TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I had a very very happy experience in Barcelo Solymar last week . For 7 days staying , I only paid $749 . So there is nothing to complain for that price . I brought my own towels. I like to clean my room all by myself. So I don't need room service most times. I go there only for beach , sunlight and grounding earth energy . I am not there for food or room service . BTY , the lobby in Barcelo Solymar is the best design I have ever seen. With so many lush beautiful Golden Pothos , I am sure the air in the lobby is very clean because Golden Pothos can purify air very well .

We chose the Barcelo Solymar thinking it was a nicer choice than other hotels, but we were very disappointed to find out how poorly managed the hotel is. We never got beach towels, despite being told each day by the reception staff that they were coming; the stairs to the upper floors were never cleaned the entire time we were there (7 days); and most importantly, there were NO non-smoking areas outside, anywhere, so we were constantly exposed to smoke from chain-smoking guests while on the beach (no ash trays were provided so the beach is FULL of plastic cigarette butts, the #1 plastic pollution in beach cleanups worldwide), while having a drink or a coffee to enjoy the music played outside, and even while watching the nightly entertainment in the outside theatre of the arenas blancas hotel, also part of the Barcelo (the indoor disco at the Solymar was really uninviting, and the volume was so loud it could make your ears explode, so we gave up on events there). We visited other hotels in the area while walking along the beach, and they seemed a lot cleaner and better run, so it can be done. No one expects a five-star experience in Cuba, given the economic crisis, but the hotel would drastically improve the experience for everyone if: 1. All floors (including the stairs!) were cleaned daily; 2. There were "designated smoking areas" outside, including the beach, the outside theatre at the arenas blancas, and the cafe in arenas blancas, so that children, non-smokers and people with asthma can also enjoy their vacation and not feel like they smoked a few cigarettes each day; and 3. Ashtrays were provided next to each of the chairs in the (newly-designated) smoking areas on the beach (could be as easy as putting some emptied coconut shells filled with sand), so tourists stop littering the beach with cigarette butts. Hotels should not allow tourists to treat Cuba like a dumpster!

Hello people. Barcelo Solymar is a nice resort. The lobby whit the plants is beautiful, my room front the pool was amazing. The staff is very friendly , Ledays at the front is the best , her reception staff is very professional, Aimy is young but so lovely. Thanks to everybody. I hope to retuns the next year. I have very good memories.

Our stay at Barceló Solymar in Varadero, Cuba was a truly memorable experience, thanks largely to the incredible people who work there and consistently go above and beyond for their guests. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed with warmth and positivity. Amari from Security at the front door deserves special recognition—his smile alone can brighten your entire day, and his welcoming presence sets the tone for the resort. He makes everyone feel happy, safe, and genuinely appreciated. The lobby bar at Solymar was a favourite gathering spot during our stay. The entire bar staff were friendly, attentive, and always in great spirits. Drinks were well prepared, service was efficient, and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. Dining at the Salomar buffet was made even better thanks to Yenis and José, who provided exceptional service. Their kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail made every meal enjoyable and stress-free. The pool bar at Arenas Blancas was another highlight. A huge thank-you to Stephen, Iris, José, Juan, and Hector, who brought energy, friendliness, and nonstop smiles every day. Their hard work and positive attitudes created such a fun and welcoming environment. We would also like to recognize Alejandro and Natasha, who truly go above and beyond to make your stay special. Their dedication, warmth, and willingness to help with anything you need made a lasting impression on us. Christian, who is in charge of the rooms, was exceptional as well. He was always friendly, approachable, and proactive in making sure we had everything we needed and that we were happy and comfortable throughout our stay. Time spent at the beach was just as enjoyable thanks to the amazing team there. Gabrielle, who works on the beach, does a fantastic job and helped make our beach days relaxing and stress-free. At the beach bar, Catherine, our waitress, was absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and always smiling. A heartfelt thank-you to Teresa in Guest Services, who truly looks after everyone with warmth and care. She greets guests with a smile and goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels supported and happy during their stay. For anyone considering spa services, McDalia deserves special recognition. She gave the best massage I’ve ever had, and her skill and professionalism made it an unforgettable experience. While the resort itself is starting to show its age in some areas, this is more than made up for by the incredible staff and the care put into maintaining the property. Everything is always very clean, and the gardeners work incredibly hard. The grounds are beautiful, lush, and meticulously maintained, adding to the relaxing and pleasant atmosphere throughout the resort. Barceló Solymar may have a few imperfections, but its heart lies in its people. The warmth, professionalism, and genuine care shown by the staff turn any shortcomings into minor details and transform your stay into an unforgettable experience. We would happily return and highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for outstanding service and a welcoming Cuban resort experience.

Occidental blanca and Barcelo Solymar is one of the best hotel in varadero near to the down tiwn varadero near Matanza ,the room is exelent ant the services are very good the bech is with clean every night a lot of activitys.