Sol Sirenas Coral Varadero

I recently came back from my vacation in Cuba at the Sol Coral-Sirenas resort. It was absolutely my WORST vacation ever!The resort is rated a 4 star, and should only be rated 2 if that. (The pools and beach are nice). The rooms on the other hand....my sheets had hair on it (that weren't mine!). The curtains and lamp shades were hugely stained. Plumbing issues throughout. Balcony door didn't lock and the room was constantly enveloped in a musty smell. My suggestion, pay an extra $100 and go to a 5 star! Yuck!

We just got bak from Sol Sirenas Coral ( Sol Club Coral and Sol Club Las Sirenas joined to make Sol Sirenas Coral) We got bak 1 week ago and our vacation was wonderful. We left from Toronto Airport , flights on time everything was perfect arrived there at about 10:30 a.m local time and as soon as we stepped outside the view was breathtaking. Palmtrees all around 25 degrees in mid day not himid at all, perfect weather. We were taken to the hotel about 20-25 minutes away since we made several stops to drop others off at their hotels. The resort itself is very beautiful. There are 2 hotels joined together and no matter in which one you stay, they are both very beautiful not to mention you have access to both and all facilities since it is an All Inclusive resort. We got our room at about 12 noon and it was very beautiful, clean, nicley arranged towels, and everything was very nice. Our maid did a good job throughtout the week aranging towels as swans and leaving little presents as well as notes. ( dont forget to tip!!!!!! about $5 a week) Lobby was beautiful LOTS of vegetation!!!!!!!!! and many restaurants to choose from. Despite what others have said about the A la Carte restaurants which need reservations, the food is EXCELLENT!!!!! even the chineese which was said to be bad NOT TRUE!! its very good!!! food was great , drinks even better unlimited any amount all day!, The pools are AMAZING, VERY big , not too deep but it gets deeper after, a free form pool with a swim up bar, music by the pool side surrounded with palmtrees everywhere. Make sure you take a walk to see the beautiful scenery, we took one every night, Sirenas resort has THE MOST BEAUTIFUL grounds i have ever seen.!!!! many paths, hammocks, jacuzzi's, trees!, plants, an occasionlal lizard but not to worry they run away when they see you!! The beach was wonderful, crystal clear water with a turquoise colour, bar on the beach, buffet on beach, snack bar, beach is cleaned daily, umbrellas and chairs and lined up every night. EVerything isomend it to anyone !!! honeymooners, family's, couples anyone with children, There are numerous activities for children with supervision at the mini club, and they even participate in one of the nighly entertainement shows at the theatre. There is a mini golf area, tennis courts, More that you ever wanted to overall there is not one bad thing to say about this resort!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!

We went for our honeymoon May 99. Sun was hot people were great, food and accomidations were excelent! Going back soon.

For the amount of money we paid for this trip, it was most certainly worth it! Rooms were always clean, food was ok, but there wasn't that much to choose from. You have to make the reservations to the specialty restaurants early to make sure you'll get in. Beach and water were the best!!! Snorkelling, swimming (anything to do with water)- you'll be satisfied with. Take the snorkelling/horseriding tour - it is really nice. We are going back to Varadaro to get married this year. Dmitri and Evguenia

We had an excellent time at the sol club coral(AUG 2002), booze was ever flowing and it just didn,t stop(didn't Carlos the barman have BIG muscles), all staff we great extremely helpful, food was really good for an all inclusive. Not enough brits there, but we are there to mix and mingle with other nationalities. Must be good as we are returning Aug 2003.My ONE fault was the night entertainment was too short, although was very good, really funny on occassions. I would advise anyone to visit. try it you will LUV IT!!!!!!!!!!

It was one of the best times of my life. The rooms were great, the booze was flowing and the sun was shining. Also, the workers were very friendly and met all of our needs.

We were bumped from a 5 star to this 3 star , never any clean beach towels, no extra blankets for rooms, limited toilet paper in dirty public washrooms, staff resentful and nasty at times. leaky roof throughout lobby, food was o.k. at best

Thank goodness for the beautiful beach and sunny weather or we would have all cried. We saw many other properties on the strip that were so much nicer. Please choose carefully.

Stayed there for NewYear 2002.

May not be the greatest as far as food is concerned but well above average. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Beach and pool are clean and offer all amenities. Very good value for the $$.

Would return anytime.

MG

From Aleks, Montreal



December 15, 2002



Flight:

AirTransat, decent and on time out of Montreal. 60 minutes delay on the way back, although some people that returned a bit earlier experienced few hours of delay.

Seats are rather narrow, but legroom was Ok.Full service and movies made the experience more pleasant.Check in on the way back was slow and long ( 90 minutes).Overall, price/quality ratio very good -3.5 out of 5.



Hotel:



Now merged with the newer Sol Sirenas , it is part of a bigger Sol Melia complex.Sol Coral is the more lively one and with more activities and somewhat better food than Sirenas. Stay at Sirenas if no kids ( nicer and more secluded facility) , otherwise Coral is a better bet.

Rooms are decent and air conditioning is not noisy.Room service expects a tip of at least a dollar a day.



Restaurant stuff during the day consists mostly of amateurs and students. They are slow, confused, even rude and always expect tips and gifts in order to help you.

At night time, there is a set of experienced waitresses who are much more pleasant and friendlier.This will be closer to what you expect from Cubans.

Pools are nice and clean but not deep enough.Setting around the pools is very nice.



Rating: 3 out of 5







Food:

Limited choice and not enough of quality food.Taste is OK, but you need to be fast to get the better stuff.

If you stick to few of the sure choices : chicken, potatoes, fruits, yogurt, soup, pizzas you will be fine.Bottled water is a must.

WARNING: Stay away from the Beach grill, there were cases of very severe food poisoning ( raw and contaminated burgers, poor hygiene as well) and some people got violently sick for a day or two.That is a zero star place, so you are taking a big risk eating there.



Rating 3 out of 5, as I have seen much worse food being served in Cuba.







Beach/Ocean:

Excellent, wide and clean beach, ocean swimaballe most of the time, no big crowds.Reason for happiness and joy. Great for kids as well

Rating: 4.5 out of 5



Entertainment:

Excellent for kids, somewhat limited for adults .There are few busy and very noisy clubs in Varadero, where you can continue your night life after 11:15 p.m when all hotels go to sleep.

Rating 3.5 out of five.





Closing remarks:Overall Rating 3.5 out of 5

Good and less expensive then most hotels in 4 star range, Sol Sirenas Coral is a value choice.

As for the guys that sell cigars on the beach , report them to police a.s.a.p. as they only sell fake and stale goods. Do not take anything from them, no matter how "good" the deal looks like.

The rooms, pool and beach here are fantastic. However if you value you stomach, dont stay here. The food all tasted the same, dinner would become breakfast and their idea of a caeser salad involved, cabbage, oil and vinegar, carrots and 1 piece of anchovy. I would never come back to cuba again because of the food, and I'm not a picky eater. As for the extra trips, although we enjoyed them, they are expensive and the tour guides beg for more money at the end.