TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We’ve been to Cuba many times and this is by far the best resort we’ve been to. As soon as we got there getting off the bus all I could say was wow. The lobby was very clean and had a big open space with very high ceilings and comfortable chairs. Front desk greeted us with a smile and service was very quick and very friendly. ROOMS We had two attached rooms and they were very typical resort rooms. Cleaning services were great. Saw a few bugs here and there (Not cockroaches) but that’s the case in any hotel you go to in Cuba. GROUNDS Definitely the best kept grounds we’ve been to in Cuba. Staff constantly working to make it look good. Pools were amazing and cleaned daily. BEACH It’s no secret that Cuba has some of the best beaches in the world and Laguna Azul was no exception. Absolutely beautiful is all I can say. Crystal clear water and white sand. Always clean and organized. ENTERTAINMENT Well other than the beach this was the highlight of our trip. The shows and plays were fantastic. Nightly party with a dj on the lobby terrace which is where we spent every evening from sundown till 1am. My wife and kids and I would be exhausted by about 10 o’clock but we just could leave. The entertainment crew is the best we’ve come across. Daniel spends all evening talking to guests and making everyone feel welcome. And the host Yandy is the life of the party. Making jokes, singing and dancing all night. it was just fun to be in their presence. Will definitely be back to this resort.

Stayed for two weeks Nov 2- 16th during the hurricane, which from where we were was no more than a windy rainy day. Hotel staff were extremely pleasant and busy and attentive , new management were always present , listening to concerns and actioning what was in their control to satisfy concerns. They had good entertainment, plenty of food which varied, some days better then others, they were trying out New Mexican dishes which was nice and there were new tastes in the buffet, The ala’carts were spot on and a nice break from the buffets. Our room was clean, they are a bit dated and definitely need some love but it’s rustic for us , the beds are the most comfortable I’ve ever had, we seen lots of renovations going on in other rooms and throughout the resort so looking forward to our next trip to see what the the hotel has accomplished.

acation | Friends This hotel is really amazing. The workers are so friendly. i’ve loved my time here, the staff, bars and entertainment is amazing. The guys are so funny and make your trip better. never a dull moment here ??. For sure we gonna comeback one day.

First things first, I have been to Cuba MANY times...I know (as a Canadian) you have to lower your standards a bit, you don't expect much food -wise, you go for the beach, safety, people, its cheap, etc...HOWEVER: I am writing in regards to my recent trip to Varadero Cuba the week of August 23-30, 2024. We stayed at the Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul which is rated a 4 Star hotel. This is NOT a 4 star hotel by any stretch of the imagination... Good: Outside the pools are great. If you have kids, they will love it. The beach is also fairly close - simple, beautiful...you will enjoy that as well. Bad: This hotel is nothing close to a 4 Star Hotel...the main lobby is nice, beyond that the rooms are really dated, and hope for the best in regards to working AC, water, toilets. If you get all three - WOW, you are lucky. Other guests told me horror stories... A significant amount of the hotel staff were rude...that was the most shocking part of the trip. They EXPECTED tips for everything, all the time, everyday... The food, you are not going to starve to death, but you are not going to get fat either, that's for sure. Caribbean fresh fruit was a treat...There were multiple guests that we met that became ill due to food poisoning, my partners son got food poisoning that last night of our trip - which made for a horrible travel day. One day we ventured out to eat local - only to be shocked at the dual menu policy in Cuba: One menu for tourists in USD, and other for locals in pesos. We went to a "highly rated" place called Mohito's - DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. We waited 3 hrs for some tacos and some fish that cost me $100USD...HORRIBLE BLATANT RIPOFF!!! From a security perspective we were placed at the far end of the hotel (family rooms) in which none of the lights in the very long hallway were functioning. In the evening - the hallway was pitch black. Very unsafe and very unsettling - even after multiple requests to fix the lights, some lights. One of our bathrooms did not work. The hotel is old, dated...none of the security boxes worked...terrible. The worst ripoff (and frankly dangerous) experience was the Air Canada Vacation promoted catamaran/snorkeling trip. The catamaran trip itself was nice, along with lunch at the deserted island (the BEST meal all week, by far). However, the snorkeling was non-existent (dead bleached coral, no fish) and there was ZERO supervision or life vest equipment given to the passengers/snorkelers entering the 15 feet deep water. Many kids, many compromised (i.e.: not strong) swimmers entered the water with nothing more that an optional floaty wrapped around their waist. Very crowded...It was shocking, very dangerous...someone will drown one day. I have been to Cuba many times (I.e.: I know what to expect) - but advertising vacations/hotels that are grossly subpar and upselling very expensive excursions that are outright dangerous is not acceptable. Air Canada (and others) are damaging their brand selling these garbage vacation packages and more concerning dangerous excursions. Cuba has lost its way, its no longer cheap enough to put up with all the BS described above...very sad. Recommendation: Spend a few bucks more - and eat well, drink well, have a great time. Time is finite - don't waste precious vacation/down time being miserable...

I had an amazing time at this hotel. My family and I loved everything! I highly recommend. Cozy rooms, friendly staff, serene atmosphere and customer service, fun entertainment/pool. I especially loved the service that the chambermaid Yanelis Vega provided to us. She was very attentive to our needs and made sure that our room was spotless. Our room was always very clean. She was also very nice to us and is such a hard worker. She made our time in Cuba extremely nice. Very much appreciated! Thank you very much Yanelis.