Hotel Riu Varadero

BRAND NEW RESORT

by LoriPori about RIU VARADERO

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.

LOVELY VARADERO CUBA

by LoriPori

"VARADERO"

Sunday, November 11 to Sunday 18, 2007

Varadero began to be developed as a vacation Resort in the 1940's, but in the last ten years, its network of hotels and facilities have diversified and grown. Its main attraction has always been its marvelous beaches and has exceptionally good conditions for scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, yachting and other water sports.
VARADERO is part of a peninsula that juts out into the calm waters of the Atlantic. It's a 21 kilometre strip of fine white sand and is constantly cooled by tropical breezes. Average year-round water temperature is 24 - 26 degrees C.

Tuesday December 7 to Tuesday 14, 2010
Hans and I again spent a week in Varadero, staying this time at the brand new RIU Varadero.

Hanging out

by magixr

Not all Cubans are free to associate with visitors. They are under the scrutiny of the local authorities. In the government's efforts to curb prostitution, any public display become cause for the police to investigate the Cuban person involved. Be aware they could suffer incarceration for having entertained your attention.
Family associations are less problematic as opposed to male/female encounters.

The US trade embargo makes things difficult...

by Camping_Girl

Bring large cups with you (such as a coffee go mug) for drinks at the bar. All of the hotels use tiny plastic cups and you will constantly be running back for refills if you don't bring something larger with you! The staff are quite accustomed to this, and don't mind using your cups. Don't plan on doing a lot of shopping for anything besides souvenirs in Cuba. Bring good clothes and comfortable shoes with you. Bring any toiletries and medical supplies that you would like to have with you; you will find it difficult to purchase any of these necessities in Cuba. Sunscreen is difficult to purchase in Cuba and is very expensive if you do find it. If you tend to have a sensitive tummy, it would be wise to bring a box of Imodium and antiacid with you too...

If you'd like to tip anyone at your resort, over the counter medication, such as Tylenol and Children's Tylenol, are very much appreciated. Many street vendors will accept it in lieu of cash. Soap, shampoo and tooth paste are also greatly appreciated. Candy is a big hit too. Again, you will be hard-pressed to find any electronics in Cuba. Make sure you bring everything you need with you, including film and batteries!

If you really enjoy your condiments - such as ketchup or peanut butter or jam - you'd best bring a jar with you. The ketchup they have in Cuba is awful and PB & J are almost unheard of. It's generally a good idea to pack a beach towel with you, since many of the resorts charge a refundable deposit for their beach towels.

If you are in Cuba during mosquito season (April through October) bring insect repellent - the mosquitos are TERRIBLE!! Cash - bring your cash with you from home. You exchange your cash at a bank or cadeca in Cuba. There are no ATM's, period. If you run out of cash, the best you will be able to do is to get a cash advance on your credit card at a bank. Speaking of credit cards, make sure yours are not affiliated with a US bank (American Express, Diner's Club, MBNA, Chase Morgan, Capital One, most Credit Unions) as these are not accepted in Cuba. So what is accepted? For a Canadian, any credit card issued by a major Cdn bank - RBC VISA, BOM M/C, Scotia VISA, CIBC VISA, TD M/C will be accepted with no problems.

Just some travel basics

by nofear75

Make sure your luggage has enough space to bring back some great statues Sarong, bathing suit, teva sandals Asprin, toliet paper (you need it as soon as you land at the airport), SPF, aloe gel, diarreha medication Bring a travel mug and little gifts for the staff and locals