coke. We stayed at a resort just outside of Havana. No soft drinks, No slushies for drinks and by the way , hope you don’t mind but now yer a vegetarian with a selection of perhaps four vegetables served different ways. They were serving fruit that only the poorest people eat, it was some kind of apple like fruit. I’ve been to Cayo Santa Maria many times through the years and it’s been a rocket ride downhill. Shortages and ridiculous prices. Unfortunately we won’t be travelling there anymore. To the people who say everything is fine , or it’s just Cuba ? I say Get your head out of your ass and look around.
I went to Varadero last February for the first time. I usually go to Holguin every year but the group wanted to try a new area of Cuba. Never again! I had no pillow case for 2 weeks or a top sheet on my bed. No coffee one morning and no beer one day. No pop for mixed drinks for about a week. No bread some days no eggs some days no bacon almost the whole trip. It was a complete nightmare. I still didn’t starve because I didn’t expect much. It’s Cuba but this was ridiculous! I will go back to Holguin as I have for many many years but not untill the government starts treating It’s people properly. Cuba is my favorite place out of all the places I’ve been but I can’t bring myself to visit a place where it’s own citizens are starving while I stay in their country and eat like a queen! The government better do something because most Canadians will use force of hand and not go until they do! The Cuban people are the most beautiful, kind and will do anything to make you happy. Something I’ve not seen in other places. I really miss my friends but until they have a decent live too I won’t be returning!!
It is very sad to notice the down fall of Cuba. I have bern there 3 times since 2011. I stayed at El Patriarca resort in Varadero. Excellent treatment above average meals fantastic taxi services best of the best beaches .hope and pray that the situation in cuba will turn around soon.
The biggest problem is not allowing the people the opportunity to create the business required to make anything work without political involvement or repercussions.
Plenty of good land, too much bad politics.
Some of the finest people i have meet in my travels.
We have been to Varadero three times, in 2013-14 & 2015, always stayed at the 5 star Hotel El Patriarca, , best buffet, best restaurants, great service, fantastic staff and premium drinks including Champagne with every meal. Many people are not aware of the fact that the staff worked 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week for a salary of $16-20/ month. They depends on tips The Cuban government takes care of people’s needs with free housing, health care, education, marriage, death and other important matters.
At the resort the food was great and no shortage. Needed to reserve to be in the Speciality restaurants where choice steaks and lobsters were served. The second year when we visited, the front desk staff recognized us and upgraded to a larger suite with a bottle of Cuban rum, a dozen flowers, a cake and a hand made wooden carving. The Cuban peso was always at par with US dollar, and a tip in US dollars went a long way. The hotel provided the exchange.
There was free wi-fi. The suites were very clean and stocked with linen, soap and other nevessary stuff. Only the face towels were in short supply, but once you ask for them, you got them in no time.
The beaches were long , clean and less crowded. We traveled the length and breadth of Cuba by chartered bus and guides. Visited Havana in refurbished colorful vintage cars, accompanied by its owner and the driver. Visited the old home of Ernest Hemingway ( Finca Vigia) situated at San Francisco de paula three times, ad enjoyed drinks at El Floridita, Ambos Mundos and other places Hemingway frequented. I was told over 1000 visitors from Canada and Europe arrive at these bars daily to enjoy the Mojitoes.
Cuban people are one of the best, very courteous and eager to please. Once at the El Patriarca bar, when we ordered the Mojitoes, one of the bar tender noticed they were out of fresh mints. It was raining cats and dogs, but she ran out to a garden a few blocks away, picked up a bunch of mint leaves and prepared our drinks! Where else in the world you will see service like that?
Love Cuba. Will rush there to enjoy their wonderful hospitality any time!
I visited Varadero solo in 2017 and it was one of the most magical places I had ever been to. The couple that hosted me were so kind. I also met a lot of people from Europe here (particularly Dutch) and to this day, I tell people that Varadero is my favorite beach in the world. I really hope things pick back up in Varadero. I may go back just to help Jumpstart the economy.
Been going to Cuba for years, not going back until things improve there.
The government bites the hand that feeds them. Raises price tremendously, providing poor quality food and liquor. Broken down this and that, been to the Cayo Coco 2 times in one year, the airport, broken elevator. Broken escalator, broken aircon. Got deathly sick on both trips as the food is not handled properly.
IF Cuba wants to be a world class destination the government needs to get their shit together, not the citizens, they suffer from all the BS and shortages, prices are insane for the locals. Tourists give more to Cuba than we get in return.
It breaks my heart .. Cuba is beautiful , Cubans are warm and friendly the Ocean and beaches are stunning but the decline is terrible. We have been too many times to count and always enjoyed ourselves, the food was always OK nothing fantastic but you never starved and they did the best they could with what they had. They truly had the best bacon I have ever eaten and the sausages were to die for. Last year we went back again and the decline was so noticeable even talking to people from different hotels and areas. There was no bacon or sausages at all (we learned that the US had badicly killed off the Cuban hog industry by raising the cost of feed to unsustainable levels and put them out of business. There were no potatoes of any description fries , mashed, roasted or boiled. Butter was in very short supply along with a lot of alcohol products. As mentioned staffing levels were very low, even the entertainment crew were cut to the bone. I wish Cuba would abandon their traditional communist leanings and open up to western redevelopment .. demolish the old and rebuild the new .. make Cuba as valuable as the other Caribbean islands again and give the Cubans the rich lifestyle they deserve. Until then my time and money will no longer go to Cuba .. it makes me so sad.
It saddens me to read about the significant challenges faced by Cuba and its people. I visited Cuba too many times to count between 2002 and 2022. I made many friends there, many of whom I am still in contact with on a regular basis. Multiple friends have left the country due to hardship. Others’ adult children have left the country to secure some kind of a future. For the last several years I have agonized over the choice between going to my favourite resort so as to contribute my tourist $ and to bring things to help vs staying home because I can’t justify staying in a resort while everyday Cubans are struggling. I have chosen the latter. Let’s not kid ourselves…things are very hard there
Cuba is beautiful and have a nice Beach. Food it is not that great but fruits are good. If you want to get pampered Cuba is not your place. If you want to enjoy the nature and the beach not the food then Cuba is a right place. Horse riding village setup and many more to enjoy one more thing is architecture.
They are charging too much money to get there and eat ham sandwiches!!! For the same money you can go to Mexico and have everything you want!
It’s sad. Cuban people are fantastic. I stayed at air b&b for the last 7 years.lots of food,but outside in town I found a lot of restaurants were closed and fewer people out and about.
We’re in Holguin right now and it’s slow here too, but remember this so the slower season. We chose to come now because we knew it wouldn’t be shoulder to shoulder on the beach. The service is outstanding and the food is stellar! We’re planning our next trip back soon !
Been to Cuba 15 times, all over the island. Only 1 bad experience. I’m off the mindset, you get what you pay for.
If you wish to sit in your yard, during February and November cold snaps, then stay home.
If you wish to be pampered from head to toe, go somewhere else.
If you want safety, good beaches, bend over backwards service, and willing to roam off resort, Cuba is that.
All in all, Varedero, Santa Maria, Holguin and my secret location. I enjoy the country, its people, the food and the beaches.
Last trip was Melia Varedero and it was fantastic.
Remember your a guest, be polite, don’t expect lavish dinners, unless you willing to go to Havana, and a little monetary goodness goes a long way.
I have been to Cuba many times.I admire the equality among the people.life in Cuba should be emulated by other countries.We are one under the eyesof God.Cubans are the example of living simple.l admire their free education, health etc USA is wrong in enforcing embargo.
We stayed in Cayo Coco 6 years ago. It certainly wasn’t the best all inclusive we’ve been to, yet it was nice and the food was okay. We still got value for our buck. We returned last spring, this time to Veradero.
Our resort was in dire need of repairs and upkeep. Staff didn’t give a damn and decent food was scarce. Even at the restaurants in town. We left very disappointed, could have spent the same money in Mexico or the DR. Don’t plan on returning.
We have been to Paradisus Varadero last March 2025, we had a great time, the hotel is right on the beach, the main restaurant right on the beach, the food was better than expected, our friends enjoyed it as much as us. I will go back in a heartbeat.
So sad
I’m happy to read so many good things about Cuba from people who have been there. It looks like Havana Times spreads propaganda against Cuba, shame on him.
This really breaks my heart.
I was invited by a friend of mine to visit Cuba for rhe first time back in 2010. We stayed at a 3.5 star resort in Varadero. Our accomodations were perfect and the food was superb. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were great. The staff was exceptional and caring. I made many friendships on my first visit which still exists today. Since my first visit to Cuba, I was so impressed with the island that I made Cuba my vacation spot, and everyyear since then, I visited the same resort at least twice a year. The management and staff are wonderful people who are always there to make my stay a memorable one. Then Covid hit and my vacation destination was put on hold. The resort I frequented was closed and went through a complete renovation during the Covid pandemic. I kept in touch with management and when the resort was finally opened again, I returned. The resort was renovated into two distinct resorts, one being for adults only and the other family. The wonderful staff that I came to know were split up between the two resorts. The resorts are Sol Varadero Beach and Sol Caribe Beach. The services they provide are second to none. No shortages of food and they have generators that offers free exceptional wifi. I have no issues with these resorts and will continue to vacation at these resorts. You get a grqt bang for your buck.
Well maybe it’s because a lot of people don’t want to go there for all inclusive anymore because it’s expensive like triple of what it was and barely any food and the staff is getting very rude. I have gone to Cuba the last 19 years Faithfully. For the first 12 years I stayed at Club kawama, their service and hotel was going down the drain so I picked new hotels and everyone since has had limited food for the meals not enough to feed everybody that goes they run out of alcohol. Maybe they should improve it the way it used to be with friendly staff full buffets and clean and tidy rooms.
I’ve visited Cuba four times in the past two years and loved every moment. It’s a truly beautiful country, full of warmth, culture, and some of the kindest people I’ve ever met, friendships formed with or without tips. Varadero Beach is absolutely breathtaking, a must-see. One thing that did disappoint me, though, was seeing some tourists treat locals with disrespect and carelessly litter, especially around the Havana Club. Cuba deserves better, from all of us.
I have been to Cuba many times recently in April this year. No problems and lots of food , drinks . Beaches beautiful , rooms clean , staff friendly, lots of entertainment , Cuban people are the kindest people you would want to meet , get to know them , hard workers , They have problems in some areas with electricity lately , but none on the resort we stayed at . We stayed at SOl Palmeras ,and Playa Vista Azul is next door also an awesome resort .
We went to Varadero in April of this year for 10 days and stayed at the Hotel Playa Vista Azul and had an absolutely amazing Vacation !!! We paid for upgraded accommodations and I can not think of any bad experiences while we were there. The resort was clean, food was good and no shortages and the staff were simply the best !!! The Cuban people are very respectful and we ❤️ them and a special shout out to our bartender “ Carlos “ the best !!! And as we all should know the Ocean is amazing. You can keep Mexico been to Cancun, Tullum, and Puerto Vallarta and I’ll take Cuba any day !!!
I went to Cuba in the fall of 2023 for a birdwatching trip with a local guide. While Zapata, Soroa and Vinales were very good for birding and with accomodations (it was arranged Airbnb style), I had the most traumatic experience in Cayo Coco. The state run resorts are not worth your money. The rooms suck, the food blows the staff don’t care and the road to get there from Zapata or Havana is enough to put the fear of God in you.
Also in Havana just stay at the Nacional. I stayed at the Vedado. Big mistake. Best Western prices for a room where the bed sucked, the Internet cost extra and the breakfast was probably hazardous waste. I will not visit Cuba until they transition to a market economy.
That said, the birding in Zapata and Soroa was spectacular. The Cuban Airbnb style accomodations are significantly better than government run resorts.
I have been to Cuba many times. The people are great. Food is always a gamble, yet it has fallen a lot since COVID. In 2015 I was there (Varadero), and Havana seemed to be evolving. In 2016, the same place we saw a new ship come in and a new pub was gone. I thought Obama helped….I guess it got revoked. We went in 2023, Holguin was scary bad. No food, no fuel, no booze, no cigars……I hope it bounces back.
I’ve been to Cuba many times in the different areas, my favorite beaches beeing in Varadero. So although I love the people, the workers, the beaches I must say that the food quality has gone down tremendously. I’m paying the same price for a 4 star hotel for what before was a two star hotel. With that said, the shortages since covid have gone down every year more and more. Although we understand the crisis, everything has gone up in price also, especially for Canadians since everything is in American dollars. I find myself not purchasing rum
Not purchasing coffee, not purchasing trinkets. I’m sorry to say, it just isn’t the same.
Very saddened and discouraged.
I have been to Cuba several times. I love the Cuban people. It’s such a beautiful place and the people are so loving and welcoming. I live in Canada but my heart is in Cuba with the people. I have made so many friends in Cuba it’s unbelievable. My entire social media friends are Cubans. They are so resilient. Remarkable people. I can never forget about all the relationships I have developed over the years. They have always taken care of me and my entire family and for that I will be eternally grateful. I go to Cuba for the beaches and the sun and most of all the people and the experience. We take things for granted in Canada and love to complain about everything. Don’t take things for granted. The people in Cuba are one of kind.
In January I have been in a resort at the holguin area. It was great, marvellous beach vacation. As usually. In previous years I have been in Mexico and Brazil in Rio, twice. I love more Cuba !!
I have been to many different resorts in Varadero and always loved it! Our first and most memorable experience was the hotel international before they built a new one. Varadero has the most beautiful beaches in all of the Cuba. The staff is always exceptional and hospitable and friendly.
I have been to Cuba about 20 times over the past 15 years, the changes are drastic. My recent trip this past March was less of a vacation and more of a struggle. I am not a picky eater, but I expect to get certain items such as eggs for breakfast. I have found the past couple of years I am having to bring more and more survival supplies for myself. It’s not a vacation anymore. The store shelves are empty, what is there is priced way too high in US dollars. The more you pay out at a hotel, the better your service. The needs people have are simply overwhelming. I come home feeling guilty and depressed. I don’t know if I will return again, but I said that last year and still went back.
I’ve been to Cuba many times. I no longer go because what I liked going there is no longer there their new president is bad and the embargoes Trump put on this already poor country is ridiculous. It’s much worse than before. The ppl have changed and so has the country and for the worse. Shops off the resort are often closed down. And much of what Natalie above said it’s much like that. The people are ruder they used to be nice they won’t do things unless you tip them. Some not all of course but this country has just gotten worse the food is worse than before most of the time they have next to nothing.
I love Cuba and I love the Cuban people but this place has gone downhill steady the last few years.
I never had a bad time in Cuba in the last 20 years actually last march was one of the best times at the Jiboaca!!
I have been to Cuba 3 times since covid. 2 different hotels and food choices a little less than before but I really do not care. I did my exploring by bus years before so usually do a beach resort near town. I may go back one more time with a friends whom I promised I would go with. I love cuban cigars but sadly prices have gotten to high. It saddens me to hear about the struggles of the average Cuban.
All the best . I love ❤️ Cuba
I am hearing from many Canadian travellers that 2025 all-inclusives are much better than 2024 in Cuba. Hurricanes, electricity blackouts and earth quakes hit the country hard. They are recovering. I am planning to visit twice in the next 6 months.
I love Cuba, but true is, there are so many alternatives for vacations with much better service, where you don’t have to say…its ok, its Cuba!
Cuba got spoiled for many years, they did no maintenance, no painting, no carrying since hotels were built . Bad choices. Nice people, but bit lazy. Last couple years they do nothing if you don’t tip them. Not all of them of course.
We have stuck with Playa Pesquero Premium and Paradisus Rio de Oro in the Holguin area and the only difference is a slight drop in the quality of food offered. Our last trip was in November right after a blackout happened but had no problems. I was told the Playa Pesquero hotel was at 17% capacity. The lobby of this very large hotel was dead after 11pm. We still had a great time and the staff were very welcoming. Playa Pesquero is owned by the government (army) and they make sure they have needed supplies. The premium section is first rate.
I enjoyed my stay at melia antillas.Staff was great the food was acceptable, take it for what it is,take lots to give out and enjoyed Veradero
I could go check but off the top of my head, I think the name of the hotel my family and I spent 3 days at in Varadero last year was the Intercontinental. The breakfast buffet was half-filled every morning. The extra towels we requested for the room were old and less than white. There was only one working elevator in the lobby. The lighting was dim. This hotel boasted of being a five-star establishment. By Cancún standards barely 3-stars. We ventured off the reservation onto the main street, and a lot of the businesses were either closed or understaffed. This particular trip was 15 months ago. I dare to imagine what Varadero is like today. One last whine: the prices in and around the hotel were still as high as they have always been in Varadero. If it sucks like this in a flagship tourism venue like Varadero, how bad is it in the hotels located in those cayos?