Meliá Varadero

8th July Just came back from Melia Varadero Hotel. Overall very impressed. I upgraded to a The Level Oceanview Room. Room was clean and generally good state of repair. The room made (one morning and one evening) both did a very good job. At the start it was hard to get the fridge topped up of pop, but after a few days it happened smoothly. Water supplied in bottles that were sealed: doesn't look like they refill plastic bottles with tap water so that was good. The room was on the 'quiet' side of the hotel, which was excellent for me. The view of the ocean was exceptional. The main restaurant. The food was okay, better than normal cuban food, but it was the TexMex that was exceptional. Lunch is available at the a-la-carte TexMex for The level customers. The food (fish, steak, etc) was top quality and very well cooked. The worst bit was finding these restaurants. you're given a vague map, but none of the buildings were labeled. I literally sat 20 ft from the TexMex and didn't know it was even there because there was absolutely no signage. The breakfast in the Level 'lounge' was okay. Mainly continental breakfast, with some warm food. I found the room had excellent air-con, but the service was either non-existent or very very slow. In the 10 times I was in there, I only got offered a drink twice. Can't say I was overly impressed with The level reception area either. Quite often the desks were unattended or there was just one person dealing with a line of people. Expected better to be honest. I did find the Guantanamera bar very good. Aldo David took wonderful care of me everytime I went there. The menu is basic, but generally very tasty and freshly made. They need to find more ketchup bottles through as there was never enough to go round. The resort is looking a bit worn down in places. The interior 'rivers' were all dry, the fountain was often not on. Some of the 'rocks' are fake and broken, which just looked bad. However, despite all that, this hotel is generally very well maintained. The grounds are exceptionally well looked after. Some of the worse though: They say there's renovations going on. It wasn't renovations, it was demolition and the area near the pool I round too noisy because of the hammering going on. That stopped me going to the pool most days. The 'shop' in the hotel is poor when it comes to snacks (like chips or cookies or candies). And the pop (Coke) was crazy expensive. In the end, I went to the store at the Plaza Americas (right next door). There the Coke could be bought for 1/3 of the price. Great options for snacks. In summary though it was an overall excellent hotel/holiday. Having upgraded to the Level I just expected it to be a better.

Our visit to Cuba was a very enjoyable time and the staff and amenities at this hotel made it a most memorable vacation. We upgraded to The Level on our first day there and the upgrade was worth every penny! Mario and the entire staff at the Level were outstandingly friendly, courteous and professional. Special mention to Yanet of the housekeeping dept for the charming towel creations in our room on a daily basis. Her friendly and charming demeanor was a welcome treat for us every day! Also of special mention are buffet waitresses Laudet and Julia and bartender Louis. Because of these and the entire staff the Melia Veradera became our home away from home. Daily entertainment, awesome beach, great food, nearby shopping plaza, all the necessary amenities and so much more make this an awesome choice of hotels. Our only complaint was our stay of 7 nights was to short but the next time we will extend that for sure. Thank you for making our first visit to Cuba such a wonderful time!! From Canada with love from Wayne & Irene!!

Melia Varaedro Hotel is highly deteriorated. It is a 27 years old hotel with very little maintenance. Therefore everything is falling a part. There are no rooms in conditions. I visited arround 20 to try to find out a 5 star room. There isn't! Restaurant wihout sanity conditions. Holes in the floor, infiltrations in the ceiling, food dispensing area witout ventilation and faty walls. Constructions in the garden with noise and no safety conditions. This hotel should be closed for reburshing or downgraded to a 3 star hotel!

We ended our trip around Cuba in this beautiful all-inclusive resort. Rooms are clean, spacious and well maintained. Food is tasteful, varied and fresh. A la carte restaurants, to be reserved 1-2 days on beforehand, serve contenporarily presented dishes. Very friendly and efficient staff.

Had an amazing stay for 11 nights. Couldn't fault the hotel in anyway. All locations were immaculately clean and welcoming. Especially appreciated the service on the Level from Luisito and the team. Loved the activities at the pool, evening entertainment and relaxing piano playing of Maria. Highly recommend this hotel.