IBEROSTAR Varadero

My wife and I recently returned from our stay at the Iberostar Selection Veradero (December 9th-16th). It is our 5th time staying there in 4 years. This year we were a little hesitant when bombarded by all the media coverage on powered outages, and food and gas shortages. However, we are so glad that we ignored them, as our trip Did Not Disappoint! Right from our arrival, everyone was so friendly and accommodating. We were given a room that was recently updated. It was very spacious, clean and had the most comfortable mattress which made for a great night sleep. The food was quite good. Any time my wife can have a smoked salmon sandwich (found in the Coffee Shop) and a glass of champaign she is happy. For breakfast, I opted for a freshly made omelette, fresh fruit and a variety of delicious cheeses. At dinner there was also quite a variety of protein choices on any given day. From roasted chicken, juicy pork, roast beef and fresh fish. SHOUT OUT to Aimee (what a sweet heart) and her team. Especially, Rizzo, and Roberto. The hostess at the door (Aliah?) met us each morning with the most beautiful and welcoming smile. You also have to try each of the a-la-cart restaurants. The Japanese Restaurant has a very entertaining show. Both the Gourmet and Mediterranean Restaurants boast great food and excellent service. Especially, with the latter where you are first welcomed by their hostess Mabel who has such a warm and welcoming smile. She treats you like family. The service inside is also good. Special shout out to Danli. A very professional and poised young lady. We enjoyed our conversations with her. BTW. I enjoyed great steaks there on 2 occasions. Shout out to the staff at the lobby bar. Especially, Yanila and Isaac who both made the best cappuccinos in the morning, and iced frappuccinos (with rum, of course) later in the day. At the pool bar, Elizabet will take care of you. Don't forget to try the ice cream by the poolside. Delicious. If you are looking for a game of tennis or a massage for your wife, visit Hector and the team at the spa. The beach was as beautiful as ever, and is constantly groomed. One day after a storm and high winds, we had to watch where we walked due to all of the Portuguese Man of War washed up. However, by the next morning they had already been cleared. The $5 all day bus to the city of Varadero is a must. The best way to visit the many markets there. If you want to venture farther, do not hesitate to consider taking a taxi from the hotel. We went to a city further out (Matanzas) and it cost us $20 less than last year. Now for the NEGATIVES: -no tonic water. -the coke was not carbonated / flat. -the coffee in the main buffet did not taste as good as last year. Using skim milk instead of cream? Stick to the Lobby Bar. -Do not order the scallops as a main dish in the Gourmet Restaurant. My wife was very disappointed. Stick to the Chicken Cordon Bleu. -some of the mixed salads and side vegetables in the main buffet could be labelled. All in all a great trip, and they will see us back again there next year. In our opinion, we still view this resort as the best one in Varadero. Randy Huggett and Lori Daniels Pickering, Ontario, Canada

This hotel is a gem. The beach is incredible, the rooms are pristine and a good size, and the staff are some of the best hotel staff I've ever encountered. The food is good and plentiful as are the drinks and the entertainment is better than I've seen in many other countries with similar resorts. One of the highlights of our trip was the incredible Christmas dinner spread and entertainment that followed. It truly was a magical experience for my wife and daughter. I'd like to give a special shout-out to Marlon, Miguel and Susanna and truly all of the entertainers from entretenimiento y deportes, Alina and Liaslan and the rest of the wait staff, chefs and pastry chefs in culinary, Michael the gardener, and a huge shout out to the wait staff in the lobby and entertainment areas. Make sure you bring lots of small bills for tips. These people really deserve it!

We were in Cuba numerous times because we love cuban beaches and people. Last year we were in our favorite Caya Coco, but we were very dissapointed, and on the top of all we came back home sick! After that experience we said we are done with Cuba. This Novembar our friends went to Iberostar Selection Varadero and they were happy. We went there from 2.12 to 9.12.24, and we were happy too . The most important was that we came back home healthy. I can not praise more hotel's polite, hard working people i cleanliness of the hotel. They are professionals who do their jobs without looking for the tips. Food was good: eggs, bacon, cheese, fish, meat, fruit, cakes, mohitos, wine, rum ...what else to request in Cuba under Trump's embargo?! We even had lobster in ala carte Mediterranean restaurant. No lineups for ala carte restaurants. Beach was amazing with enough space, no need to get up early like in others. We were in renovated building 19 which is close to everything. Room was specious and cleaned every day. No shortage of anything. Some buildings are in renovations. Hotel is old, but maintained very well. This hotel has good management who cares about guests. I am sure that we will come again.

Best resort in Cuba! Staff takes special care to make each guest feel special by going above and beyond! Special call out to Yohani - Hola amigo - you made our trip so very memorable! Rooms are clean with a lot of space. Cleaning staff were friendly and front desk staff helpful at every turn.

We have been guests at this resort twice a year for the last ten years. Even during the toughest times the staff are awesome! The rooms are clean, at the bar you can always find something to drink, the food is good, you won’t starve We are returning to this resort on January 14th and feel fortunate to visit again to support the staff and their families. Just a reminder all resorts depend on the tourists because without tourists there would be no jobs.