Historical Traveler Reviews of Varadero Internacional
Good Vacation
from lisalyn2004
Just returned from 2 weeks at the Internacional. It was with great misgivings that we set off for this trip after reading some of the reviews. Some of the points made were legitimate, but on the whole the hotel was very nice, lovely clean rooms, friendly people, great bar staff. The food ranged from excellent to mediocre to downright awful, depending on the chef on duty at the time. Entertainment was cheesy at best, but they do a great job with the resources they have at hand. Loved the set up of the lobby bar leading out on to a terrace and ocean view, quite spectacular, will go again to Cuba, this was our second trip, but will stay at a different resort next time, anyone younger than 35, go somewhere else for fun, this is definitely an older persons resort.
We will be back!
from A TripAdvisor Member
Just got home today....stayed at the Internacional Hotel in Varadero. Loved It!!!! Tons of food ( sometimes the meat was tough, lots of fruit and vegies, desserts, wine with meals....cheerful employees,....ust a super time with the beach right out the door. I will go back again!
Fantastic Vacation
from A TripAdvisor Member
My two weeks in Varadero was relaxing and one of the most enjoyable trips ever. The staff at the hotel were friendly and went out of their way to make sure that we had a good time. Tourist participation was great and everyone joined in. The food was much better than last year due to an increase in fresh vegetables. There is nothing I can say except I will return next year for sure.Laurie Atkinson
Loved cuba and the hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
we stayed at the Internacional for 2 weeks in jan 2004. We loved the hotel, the people and the service. The Hotel is not modern but has a lot of character. I would say that the food was satisfactory and there is no possible way someone could go hungry. There was always something for everyone. The beaches were beautiful and clean. It would be nice if the Cuban's would improve there system to keep the food warmer. The rooms were large and clean. I would suggest taking your own shampoo and soap. I defintely would recommend this hotel to our people
Varadero Delight
from 99Trailblazer
The Hotel Internacional staff were warm, friendly and provided great service. The beach was beautiful. The hotel grounds were clean and well maintained. Buffet meals were okay but not great. The onsite restaurant (dinner reservations reqd) was good. The town of Varadero offers a view of life in Cuba, and permits the opportunity to purchase crafts, rum, cigars etc. The trip to town by horse drawn cart is a treat or buy a $10 bus pass and travel into town and up and down the hotel strip for the day! Our day trip to Havana was super. The architecture of old Havana is spectacular and an evening at the Tropicana was great fun! We enjoed the people and sites of Cuba will return to Varadero again!
Not the Ritz but gives a good vacation
from A TripAdvisor Member
If you are looking for 4star to mean North American glitz and gourmet cuisine, you will not find it here. But then, you are in a different country and your $s are going much further. If you are looking for clean rooms, friendly staff, gorgeous beach on your doorstep, energetic if a little undisciplined entertainment, convenience and plenty of food, this is a great place to stay. The beach was clean and well looked after. Day and night we felt safe wandering either along the beach or along the street running along the peninsula.The options for meals were several but most meals were easiest taken at the buffet which offered plenty of food and plenty of variety. Much of the food was our cafeteria quality but some was delightful. The restaurants (cabaret, continental and snack bar) were a little better and definitely had different atmospheres to suit your mood. Activity staff were friendly and enthusiastic, evening entertainments were fun too (if a little loud). Tips and gifts were gratefully appreciated by the staff.
Very disappointed
from 24680
My family and I left on the 18th of December 2003 to Varadero. When we came there, the weather was so freezing! We had to sleep in our clothing. After the fourth day, the weather became really nice and sunny. We were only able to enjoy it for our 3 remaining days, but at least we got some good weather. The hotel room.. The smelliest thing I've ever smelled in my life!! It stunk like a farm! It was soo gross.
The people who cleaned the rooms, well, they didnt. We had the dirtiest toilet. Food... if you came on this vacation to eat, then you wont be satisfied. We didnt come for the meals, therefore, to us, the food was allright. Not great, but allright. The entertainment team... huh, whats that? never heard of it. The best thing about the whole vacation was the beach. It was fairly clean with comfortable recliners. The water had a very nice temperature to swim in. Another good thing was the oceanview balconies. In the morning, I would wake up and look outside and it made me forget SOME of the bad stuff going on. Thats about all for the good stuff. The only reason we decided to come on this vacation was because we got a good deal, it had tennis courts, it had a nice beach and it was 4 stars. This hotel deserves no more than 3 stars.
Dont be fooled and dont make the same mistake as my family. DONT GO TO THIS HOTEL!! I would have rather gone to Lake Ontario with a suitcase and had my vacation there...same thing. If all the people who went to this hotel wrote a review, I'm sure that more than 80% would say its horrible. Sorry, but the truth hurts.
No more cuba
from Zabka
We stayed at this hotel a couple of years ago and our experience was not very pleasant. We arrived 2 days after a hurricane and there was no running water. We were given 1 liter of water to wash with, flush the toilet with and drink. When we dared to ask for more we were refused.
Next day we had to buy water from the locals. Our bath was mouldy, ceiling was mouldy..... Only a cuban would believe that this is 4 star.
We won't definitely go back to this hotel again.
This year we went to the Seychelles and it is absolutely different story. The people are very friendly, food fantastic and the island is very clean. I recommend it.
The worst experience ever!
from A TripAdvisor Member
Horrible place to stay. Advertised as a four star where it would barely pass as a two star! Entertainment staff was no where to be found, food was horrible, you pay for the nightly shows...and your all inclusive services are changing from day to day! On top of that they were renovating the place and twice the ceiling started to leak! Nothing nicer than waking up to hammering at 7 am and feeling the walls behind your washroom are falling apart! I do not recommend this resort to anyone that wants to enjoy their holidays!
Best hotel in varadero
from A TripAdvisor Member
Anyone who wants to stay in a lovely hotel with all amenities, great service, beautiful beach, water sports then solymar is the place to stay in varadero. The service there is exceptional!Mary Casey