Where to Stay

Varadero has many comfortable well-equipped hotels. Most visitors come here on all-inclusive packages which are probably the straightest, most unencumbered line between you and the beach. Everything you need is a shout to hotel staff away and if you do decide to venture beyond the sun and surf, all you need do is put your name down for your preferred day-trip on the blackboard.

Private houses to rent, so common in the rest of the country, are not permitted in Varadero and your best bet, while here, is to stay at a hotel. There are some houses which rent out rooms, usually for no more than US$30 a night, but they are tricky to find if you are not familiar with the area. If you are gung-ho about staying in a private house, you should considering looking in Matanzas, which is still close to Varadero's beaches. This is certainly a cheaper option than a hotel, although not always as comfortable.

The hotels located in the eastern side of the peninsula have access to the best beaches. One of the most noteworthy is the Hotel Horizontes Caribe, on the Avenida Playa. This is surrounded by discos, restaurants, cafes and all sorts of nighttime entertainment.

The Hotel Meliá Las Americas, on the Autopista Sur, is very near the golf course. It offers a wide range of facilities, including access to a private beach for the exclusive use of guests. The Hotel Sol Palmeras, on Las Morlas Road, is part of the same Spanish chain, Sol Meliá. It is the largest hotel in Varadero, with room for 1100 guests. It too has a beautiful private beach, as well as a fine restaurant, swimming pool and apartments surrounded by palm groves.

The Hotel Pullman, on Avenida Primera, is a gorgeous 19th century building, where you will find accommodation at reasonable prices. The Hotel Club Varadero, on Las Americas road, has all the facilities of a great hotel: swimming pool, sports activities, restaurants, and shops, among others.

Not to be outdone, Hotel Club Med, another favorite, has a private beach and offers salsa lessons. Hotel Barlovento on Avenida Primera, is comfortable and well-equipped, and in the very center of Varadero, you will find Hotel Club Tropical, with reasonable-priced rooms and, as if that were not enough, the Disco Azúcar (Sugar Disco) club. While in the center, you can also check out the Hotel Internacional, built in the 1950s and offering comfortable rooms and spacious apartments. Hotel Tuxpan, located to one side of Club Varadero, has a nice swimming pool, and La Bamba disco.

The Villa del Caribe caters to Cubans and foreigners, and is located very near the beach. Its rooms are comfortable, service is good, and prices are very reasonable. Villa Kawama offers comfortable accommodation and the advantages of a large pool, although its beach is not one of the best. Villa Punta Blanca is recommended for its pleasant staff and the Aparahotel Varazul, on Avenida Primera, for balconies that look out onto the sea, as well as for excellent service. Hotel Oasis on Vía Blanca is a reasonably priced all-inclusive hotel, which has access to the most beautiful beaches in Varadero.

In Matanzas, a good choice is the Hotel Louvre on Milanes street. It is a stunning old colonial building, with a decor and atmosphere which will take you back to the splendor of days gone by. On the Plaza de la Libertad, you will find the Hotel Velasco, also a colonial style building, and very comfortable indeed. Towards the Valle de Yumurí, the Casa del Valle is a health resort that will get you into closer contact with nature.