Hotel Riu Turquesa Varadero

My wife and I spent a week before Christmas in Riu Turquesa and we enjoyed our stay. We met many nice people from Europe and Canada, it is more of a family place. It is not the most luxurious resort but it offers everything you are looking for, clean rooms, extremly friendly people to look after you, good food (especially desserts) and a fantastic beach. The only problem was the weather, we had 3 sunny days, one in between and three cloudy, windy days with the red flag out on the beach (no swimming). We were told that this is normal for December.

If I go back, it would be early in the spring when it is supposed to be nicer.

My husband and I went to the Turquesa the first week of December. We were supposed to stay at another hotel but it got changed last minute.

I had heard lots of good things about the RIU hotels before so I was quite open to the change. The rooms were not bad, I would compare them to a Best Western but they were nice and big with a private balcony.

The Staff at the hotel are so friendly and will go out of their way to make you happy. The food though wasn't anything to write home about.

Its to bad that they didn't have at least one more dinning option because that was my only complaint about this hotel. We went swimming with the Dolphins one day and it was the highlight of the trip. We would have done it again if we had time. Well worth doing. Havana was also interesting to see. You haven't seen Cuba until you go to Havana.

The beaches were first class but the red flag was up most of the time that we were there so we sat by the pool most of the time. Super cold pool but refreshing once you got in. There were mesquites at night so take bug repellant!!! They really pushed you to join into different events which was good sometimes but bad others. They do have a fun dance to do at this hotel that they do every night and if anyone knows the name of the song, I would love to know! The hotel does have hair dryers in the room but they really don't work very well so if you use one I would recommend to take one down yourself. I would go again but I think I may try another hotel just because of the dinning options. But if the deal was go enough, I would go again. Have fun and Say Hi to Rapheal for us!! Tara and Mike

My husband and I stayed at Riu Turquesa Nov. 3 to 10. The beach was absolutely amazing, and the staff and people warm and gracious as always. Say hi to Gregario at the beach bar!!

This is a perfect spot for two to have a private and relaxing holiday away from it all. We would go back there in a minute... in fact, we plan to go back in March. We met a lovely couple there from Windsor who were enjoying their tenth time there. That pretty much says it all.

Must admit....at first I was a little disappointed in the room. For a four star I expected more but it being my first trip to Cuba I did not mind so much! It was comfortable and very clean. The air cond- itioning did drip water towards the end of our trip however that was it as far as complaints of the room. A fridge in the room was stocked daily with coke, a lemon lime soft drink and beer. The staff was EXCELLENT! Very friendly and helpful from the restaurant staff (Armando was great!) to the front desk staff. I would have liked to see another restaurant - after one week the food was starting to wear a little thin but it was good. A little bland but this is true all through Cuba. They offered the snack bar and the buffet restaurant - talking with other people there - they all said another restaurant would be appreciated as well for some variety. The beach was awesome! Alot of chairs - very clean and the water was out of this world! Alot of fun water sports to choose from! A nice pool but honestly never swam in it once - why would you when you have the best beach?!!! I traveled with my single sister (I am married) and she was suprised at the lack of other singles at this resort. Alot of couples, mainly 50+. Very few kids at this resort. All in all, if you are looking for a week in the sun with a great beach and just R&R stay at the Turquesa!

Just wanted to write about our fantastic holiday in Cuba. This hotel have the most friendly & helpful staff possible. My boyfriend and i stayed here at the beginning of September 2003 and i have to say we had the best holiday ever. The hotel is clean and the staff are second to none. You get a mini bar in your room which has water, juice & beer in it. With a bottle of rum also included in your room if you need this filled up everyday of your holiday there is no problem. There are 2 small shops on the complex and also moped hire available. Good Points - brillian staff always willing to help. We did tip the staff a few dollars at times but they deserve it as they work very long hours, always smile and only get paid around $20 a month. There is a snack bar and a buffet restuarant - men must were long trousers every night in the restuarant. The food was ok although it did get a little boring after 2 weeks simply because it would have been good to have a different restaurant to choose from other then that it was what you would expect from a country like Cuba. For anyone who is thinking of going you will have a fantastic time here. Look out for the waiters Raphael & Mario - top class

Riu Turquesa is not a perfect place but altogether I loved staying there (1 week in July 2003). Advantages: 1. no highrise but bungalows with just one floor, so you just walk out the door and are in the gardens 2. nice pool and nice beach 3. very friendly and helpful personnel 4. superior cocktail's at the bars + mini-bar with 2 big bottles of water, coca cola, beer and rum in the rooms Disadvantages: 1. needs a little refreshing 2. only one (buffet) restaurant If you go there soon, please let me know, as I would like to give a message for some-one.

My husband and I spent two blissful weeks at the Riu Turquesa end of May early June.

I cannot rate it highly enough. The accomodation was comfortable and clean, the maids are one in a million. The staff at the whole resort bend over backwards to keep you happy and make your stay as pleasant as possible.

The Riu is quiet, relaxed and exotic. The beach is a dream but the second week did get quite busy. There are some seriuos sunbed issues - up at the crack of dawn to bag a bed and then an eye out for shade stealers later in the day!!!!

You need to get out of the hotel and see the sites. We did some scuba diving with a local dive school.

Havana is a MUST. Oh and be warned the mosquitoes are EVIL!!! You need some serious repellent.

Oh for the beach and cocktails - we so want to go back.

We (My husband and two kids) just got back July 13th after 2 glorious weeks at the Turquesa resort.

I relied on comments that I read before booking this vacation for my family, and I wanted to take the time to write my comments.

The Turquesa Resort had a wonderful set up...there were 2 story condominium type units (with about 6 suites - not like the hotel units down the beach that required elevators to get around - and in some cases, no terraces) and everyone had a terrace with chairs. All buildings are within walking distance of the huge pool, dining area, and beach. It was like a colourful little community!

We had the best time. Our kids, ages 9 and 10 enjoyed it greatly. There was a children's program, and the counsellors were great...where else would 20 kids from different languages around the world be able to play together effortlessly!

Service was excellent. Food was excellent. Anything you wanted, they'd get (eg. more towels, a stocked mini bar, more rum, etc.) The people was absolutely amazing and friendly!

They have an on site doctor if you get sick (my daughter and I caught a bug - 24 hrs) but it was well under control as the doctor knew how to treat us ..and the staff were great at getting some food to our room when we were up to eating.

If you have time and a few extra US bucks, take the time to go on a couple of tours. The Jolly Roger (Catarmaran tour) as great! A long cruise, lobster/shrimp lunch, snorkoling, and a short time on an island before coming back. It also included a sunset cruise (free) with the package.

Trip to Havana also very good. Air conditioned bus certainly made the difference..but you definitely get to see the real Cuba outside of the resort when you take the tour.

What else can I say, but if you want a nice resort that caters to couples as well as families...take this one! You won't regret the time that you have. We'll definitely be going back again!

Tracey Wegner

Did not compare well with previous 4 star experience in Varadero. Feel somewhat ripped off.

Found room, beach, grounds and location fine. However, food, service and entertainment below expectations.

Food uninspiring and changed little over the week. Only one buffet restaurant, no a la carte meals. Food prepared too far in advance and was dried out.

Reception, bar and housekeeping service fine. However, dining room staff were either excellent or quite disinterested.

The in-room mini-bar is a bit of a marketing ploy. The rum was undrinkable as was the house wine in the restaurant. No other wine available.

I went to the Riu Turquesa the week of March 9, 2003 for my march breaki went with my familyi'm 17 and have 2 younger sisters aged 15 and 13we had an amazing time at the Riu Turquesa.. its a great place to spend a vacationthe pool was huge and really nice.. the ocean was breathtaking crystal clear water and white soft sandthe rooms were nice and clean.. very spaciousthe entertainment was good.. the animation team do an excellent job the food was ok.. better than i had expected.. sometimes it god a little boring but you cant leave without being full (nice buffet) lots to choose from.. the bars were amazing.. they had a wide variety of drinks.. daquiris were amazing especially at the lobby bar...! the service is fantastic.. all the people there are so friendly and go out of there way to help you and make sure you are having a great time.. i was never bored there there were many daily activities.. the nightly entertainment was good.. and i met lots of people my age who we stayed with at night and so..all in all riu turquesa is a nice place to stay.. adn you will enjoy your stay there!! e-mail me if you have any questions