Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa

Beautiful resort Clean Felt like a fancy Cuban resort with a butler Beach was beyond beautiful Food was ok I always found something and I'm like a picky toddler Drinks were good (wish there was drink menus ) The om key was a bracelet on your arm that was nice Only real complaint I had was entertainment. While I liked the people that did it there just wasn't enough. And many hours in between there wasn't much for music. I was kind of sad about that. The beach had oldies playing like boys 2 men lol

This isn’t my 1st time at this resort but it will most likely be my last. I’ve travelled to Cuba more than 20 times over the last 35 years and knew what to expect. I’ve stayed at 3* properties as well at 5*. I have found that I could always count on the Royalton resorts in Varadero and CSM to be top properties and have always enjoyed my stay. This time was different… I booked on very short notice as I’ve had some loss recently and just wanted to get away for some sun and some time alone. The weather was lovely. Beach beautiful as always. Most of all the staff were wonderful. Shout out to night manager José who was so helpful and kind and to Tanya at the buffet that always made my breakfast and lunch experience so great. The Good- Beach is pristine and no problem finding a lounger or shade . I brought bug spray and used liberally but still got bug bites and 2 wasp stings. But that’s not the resort’s fault and the risk you take going to the beach but make sure you bring so potent bug spray Booze- I didn’t drink much alcohol as I was traveling solo but they had everything available and drinks were good Check-in - Was quick and they were quick to provide me with an adaptor as I was unable to upgrade to a renovated suite as they were sold out. Had forgotten my adaptor at home. Staff- Most were really great as usual . Especially the restaurant staff at the buffet . The Bad ROOM-First room I was given had broken AC, broken safe, TV didn’t work. The sheets were full of sand and dirty. The unrenovated rooms don’t have coffee makers either so you have to get coffee delivered every morning if you want to sit on the patio and have your morning coffee. Took most of the afternoon to get these issues fixed but they were addressed. Next day in the early afternoon , I came back to my room flooded in sewage. It was BAD.. had to spend the rest of the afternoon and night packing up and moving rooms. The next room wasn’t much better. The bathtub was moldy and stained, vanity mirror fell off the wall when I went to use it, safe only worked intermittently and required a new battery, outlet in the bathroom was coming off the wall. The housekeeping staff did a great job cleaning it daily and always left new water bottles for me etc. They were wonderful Took 2 days to get a new mirror. I stayed in room 2009 and 2005 and I suggest you avoid them The Food- Ugh … Cuba has never been known for their food but as a former pescatarian who now eats chicken too, I’ve never had a problem. I don’t eat bread, rice or pasta so I am sure those that do probably make out just fine. I did not. There are no sauces except pasta sauce for your pasta and watered down mustard for salad dressing. No mayo, no salad dressing, no ketchup ( except at snack bar ) . Some days there was barely any cheese. The fish didn’t taste right. By the end of the week I resorted to eating small pieces of pizza even though I don’t eat bread. I brought a small container of mayo but ended up running out after 3 days. The Italian restaurant had a salad bar that the night I went only had bowls of pickles and canned green beans. At the Caribbean restaurant I was served a piece of chicken breast that was half raw and gristle. I could not eat it. I hate to waste food and felt guilty most of the time for doing so but it was literally inedible. But like I said if you’re happy with bread , pizza, pasta , hamburgers rice etc., you’d probably be fine here. Also there was butter in the morning but no butter at lunch or dinner any day of my stay. I know there are food shortages but upon talking to people that stayed at other resorts , they had most of these things so not sure what is going on here. I’ve never been disappointed with food at the Royalton before so I was surprised. This resort is showing its age but you can always see them painting the main areas and the grounds are well kept. The rooms seem to be the main issue as far as lack of maintenance goes . I do hope to return to Cuba someday and truly hope things improve for the people. It breaks my heart that they are lacking so many basic needs.

I have been to the Royalton in Cayo Santa Maria several times and highly recommend it so we decided to try the Royalton Hicacos in Varadero this time , and it did not disappoint! There are so many positives, I will try to list most of them here. I know many people are hesitant to travel to Cuba due to the food/shortages but we did not experience them here. The food was plentiful, varied and delicious. Some many a la carte restaurants that we didn't even get to try them all. The buffet was loaded with many options from pasta, seafood and meat grilling stations to a ton of cheeses, desserts and breads. The Italian restaurant was amazing. We had no issues with always having toilet paper, towels, etc. Wifi was available in many parts of the resort. The staff are quite lovely, friendly and spoke excellent english (which can sometimes be an issue at other resorts). Lots to do, if you wish, but also many 'quiet' areas if you are just there to chill. The beach is as beautiful as it appears in the pictures, no photoshopping here! The other Royalton we have been to does not have bracelets which is definitely a plus but the tiny chip you wear on a soft string we actually preferred because you barely felt it and it opened your door and safe which was very convenient. We went with the Diamond Club option and for a few hundred dollars more it was worth every penny. Separate area on the beach (smoking or non available), able to make reservations in the a la carte restaurants and the concierge service are just a few of the pluses. Our concierge Bryan absolutely made our trip. He was always available, even on his day off, attending to every request we had. Making taxi and restaurant reservations in Varadero, delivering specific beverage requests to our room and so many more. He was always available on WhatsApp and responded quickly every time. Hope we didn't bother you too much Bryan!! We look forward to returning next year!

My sister and I stayed at this wonderful resort January 25th to February 1st. We both could not get over how amazing the staff were, from Abel, Chino and Marcelo who were there to greet us upon arrival. Jennifer booked us in very quickly and professionally at reception. Our butlers were Nellie and Eileen who were very accommodating. We booked one of the superior junior suites and were very pleased. We had lots of hot water, good pressure, comfy bed, zero complaints. Thanks to Rapha for the great omelettes in the morning and thank you to Heremes and Tania for their excellent and professional service and advice in the buffet restaurant. Thank you to Pedro at the beach bar for his excellent best Royaltons on the resort. The entire staff could not do enough for you. We will definitely be back soon!

Top of my review is our butler Léo! Muchas gracias, mi amigo! You are the very best that we’ve ever had! Friendly, attentive and always went the extra mile to make our trip special. I would come back to this resort just for you! Laura was also amazing, making our room so beautiful for our anniversary! Always with a smile and a kind word! Staff was amazing! Food was very good - some excellent, admittedly the buffet was so-so. Beach is second to none. Drinks are free pour. Drinking carefully. Haha. Note: currently elevator out of service. If you have mobility issues, check first! 3 restaurants are second storey.