Ocean Varadero El Patriarca

We were there the third week in January 2025, it is not as portrayed, it is not a 5 star Resort. We arrived at the resort at 8pm after travelling all day, there was no place to eat, no buffet and no restaurants were open, snack bar was closed, beach bar was closed, luckily we has extra snacks packed in our book bag. We had opted for Alegance when we booked our trip, when we arrived the Alegance restuarant was closed the entire time we were there, the buffet was the only option for breakfast and we were all told what restaurant to attend for lunch and supper waiting up to 2 1/2 hours to receive your meal. Food was minimal and repetitive, we were hungry, bring lots of snacks. No hot water in our Alegance room for 3 days. No bellboy as carts were broken, this was not an issue for us but it was for our neighbors with mobility issues, having to haul their luggage to their rooms by themselves. The lights at night were almost non existent, bring a flashlight, we had to help an elderly couple from Austria with their luggage to find there room in the dark. There was no night time entertainment. The attendance at the Resort for the week we were there was 50 to 60 people. The pools are in need of repair and definitely a cleaning, the pools definitely need some attention. We were at this resort last year and it was amazing, that is why we had chosen it again this year. We will definitely not be attending this resort again until major changes are made. We did meet the new management, they have alot of work ahead of them to gain tourists trust again in this Resort. We had many discussions with fellow tourists, they will not be attending this resort again until major changes are completed. Now for the positive points, Cuba has the most amazing beaches and people. Blanca, Amellia and Tamara you are some of the kindest people we have ever met, we will miss you, God bless you.

We wanted to share some important feedback regarding our stay at El Patriarca Valentin, which is rated as a 5-star resort, at least what is advertised in the lobby! Having visited Cuba at least ten times, we are fully aware of the ongoing challenges with food supplies and occasional power outages. We always set realistic expectations, but unfortunately, our experience at this resort was far below what should be acceptable, even considering the current situation. We are sorry for the lovely staff whom themselves complained about the lack of food and services ! Here are some of the main issues we encountered: • There was no bread available for the entire 8-day stay. Even hamburgers and hotdogs were served without bread. • The buffet was mostly empty, with several food stations covered because there was no food. • Three restaurants, including the snack bar, were closed, and the one that was open served extremely poor-quality food. • We received conflicting information regarding restaurant reservations—some staff said reservations weren’t needed, while we later found out they were required. By the time we learned this, it was often too late, as everything was already fully booked by 9 AM. • In the buffet, chicken and pork were available only twice in eight days. Most meals consisted of omelets for breakfast and cold, dry rice with the same wilted salad from the previous day. While we had low expectations regarding food quality, we never anticipated it would be this bad. We met several guests from 4-star resorts or less, who had all basic necessities, including bread, and a variety of food choices at the buffet. In fact, I personally stayed at Princessa del Mar (4-star resort) this past February and had a significantly better dining experience. It’s clear that El Patriarca is poorly managed and lacks even the most basic food, this is completely unacceptable. We feel it is our responsibility to share this feedback so future travelers can make an informed decision and avoid the disappointing experience we had! Best regards, Silvia & Rob

*Note: we were not in upgraded area and felt they very much catered to those that were* Easy check-in but made you wait until 4 pm for room even though very few people there. We were put at very back of resort where it looked like they spent most time gardening in main areas since we saw garbage bags full and dishes left the entire week. Gardeners were very friendly and kept the grounds nice elsewhere. Our maid was awesome as well, took good care of us. Room was typical Cuba. No power for 48 hours due to Varadero power outage. Generator ran for main areas and we heard from upgraded people they were kept in loop by manager and had power in their rooms but we heard nothing. Pool bar guy Enrique was great. Pools were never on likely due to power shortages and only saw being cleaned once. Lots of tiles broken off. Since not many there easy to loungers, some pretty worn but easy to get any time at main pool or beach. Food was pretty much same daily but you had enough choices to be full. Morning grill for eggs, had bacon daily and lunch/night grills had fish, chicken, pork, burgers and hot dogs...no buns and only bread one morning but had croissants most days. This is known shortage. International was good, Italian was ok and Japanese our least favourite. Easy to book each morning, again because the hotel was not busy. 24 hour snack bar...hamburgers, fries, hot dogs (no buns) They had coffee shop too but never used except to exchange books as they had a little library. Wifi free and worked everywhere except beach.

This was our 8th visit to this resort, and it didn't disappoint. We all know Cuba is going through a difficult time but there was no evidence of this on resort at all. The food was more plentiful and better than last year, there were no shortages of booze and the power was uninterrupted. The beautiful people, weather, and beaches remain. A special shout out to Yadira in PR and the bartenders Henry and Roberto at the Alegance pool bar!

My friend and I had a good time at this resort. Loved that this is adults only the staff, food and beach are great. nightlife is fantastic. I would recommend going back to this resort. The price point is good value for what you get. The room was newish and the beds comfortable.23AoRePr24erfect choice for a quick getaway.