TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We stayed at Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero, StarPrestige, for a week. There were a few surprises we encountered. Even though it is StarPrestige, you must understand it is Cuba, a pretty depressed country. So, toilets and showers don't work the best. We found water to be scarce overnight, but always working in the am. Our room safe and sliding patio door were not working, and they fixed that for us. But rooms were always clean and stocked with water. Despite our research on power supply in Cuba, we arrived to find it to be 220v. Don't forget to pack some 220v converters, (or whatever you call them). The hotel has one transformer that we were able to borrow for a few nights, but don't count on it being available. Food was hit and miss. The Italian restaurant ended up being really nice. The StarPrestige allows you to (other guests cannot), use the Panorama Miramar (11th floor) bar and restaurant, which, for the most part, was decent food, and WELL worth the view!!! Staff were OUTSTANDING. Tipping is very much appreciated. We are from Canada, but did arrive with mostly American $1's. Extra tips always given when the staff went above and beyond. We went out of our way to offer kitchen staff some tips also, as they don't get many. Housekeeping was tipped generously. Maintenance staff were ALWAYS given tips too (even just a buck or two) when they helped out. Banks in Cuba won't accept well-used bills or coin. We offered to swap new bills for old. So bring fresh bills to help them out. Again, it is very much appreciated by staff. Wonderful people working there. Friendly and excellent service. Sadly, for everyone, we encountered some very ignorant, entitled tourists that expected grand accommodation, treatment. We found the more entitled, the less they offered a thank you or tip, and certainly unappealing to any and all around them. If you can afford a trip, and even because it is all-inclusive, surely you can afford a few tips. Please keep that in mind. Now, on to the beach. What a fantastic beachfront. Some small rocky areas, but for the most part it's gorgeous sand. Water is the most beautiful colour I've ever seen. If you get a really windy day, the surf can be quite rough. Of course, red flag - warning, green flag - good to go. Extra activities available (sailing etc), but the daily beach/water dancing lessons were really fun. Beach staff are really great. We tipped them too. We wanted to highlight a few individuals who truly offered wonderful service. The staff at the Panorama restaurant and bar are so kind, helpful, and work so hard for guests. Roxana and Dayana took care of us in the bar and Panorama restaurant. ALL the staff work hard! Lastly, Diana is the Iberostar StarPrestige (well worth the extra$!!!!) representative who helped with any inquiries we had. Absolutely WONDERFUL, INFORMATIVE and EXPERIENCED! We already miss her. Thank you to all the wonderful staff that made our trip so great. We are already planning another visit!

Very pleased with the resort overall. The staff score a 10/10 for efficiency, friendliness and communication. The buildings do need some updates. The entertainment was excellent. Wifi has been sketchy at times but no problem when you’re on vacation. Will definitely return!!!!

Be aware that Cuba after covid has gone down in all aspects. People still helpful and nice. This hotel is 7 years only but lack of eveything it looks like 17 years old if not more. All inclusive here means all meals same same same. If you dont like chicken you in trouble. Buffet is basic but problem is chefs dont know to cook prepar and take care of what groceries available. There is a called gourmet restaurant at top floor  for 27 dollars per day. But serves same food as down stairs buffet. Its a rip off basicly.  Lobby bar is a almost open area and only bar in eveni ng and when windy put on your jacket. Staff specially in pool area very attentive and sweet. Overall music is very loud if not horrific sometimes. Dj's probably deaf. This hotel is not a value for money. Stay away if you want something that is all' inclusive of value. Food is the major factor for not book this place

Had a great time, the people are amazing, the beach it’s beautiful, Javier and Arabyl treated us very nice, they solved all our problems. Very clean hotel. Definitely we will come back to Cuba and to this resort .Very recommended, you all need to come.

very great service. our star prestige host, Diana was excellent she took good care of us…………………,,,,,, ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????