Royalton Hicacos reviews
11316 TripAdvisor reviews
Royalton Hicacos - February 2025
TAScarlett (Niagara, Ontario, Canada) on Feb 14, 2025
Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa – A February Getaway We arrived at the Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa on February 1st and were immediately impressed by the resort’s beauty. The property is stunning, well-maintained, and immaculately clean. One of the highlights was the 24-hour restaurant and bar—always a bonus when you’re craving a late-night snack or drink. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience even more enjoyable. As for relaxation, finding a spot to soak up the sun was never a problem. Whether by the pool or on the gorgeous beach, there was always plenty of space to unwind and take in the tropical vibes. The Reality of Cuba: Expectations vs. What’s Available However, it's important to note that while the resort is fantastic, Cuba's reality means you can’t always get everything you might expect. For example, we couldn’t find Bailey’s at the bars, and a couple of times, mixed blender drinks were unavailable. There were also moments when the busy washrooms ran out of toilet paper. But if you're able to roll with these small hiccups, the experience is still well worth it. It’s the little things that make you appreciate the overall beauty of the resort and the kindness of the staff. A Few Cons: Travel Logistics While the resort itself was excellent, our experience was somewhat marred by a couple of travel hiccups. First, the Varadero airport was a luggage nightmare. Luggage handlers removed bags from the carousel and scattered them throughout the airport, making it incredibly difficult to find our luggage. It was a stressful start to the trip that definitely could’ve been improved. Additionally, the Sunwing representative who was supposed to provide our orientation didn’t show up. We waited at the designated spot but, after some time, I went to the front desk for help. The concierge there informed me that they hadn’t seen the Sunwing rep in weeks. It was a disappointing letdown, especially when we were hoping for some guidance and tips on the local area. Final Thoughts: Would I Return? Despite the minor frustrations, I’d absolutely return to the Royalton Hicacos Varadero. The resort itself is a gem with amazing facilities and service. While some logistical aspects—like the airport chaos and lack of tour rep—were less than ideal, I would still highly recommend this place for anyone looking to relax in paradise. Cuba’s charm shines through, and this resort is the perfect base for your getaway. Can’t wait to go back!
Great experience
Tracy P on Feb 11, 2025
Elaine was our hostess and she did an amazing job!!! We really enjoyed our stay. The beach was fabulous and ALL the staff were extremely helpful and kind. The mosquitos were absolutely horrible!! Bring mosquito repellent and after bite. Otherwise a great experience.
Amazing Cuba vacation
Carolyn M on Feb 10, 2025
We just returned from our first trip to Cuba and it was amazing. The staff was exceptional and very welcoming. Our concierge, Diosdado, was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend this resort . The food was great and the bartenders were so friendly. The beach was gorgeous and it was cleaned every night.
Perfect Wedding, but getting sick was not fun!
ambercarreira88 (Toronto, Canada) on Feb 10, 2025
I am sorry its long but it will be worth it! I got married at this resort in the summer, it was hot hot hot but I love the hot weather. My experience there was overall good, but I will not go again, only because my groom, and most of my guests and myself got food poisoning the night before we left the resort, it was brutal. Anyways I will make this review based on what happen throughout the 7 days we were there. Day 1 We arrived on a Sunday and left on a Sunday. Arrival at the airport was good other than being stopped by customs so my whole group had to wait for us outside with our private taxi, which was already there. it was quick getting through, but for whatever reason these two workers at the airport took us into a room and looked through our luggage, I thought maybe because we had a lot of stuff since we were getting married but I don't know there were other people that had just as much luggage. They went as far as doing a full body scan in this small room. Asking us if we smoke weed if we bring any over because we came from Canada. After 20-30 minutes of wasted time in that room we left and make our way to the hotel. Some of our guests were already there checking in as we got there since they were in the other private taxi we ordered in advance and wanted to get out of the airport as there were a lot of mosquitoes. When we arrived the hotel staff helped grabbed our luggage and took a welcome drink that was already prepared for us. Check in was super quick. We were taking to our room right away in which was a more modern updated room, we got that upgrade complimentary as the bride and groom. My other guests got a regular room which were old and a little run down. No one had real big issues. I know my two guests were scared to turn their fan on as it was shaky and made a lot of noise. Another guest had to change rooms as I believe the AC did not work, but it got resolved super quick. By the time we got there given we arrived in the early evening, it was dark by the time we got to the resort and into our room. I believe we did go check out the lobby bar which was open 24 hours before we headed back into our room for the night. Day 2 The next morning we ate breakfast at the Italian restaurant on the first floor, only time we went there. The breakfast was good nothing special, coffee was okay but they didn't have milk. We actually didn't drink any milk for the entire week we were there. After we checked out the resort we went and headed down to the beach. I was so excited since it was my first time seeing the ocean. We hung out on the diamond club beach the entire week, we didn't even make it to the other side once. I wanted to eat at the outdoor restaurant there but we just got busy with the wedding planning and I loved the DC beach as it was quiet and not a lot of people there. We even had servers come to us and ask if we needed any drinks. Every day they BBQ right before walking up to the diamond club beach, the food was a little salty but the BBQ was the best meal we had there, we even ate there a couple of more times for lunch during the week. They even serve a few pieces of lobster if you asked, and they still have some they will cook it for you. It was Canada day that day so they had decorations and a foam party at the pool it was so much fun. I believe foam parties are every Monday. I booked a welcome dinner that evening with all of our guests. There was a total of 12 of us. We had dinner at the Caribbean restaurant which is El Caribe. The food was terrible. The service was quick. I had the soup which was actually the most decent thing on the menu. Some of my other guests that had the rolls that had sweet potato in it did say they were good but the rice and meat dishes were not good at all. Most of us left hungry and ate at either the buffet or bistro. They did have a singer a violinist and guitarist play a song for us so that was lovely. I am pretty sure we went to the evening show which is at 9:30pm every night. I think we went to almost every show when we were there. I know at some point either that day or the next day the hotel did ask us as diamond club members to come to their DC lounge for a orientation and its well worth it. SO our guests and I went there and they explained the perks of DC and how we can come to the lounge for drinks and snacks during their hours and could even hang out in there. We also were offered an inclusive boat excursion to two islands for one of our days there which we all signed up for. My Groom and I did eventually meet up with our wedding planner Ida and she was amazing. We didn't even end up tipping her since she was off the day we were leaving and on top of that getting extremely sick we really wanted too!! 3rd day It was a more laid back day and preparing for our wedding which was the next day our day 4 there. We even had our own little bachelorette/bachelor celebration in the evening which consist of us having some drinks at the lobby bar, then seeing the evening show then eventually heading into the disco/night club. Night club was super empty plus soccer was playing in there, for the entire week actually so we had to wait until soccer was over for them to start off the music. The entertainer manager I think he is was the DJ he was great and some of my guests got along with him very well. They do need to upgrade their music and its unfortunate with how empty the place was that alcohol was very limited in the disco/club but it was easy to go to the lobby bar and get a drink there and brink it back into the club. 4th day It was our wedding day! We got up had a buffet breakfast which we also had the day before. Food was good, nothing to complain about, I just miss the milk. I would ask for an espresso though and that's all I had for the rest of the week for my morning coffee routine. I believe I ate the DC BBQ for lunch that day before getting my hair and makeup done at the salon but my groom went and fetched it and brought it back to our room for us to eat. We did go our separate ways and they gave my groom his own room to get ready in. We hired a duo photographer and videographer for the whole wedding event so they met us at the salon to take some getting ready photos. Eventually they went over to the grooms room took some photos and then came back to my room to take additional photos of me getting ready. Eventually all my guests made their way to the beach where we had the ceremony. When I was ready to go down to the beach they did pick me up with a golf cart and drove me close to the ceremony location. Weather was perfect. It was windy but that was expected for a beach wedding. I was prepared! After some photos we all headed over to the gazebo for our toast and some more pictures. It was all beautifully decorated. We rented a car so we took some photos with it and then the groom and I took a short car ride to the golf course and went up to the restaurant there and had a drink. Oh I wish I brought my phone to take photos it was a lovely place. We then went back to the resort and I changed into a cooler dress as it was so hot. We then headed up to the pearl restaurant which we ended up getting our own private dinner experience even though we paid for semi-private. We had chicken, lobster, salad, soup and the cake was amazing. We hired a private band as well and they were very good. We had a mic so a few of my guests spoke. I was impressed with the cake it was delicious. The lobster was huge. We had so much food, too much actually. They also gave us a rum tasting stations but most of us do not even drink rum but it was a good option. We all had either water or wine with our dinner. After that I kind of felt like we were all rushed out of there but I understand as we were a smaller group and the evening entertainment was going to start soon. I honestly had an amazing experience. Our wedding was perfect. Oh I forgot to mention while the reception was going on my groom and I did leave for about 15 minutes to get some more professional photos' down at the beach while the sun was setting. It was absolutely stunning. I also forgot to mention I brought some "just married" decorations and left a note for my butler to decorate the room for us before we get back, i think I actually gave her a call and they were up when we got back, she even added some extra decorations and had a "just married" banner on the door. Day 5 We got to pick a room service breakfast for the next morning, it was delicious I just miss the milk with our coffee, and no they don't have cream either. We ate dinner at the pearl and got served steak, it was 10/10. It was a relaxing day. Day 6 We went on that catamaran boat cruise. A guest I think from Russia wasn't too thrilled about it. The boat was small and it was not enjoyable on the main level as it can be loud from the engine and you can smell the gas. Some of us climbed up to the top and it was the best seats in the house we listened to music and enjoyed the breeze!! First they picked us up on a shuttle bus with great AC and it was only a 5 minute drive out there. When we all got on board we went to a island where they had these type of lizards. We made a quick stop there and stayed for about 20 minutes. Then we went snorkeling and headed over to cayo blanco for the afternoon. We had some lunch and went out in the water for a bit. A vendor gave me this shell necklace as a wedding gift although he was selling them for I think 2-3 each. When we got back my groom and I ate at the Mexican restaurant Armadillo I had tacos, I cant remember if they were chicken, but they were delicious. Later on before the evening show my groom and I took a late night stroll along the ocean and found some crabs walking around in the bushes, it scared me, you can hear them walking along the leaves. It was so cool. Day 7 I took a day trip to Havana with my groom and two of our wedding guests. It was so hot. Havana is beautiful, well worth the trip. Our taxi tour driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. He even took us to a authentic non tourist restaurant for lunch. It was so hot, I don't think I've ever experience heat like that even here in Canada. Once we came back we met up with our wedding group for a goodbye/thank you dinner as well as a little celebration for two guests which had a birthday the next day and a few days later. The chef made us a cake for that occasion in which we sang happy birthday. This was at the El Carribe restaurant and service that night was terrible. Food took way too long to come out and they were not very attentive. We had to get up a few times just to see where everyone was. No one really ate as last time food was terrible but I did order the soup again. After that we left and my groom started to feel sick. We thought maybe because of the long day in Havana being in the heat but nope, it only got worse from there. We called it a night and we barley slept. Both of us getting sick out of both ends is not fun. It was the worst I ever felt. I couldn't even control it at times, I was crying. Last day (8) We already had a late check our being a DC member but we also got even a later check out being the bride and groom so it helped as there was no way we were checking out yet that sick!! We checked out at 2;30pm and had till 3pm. That morning probably around 10am or close to noon we finally stopped getting sick. Weak and tired from the night before we decided to call and check on other guests. 9 out of the 12 of us got sick! So from my understanding I do believe we got sick from the buffet. Although the food was good and I ate there for breakfast only, I think one day for lunch. Or it could have come from the drinks. I do know that in Cuba you should only be drinking bottle water even brush your teeth with bottle water, some people have even questioned if the ice was filtered water or straight from the tap. Well it definitely ruined our last day there. We were going to get a couples massage which we had to cancel and spend the afternoon at the beach instead we spend the afternoon around 3pm until 7pm in the lobby cause we all just wanted to leave after being so sick. They were accommodating with a few other guests to check out a little later as they were sick and worried about controlling it so that was great. If you need a shower after checking out they have an area you can take a shower you just need to reserve a time for it. They do store your luggage in the courtesy room and you can go get them later. At least I was able to eat some fries and a ham sandwich before we left home. But I can say I was miserable considering our flight was at 10:30pm and I didn't get home until 4:30am and being up the night before at the resort sick it sucked. When we got back home it took about 2-3 days to recover and feel better. You do get some critters in your luggage from the hotel, no I'm not talking about roaches but I know it can be possible so either wash your clothes right away or wait a few days to open your luggage. So information about the resort overall. The beach is amazing 10/10. Sand is cleaned everyday it seems. Water is crystal clear we even found a star fish it was beautiful. DC beach is worth it we didn't even try and go to the other side and it was very close to our room. They had a private pool in the back of our room building but never ended up using it, but its a nice private get away if you do want to try it. There's a lot of mosquitos so bring lots off bug spray. I do think they should update their music in the disco/club. They have a water river throughout the resort that does help keep bugs away but they should be cleaning it more. The first day it smelled but next morning they cleaned it and it was much better. Don't leave anything out of the fridge that is food or medication, especially if you go there when its super hot. Although I heard rooms on the first floor are cooler then our room which was on the 3rd floor we did okay with our AC at night as long as we had our two fans running in the room. The pool is a nice area to hang out with, the foam party is worth it, they have a different theme show every night at the resort, it was really nice. The resort is not too big, and everything is in reasonable walking distance. The spa and gym are very close together. The gym is nothing special but doable for people who enjoy working out. The spa massage is really nice, the groom and i got a complimentary 30 minutes back massage with our wedding package so we at least got to experience that instead of the full body massage which we really missed out on. The workers there love gifts. We left a lot of stuff behind we even handed out a few things to the workers there as well as a few of our guests did as well. Overall if you are not prone to getting sick and took your travelers vaccine I'm sure this resort is for you. I was told this is the best adult resort in Varadero so I'm gonna take their word for it because i overall had a good time and my wedding of my dreams came true but I will never go back. If you want a more high end resort specifically with the DC club butler service with the renovated rooms, in Cuba come here!! Also one more think Wi-Fi, don't rely on it! Even reception sucked. I sucked it up and paid for the whole week of 120$ roaming fees just to talk to my kids when I could get connected. There are times where you can be connected the whole day or for an hour and then their be days where you don't get a connection at all. One day there was a "black out" around Cuba we didn't know about so I wasn't getting connecting until the afternoon. Thanks for reading this review
Overall loved it.
Jennifer M on Feb 09, 2025
Beautiful resort Clean Felt like a fancy Cuban resort with a butler Beach was beyond beautiful Food was ok I always found something and I'm like a picky toddler Drinks were good (wish there was drink menus ) The om key was a bracelet on your arm that was nice Only real complaint I had was entertainment. While I liked the people that did it there just wasn't enough. And many hours in between there wasn't much for music. I was kind of sad about that. The beach had oldies playing like boys 2 men lol