TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We just got back from a week here but understand the hotel was only just over half full so base the review knowing that. We looked at reviews before leaving and they were mostly correct. We booked a poolside bungalow based on reviews and it was excellent close to everything and only a hundred more for the entire trip. The pool is big and warm and we had no problem getting chairs by the pool or the beach. The beach is probably the nicest I've ever been to and I've been to Hawaii and the Caymans. No seaweed like east coast Mexico, crystal clear water with a gentle slope and small waves. You can do a snorkel on the small Catamaran from the beach for $20 US each or $25 Cad and it was amazing. The food like everyone has said can get repetitive but had no problem finding something to eat. Fresh cooked pasta stations, meat stations and omelet stations(powdered eggs though). Some days they would have lettuce some days not, same with tomatos etc. They always had bread, pineapple, watermelon, pancakes. You will not find hamburgers, chicken wings etc. They had fries once in a while for like 30 minutes at the beach bar 2:30-3 but again not a big deal, you won't starve. They had a singer, band or deejay from like 7-9 just outside the buffet and then a show in the theater. I felt sorry for them as few people watched but they always got like 10 people dancing but the resort was half full. You can get cappuccino and other types of coffee at the Lobby bar as well as sparkling wine and other drinks, it was always the best stocked. George at the beach bar was my favorite, always pleasant and easy to talk to. You can take out kayaks, they had pellet gun shooting, dart contest etc. so always something to do. The staff were all excellent. Please don't go here expecting Mexico. Go down to Varadero to eat. We had two lobsters for $20 at one of the restaurants. Also booked an old car for a day trip to Havana which was only $130 US for the entire car and they took us to a restaurant up on the hill by Che's house that was excellent food. $38 US for lobster, shrimp, fish, chicken all you can eat rice, beans and salad and amazing food. Also, did a coral beach snorkeling, Saturno caves tour for $50 each in the same old car. It was only $50 for the car then $15 each to snorkel tour and $5 each to get in the cave and swim. Crazy cheap compared to Mexico. Bring cash though as restaurants will not take Credit Card. We actually ran out of cash and didn't know the snorkeling was extra price so the old car driver paid for our snorkeling and we used our visa to fill his car up with some gas. That was an experience in itself:) The dolpherium is right next door but we didn't do that as not a fan of treament of dolphins. We walked over at like 7pm to check it out and the door was wide open no one was there so we walked right down on dock and dolphins came right up to us when we put our hand out. Finally a guy comes down but he wasn't really mad, I think he forgot to close the door:) Anyway ignore the bad reviews unless you a big food person or just go out and eat lots with the money you save going to Cuba.

Very nice stay also thanks to Vladimir super trainer and all the staff Buildings pretty ok, beach structures amazing cubanians people are friendly and always smiling, it makes you feel much better spending time with them We will be back soon!!!

This was my first time to Tainos and I can't wait to return. What sn amazing week. The food, the service and the ambience were all excellent. Our poolside bungalow was worth the extra money. The lobby bar and the pool bar staff prepared the best drinks. A big special thank you to Yariana, Maday, Yahma, Dubiel, Fiallo, Roberto, Pedro, Kenia, Amanda, Elvis, Pedro y Julio.

This was our fifth time to Cuba and third time to Iberostar Origin Tainos. It is a gem of a resort. Small in size but big in hospitality and friendliness. It has one of the nicest beaches in Varadero. The grounds are clean and well kept. The rooms (bungalows) have ample living area and closet space…A/C, fridge, hair dryer, iron, shower (plenty hot water) and bidet. (Plenty hot water) And the TV has good reception and approx 35 channels (some english). The food was diverse and abundant. Pork chicken and fish cooked to perfection. Cheese and vegetables galore. Plenty of pastas and delicious fresh bread and desserts. The hotel’s rating on Tripadvisor is 100% accurate. In all fairness, if you see negative reviews, keep in mind ‘It’s Cuba’. This hotel does the BEST with the resources it has. For me, Tainos will give you the most value for everything you get. I would recommend!

Love the Resort food was good rooms bungalow needs TLC but OK the only thing that was really upsetting was the store on the resort won't accept Canadian dollars only American dollars or Credit card come on ....why is that no Americans there, we wanted to buy a bottle of water no can do with Canadian dollars that really pissed us off. Staff was super love all of them.