Playa Vista Azul reviews
5784 TripAdvisor reviews
Best Resort In Varadero Hands Down
rod c (Peterborough) on Mar 23, 2024
We have been coming to Varadero yearly ( except through Covid) since 2009. This was our 11 th time to Varadero, first time to this resort. We've stayed in some not so good places and some pretty good places, its Cuba and we absolutely love it there, the not so great resorts we good as well. This resort was by far the best we have been to in all of our trips to Cuba. We booked Premium which I highly recommend for reasons I will talk about. We were brought to the Premium check in area and were met with some wonderful attendants who checked us in, told us what we needed to know for our week and we got settled into our room. While unpacking we discovered one of us had grabbed someone else's small suitcase when leaving the airport. Minor panic ensued, I use a CPAP machine and our power converters were in the bag we left behind and the airport. So, back to the Premium check in are with the bag we took and we were introduced to Arasay Coffi Carralero, the manager of the Premium area. She reassured us that we would get things straightened around, she would make some calls to our Air Canada Rep, who in turn got a hold of the Sunwing rep. She said to us, give me a little time, enjoy the resort, come see me in an hour or so and we'll get things figured out. She also made arrangements to have a power converter made available if we couldn't get our bag back that day. We went back and learned that they had confirmed our bag was still at the airport, they knew who's bag we had and which resort they were staying at. She also said she could make arrangements for a taxi driver she knew to take us from our resort to the resort where the bag belonged , airport to pick up our bag, and back to the resort. For a fee of course but I was more than happy to pay and paid $20.00 more than what was agreed upon. Our driver was Omar, he was simply amazing, spoke virtually no English but we were able to communicate just fine. He helped translate to the people at the other resort why we were there and waited at the airport (long time) while we waited to gain entry back inside the airport to retrieve our bags. So the first day was a bit stressful but Arasay , our travel rep and Omar helped us through it. Arasay, please give Omar our thanks again! So, the Resort: We explored the resort the next morning and oriented ourselves with everything from pools to snack bars, buffet and al" a cart restaurants. We had breakfast at the buffet the first morning, the staff were very helpful and attentive. They had no eggs at the buffet but were making omelets with with premixed carton eggs. It was fine. The snack bar by the pool has amazing burgers and fries. We did all of the al a carte restaurants, we just went to the premium area and they booked us in every evening. We had breakfast at the al a cart restaurants in the main building and in the premium area. They both had eggs on hand. At the premium restaurant I ordered a Monte Cristo sandwich. It arrived with raw egg dripping off of it. I asked the server to have it cooked longer and she said it was just melted cheese dripping down. There was raw egg on my plate, she never returned so maybe she was a little mad at me for sending it back lol. The al a carte restaurants were awesome, food and presentation exceptional, again, best we've ever experienced in Varadero. The lasagna in the Italian restaurant was excellent. The grounds were very clean and tidy, every morning, workers were out cleaning and trimming and gathering up debris. I took hats and gloves to give to them along with some chocolate. I neglected to get the name of our room attendant but she was also wonderful, left pillow art and notes for us every day. They Have Cristal beer in the premium bar, which in my opinion is the best in the world. the staff in all the bars and restaurants sere so very nice, eager to make your stay memorable. That's what makes the stay worthwhile, so hats off to all of the staff. They had the most amazing entertainment in the lobby of the main building in the afternoons and evenings, bands, piano players, violinists and other singers and dance performers. Simply excellent. There are two beaches, both a bit of a walk, one smaller and one larger. Lots of lounge chairs at both. The pools were icy cold but we expect that so it was fine, they were very clean and the pool bar was always waiting with a smile (except one young guy) happy to get you a drink. One thing to note, there is not a lot of shade by the pools but we managed to take deck chairs and find some under a tree. I think the only negative thing there, which we have witnessed at other resorts is the Russian guests. Not all of them of course but the majority. They are very ignorant and rude to the staff who work so hard. They cut in front of people at the bar and at the lines at the al a carte restaurants. Leave garbage everywhere and rarely to they tip the staff. I find that so disrespectful to the the staff. The people in Cuba, and not just on the resort grounds are a wonderful welcoming sort. They are happy to host us so be nice and be kind to them! We're very generous tippers and the staff at this resort certainly deserve everything they get. Arasay, and your staff, and all the staff at the resort, we will definitely be back to see you next February!! Thank you.
Paradise!!
Karen H (roblin, ontario) on Mar 22, 2024
My husband and I just returned from a week at Playa Vista Azul, Varadero. We stayed in a premium ocean view room. This resort should be a 5 ?? Our room was incredible, located directly beside the ocean, the view was breath taking! Very clean, comfortable beds and pillows. The beaches, a small beach on one side and a larger beach on the other. The turquoise water, the soft white sand and several beach chairs is where we spent most of our days. The food was great, a la cartes were a nice way to break up the buffet and room service arrived on time and was hot and fresh. The resort and grounds were so clean. Maids and gardeners really do a great job. Arasay if you read these reviews, thank you. Thank you for making our visit to this resort everything we had hoped for. You went above and beyond. We will be back!!
Incredible experience at Playa Vista Azul
Joe S on Mar 22, 2024
This resort was just beautiful! We have been to Varadero two other times, and this resort is our new favourite. Staff is so friendly and kind, they do their best to assist with your experience, and are always attentive to your needs. Rooms were always clean, grounds are taken care of, restaurants were courteous, buffet was plentiful. Best coffee was at the front lobby. Italian restaurant was AMAZING!! (Get the chicken parm, bruschetta was tuna - love it!! Ice cream for dessert) The beaches were unreal, clear waters, soft sandy beach - there are two, so enjoy both. Hit up the beach BBQ for some amazing lunch. Pools were always lively and fun, always clean and lots of chairs to grab for the family. Overall, would definitely return to this resort, anyone that says otherwise, probably expects too much and is unrealistic in their expectations of what Cuba has to offer. To each their own though, we always had something to eat and drink, no shortages at all, if they had no beer at a spot, we drank something else. Be flexible, be appreciative, be kind! Some info for travellers - please do not bring Canadian coin. Their banks are unable to accept it for the locals to change over. Bring bills only. American is your best bet. They will take Canadian as well, but American is obviously worth more. No need to change over money to Cuban peso. Tipping in $1’s is fine, but they will ask for larger bills at some point to change at the bank. I tipped $5 for the cleaning staff every day, and brought kids Advil/tylenol/colouring books/crayons/candy. Very appreciated. If you do an excursion like the Jeep Safari, bring kids clothes, candy to give out. There will be children asking for items, so please have a heart and give to those less fortunate. They love the Blue Jays, so bring some hats or t-shirts, it’s always appreciated. Excellent overall, I would say this would be one of the 5 star type resorts in Cuba, was just beautiful!! Will be returning, wish I had stayed for 2 weeks!!! ?????????
Great family trip!
RachelWrigh247 on Mar 21, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised with our stay here. We have been to Cuba many times and set our standards pretty low each time. The week we went March 13-20 we did not experience any shortages that I noticed. Drinks and food were plentiful, sunshine all week, truly couldn’t have asked for a better time!
Cuban charm and beautiful views
Trip01912592081 (Ottawa, Canada) on Mar 21, 2024
Playa Vista Azul is a beautiful resort that has access to two amazing beaches, a large pool and an infinity pool where you have beautiful views of the ocean. There was plenty of food and drink options to enjoy, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. They really make an effort to make sure you enjoy your stay. The entertainers also make en effort for kids and adults whether it’s at the beach or the pool. We had st. Patrick day celebrations, Cuban celebrations, and even a birthday celebration for our child. Aside from that they put on great shows in the evening. Make sure to enjoy drinks while watching the sunset at the lobby, where there is usually live music. The coffee at the lobby and Benny’s cafe is much better than at breakfast.