TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We were at Melia Varadero from April 2 – 9, 2024 and were thoroughly impressed with everything about this hotel. We were greeted upon check-in with Prosecco and then escorted to clean, comfortable rooms. We were a bit wary about the food situation because we know how Cuba struggles with food shortages. Much to our delight the food at the buffet was plentiful and varied and of good quality. My favourite items were the fish, chicken, pineapple, breads, cheeses, and ice cream. So good! We could always find vegetables (cooked as well as salad fixings). We enjoyed all of the a la cartes, but our favourite was the International. We also ate at the snack bar and were satisfied. You will definitely not go hungry at this resort! I know that food shortages are an ongoing thing in Cuba so was very appreciative of what Melia Varadero did to ensure the guests were well fed. The grounds of the hotel and the pools are absolutely stunning. Even the interior of the hotel is amazing. And the beach attached to the resort is beyond impressive - the water was turquoise and clear and the sand white. There were lots of palapas, umbrellas, and chairs on the beach. They had a snack bar and bar near the beach. There were kayaks, paddle boards, and peddle boards available to use. They also had catamarans that were available for a 20 minute cruises (free) or for taking guests to a nearby reef for snorkelling ($20). There were numerous bars throughout the property and many activities throughout the day as well as nightly entertainment. Most staff were friendly and helpful. Our housekeeper, Katia, was fantastic. We had planned to explore Varadero, but found it hard to leave the resort. We did do a classic car tour to Havana with Cuban Compass Tours and had a great day. We did our trip through Sunwing and while being transported to the hotel, the tour guide told us not to change too much of our Canadian (or US) money to Cuban pesos but did say we would get better value for our money in restaurants if we used pesos. This turned out to be false. On our trip to Havana everything was priced in USD and when we asked for the prices in pesos, it was much higher than the exchange rate we received. So we didn’t use our Cuban pesos for anything other than tipping. And our US one-dollar bills were appreciated far more than tips in pesos so I probably wouldn’t change any money to pesos next time. In summary we highly recommend the Melia Varadero. After speaking to tourists at other hotels, it seems to be one of the best, if not the best, hotel in Varadero. We will definitely be returning!

We were visiting at the turn of March and April for 10 days. We didn't expect this to be Aman Resorts of course, but we were not surprised to say at least. The reviews about the food was unfortunately not lying. There is no possibility to choose from various hams, cheeses etc.. They provide around 3 types of each, I personally didn't tried the ham at all as it doesn't look like anything I'm use back home in Europe. You are not allowed to pick those by your own but must ask the staff to put it in your plate, after couple of days we were really tired to ask them 3 times to "add" usually they will pick like 1-2 slides max. and put it to your plate, such a joke for so called "5 stars hotel". They also have literally two frying pans so you can imagine the lines in the morning if you want a fried egg/omelettes. Personally I gave up after 2 days, I didn't want to spend 20 minutes in a line for my boyfriend to be waiting for me hungry. If you want to drink something, you have to ask, no one approach you proactively, even though you ask, be prepped to remind them after 5-10 minutes as it's taking while for them to bring you the drink (no matter the occupancy, once we had a really late breakfast around 9:45 and there was almost no one in the bufet, it take them the same amount of time as usual). There is NO possibility to make yourself a coffee or tea from the machine in the morning by your own. They have some selection of "juices" but if you are used for Granini or even Rauch, you will be disappointed. It is possible to have a fresh juice from the fruit they have there. But don't be too exited, the fruits and seafood was huge disappointing. We thought it will be plenty of that over there. No, calamari, if you were lucky, and the fruit was the same everyday - pineapple, cantaloupe (or it looked like that) and one more exotic type of fruit which I'm not familiar, as there is no label, I can't really say. The a-la-carte restaurant - TexMex - whoever is responsible for this obviously never even saw this type of cuisine nor had eaten it. It has nothing in common with Tex Mex. We wanted order margarita, hahaha not a change. Sakura was fine, but I don't rate the sushi, they really don't know how to make it. The best one was surprisingly cubanian one. We went there our last evening and were pretty sad we left it as the least option, because we actually enjoyed the food and the service. Otherwise the servise is really not that great as everyone talking about here. Specially in buffet, you ask something and it seems they have the whole time in the world to bring it. We had two different VISA debit cards, each of them from different bank. Not a single success when we tried to pay with it. It was told us the internet connection is not working. I do understand it may be un stable but c'mon, we tried to pay multiple times, different days, different times. Don't even bother to bring the cards with you, just take a cash. Positive was the beach, you were always able to find the spot even though we were going at 11:00 and it is really nice area. The room itself needs to be repaired, we had to be careful with the handle from bathroom because it was falling off a bit, the foil on the door from the minibar was peeled off. But the housekeeping itself was fine. We wanted to upgrade to level when check-in as it was strongly advised here in reviews but they were fully booked. So do it in advance if you want to have certainty. We considered the Malia Las Americas as it is on the same area and looking back, I'm really sad we choose this one. I did understand this won't be like 5 stars hotels in Mexico but we still expected more and were hopping people in the review exaggerates.

My wife and I visited Melia Varadero from April 3rd to 10th, and what a beautiful week it was. For context, we stayed here with the Level package and had an ocean view room. We stayed at 3 other Melia's before in Cuba, but this one was truly special. Firstly I must admit this has to be our favourite resort to date. We have stayed at Royaltons, iberostars, Valentins, Sanctuary, Angsana, and this one overall was superior due to the Level staff, management, and the offerings of the upgrade. First, thank you to DG Marco for his warm welcome to my wife and I and providing us with such a memorable week. The Level upgrade was a great plus as they made our a la carte reservations, provided us with any info we needed and the best part for us... the Level lounge and the Tex Mex resto for breakfast and lunch. A special thank you goes to the Level Team, who to name a few were Orlaida Carlos, Yanet, Indania and of course Boris who showed us around the resort and explained in detail all the services provided to us. The service they provided us throughout our stay was fantastic. LOVED the Level bar team: Eva, Luisito, Abraham, Eglis, Yainery, and Mini. We enjoyed our cappuccinos, all alcohol drinks, and snacks in this lovely lounge. LUISITO is an absolute star here. His personality is infectious, and he makes amazing cocktails and coffees, and his card tricks were the best ever. We enjoyed our time up here and had some great conversations with other guests. Also loved the staff at the Tex Mex for all meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special thanks to Contino, Abey the Chef, Elaine, and Lorenley. They made our meals so inviting and special. The lobster will always be a great memory for me. So so good!! A real treat! Also, thanks to Dianeisy for making our 29th Anniversary dinner so special. To our most lovely maid, Yanetsis, who treated us with such special care all week. She responded to all of our requests and kept the beautiful room we had spotless, and well stocked at all times. The food here is very good. We did not miss anything throughout our week. All a la cartes we ate at were all very good. We just missed the Japanese as we've done that numerous times before. Buffet had ample choices for any taste. Loved the pasta choices, fresh salmon, chicken, and pork. The snack bar was basic but good, and the paella was very tasty. The cuban celebration was nice, with lots of food but very crowded and perhaps could have had 2 areas set up to alleviate long lineups. Bar staff everywhere were great and attentive. Lobby bar staff had amazing personalities, especially Roberto. Liked Beatriz and Elainis, too. The beach here is amazing 10/10. The views from the impeccably kept grounds and Cliff area are picture worthy. Lots of seating everywhere. Just wish they had music on the beach. After we left, we heard they did. Hope that continues. Need some dancing down there too from the entertainment team. Weather was sunny ?? hot and made for different beach days, depending on the wind. Seaweed rolled in after a cold front, which is normal but sadly with garbage, but it took 2 days to tidy up, which wasn't the best. It is, however, a most amazing beach with ample chairs and if you need umbrellas, they we available, which was great. Didn't need to get up early here to get loungers at the beach. I found the beach bar and pool bar okay but not stocked for Level guests that well, so we walked to the lobby or snack bar for sparkling wine, wines, or other drinks. Loved the seating areas throughout. It's really beautiful artistry and so relaxing with stunning ocean site lines. The sunset pictures were priceless. The shows ...enertainment were nice. I just wished they had that amazing rockband that we've seen at other resorts. Sadly, I missed the aquatic show due to the weather on its slotted night. To end this a huge shoutout to all the incredible management, the most generous hard-working staff who touched every part of our vacation. The front desk who welcomed us so amazingly. We recommend this hotel to anyone. The beauty of this resort is one we won't forget. We hear that they are upgrading all rooms and should be done in the next year or so. This is a true gem architecturely, an old beauty being restored. The 5th floor Level area is already there. Melia Varadero, we love you all, and this will be our new resort of choice in the future for all our visits. Our new home away from home in Varadero. Again thanks to Marco, Oscar and Boris and the entire team. Best regards Chef Oliver and Loulou Ottawa Canada ????

We were a little apprehensive about going to Cuba this year considering all the comments re shortages and inconveniences. Boy were we wrong. Great time at the hotel - get the Level package (it is more than worth it). The beach staff, the staff in the Tex Mex restaurant and who can forget Luisito and the team in the Level lounge. Food, wine and booze were great and plenty. The bed was really comfy as well, I actually slept in a few days. One further note - there is no need to play the towel game here. Many days we got to the beach after 11 and still found a nice shady spot! The beach guys work very hard! Would stay again.

I had such a fun week here! The food was amazing and the beach was so beautiful. All the staff was so nice and fun! Luis eduardo, Eli and Oscar were amazing! They made our trip so fun. Luis speaks French made it every easy to communicate. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back.