RIU VARADERO: BRAND NEW RESORT
by LoriPori
Tuesday December 7 to Tuesday December 14, 2010
As we were looking for a week getaway spot with hopefully a little sunshine and to celebrate our "39th" Wedding Anniversary, we picked Varadero, Cuba. We had been there three years ago and really liked the beaches there. We chose the brand new five star RIU VARADERO.
When completed, the resort will offer 1110 guestrooms.
The Beach area was smaller than the resorts either side of us, but had loungers and some parasols with bamboo thatched roofs. The staff at the beach are very helpful and bring a lounger to the spot you like on the beach.
The swimming pool area was huge, also with lots of loungers and comfortable pads. There are some sheltered areas (I counted about ten and they were snatched up by the early birds in the morning). There is a swim-up bar in the middle.
There were five bars open when we were there:
Beach Bar
Lobby Bar "Mariposa" - also a Cappuccino Bar was opened up here
Theater Bar "Azahar"
Poolside Snack Bar "Adelfa"
Swim-up Bar "Ortencia"
Our room - #21128 in Pod #21 - was on the first floor as we requested at check-in. We had a huge king-size bed, 2 comfy chairs, one small table, a desk, mini fridge, stocked with 2 cans of beer, 4 cans of soda and a bottle of water. As we were on the ground floor, we had a small patio with garden view and 2 chairs with one small table.
Other amenities included, a coffee-maker, radio/CD player, Satellite TV, Large closets with safe (no charge), iron and ironing board, bathroom with hairdryer and supplies- shampoo, bath gel, soap bars & body lotion. Towels are exchanged daily.
Entertainment:
A few nights there was entertainment in the Theatre. The "Animation Team" consisted of about a dozen amazing young local dancers who put on shows such as "Michael Jackson Night" and "International Night".
In the Lobby Bar, there was an awesome guitar player/singer. And there was also a wonderful lady singer, accompanied by a piano player.
Our package was 7 night all-inclusive with Signature Tours. Included was flight - room - all meals - all drinks - taxes. Our all-inclusive price was $555.00 + 240.00 airport fees for a total of $795.00 CDN per person.