TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Our stay at Barceló Solymar in Varadero, Cuba was a truly memorable experience, thanks largely to the incredible people who work there and consistently go above and beyond for their guests. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed with warmth and positivity. Amari from Security at the front door deserves special recognition—his smile alone can brighten your entire day, and his welcoming presence sets the tone for the resort. He makes everyone feel happy, safe, and genuinely appreciated. The lobby bar at Solymar was a favourite gathering spot during our stay. The entire bar staff were friendly, attentive, and always in great spirits. Drinks were well prepared, service was efficient, and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. Dining at the Salomar buffet was made even better thanks to Yenis and José, who provided exceptional service. Their kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail made every meal enjoyable and stress-free. The pool bar at Arenas Blancas was another highlight. A huge thank-you to Stephen, Iris, José, Juan, and Hector, who brought energy, friendliness, and nonstop smiles every day. Their hard work and positive attitudes created such a fun and welcoming environment. We would also like to recognize Alejandro and Natasha, who truly go above and beyond to make your stay special. Their dedication, warmth, and willingness to help with anything you need made a lasting impression on us. Christian, who is in charge of the rooms, was exceptional as well. He was always friendly, approachable, and proactive in making sure we had everything we needed and that we were happy and comfortable throughout our stay. Time spent at the beach was just as enjoyable thanks to the amazing team there. Gabrielle, who works on the beach, does a fantastic job and helped make our beach days relaxing and stress-free. At the beach bar, Catherine, our waitress, was absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and always smiling. A heartfelt thank-you to Teresa in Guest Services, who truly looks after everyone with warmth and care. She greets guests with a smile and goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels supported and happy during their stay. For anyone considering spa services, McDalia deserves special recognition. She gave the best massage I’ve ever had, and her skill and professionalism made it an unforgettable experience. While the resort itself is starting to show its age in some areas, this is more than made up for by the incredible staff and the care put into maintaining the property. Everything is always very clean, and the gardeners work incredibly hard. The grounds are beautiful, lush, and meticulously maintained, adding to the relaxing and pleasant atmosphere throughout the resort. Barceló Solymar may have a few imperfections, but its heart lies in its people. The warmth, professionalism, and genuine care shown by the staff turn any shortcomings into minor details and transform your stay into an unforgettable experience. We would happily return and highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for outstanding service and a welcoming Cuban resort experience.

Occidental blanca and Barcelo Solymar is one of the best hotel in varadero near to the down tiwn varadero near Matanza ,the room is exelent ant the services are very good the bech is with clean every night a lot of activitys.

First let me start by saying I got an amazing deal of $615 for the week, the day after I booked it was up to 775. I will start with reviewing the resort then move onto the rest. The good At first appearance the resort looks nice. A little older but well maintained. The vines inside are very nice. The Beach, plenty of food, staff is very attentive, courteous and attentive from cleaning personnel, servers to cooks to front desk and bars. Plenty of food everyday. Nice pools and plenty of chairs around the 2 pools. You can go to the Occidental Arenas Blancas to eat or drink if you want so choices are endless. There are no bugs on the resort and well my room was clean. If your room faces the street, you can watch the sunriseusA new 1.5 lithe bottle of water every day You are a 12 minute walk from the Beatles bar, good live music. A 5 minute walk to Calle 62 and 60 for restaurants. A couple minutes to a few different restaurants. Outside is wheelchair accessible, there are ramps everywhere there needs to be, even getting to tge beach but after that, no beach wheelchairs with big tires are available. They do rent those electric carts here if needed. The very nice gym. The not so good: As some of the reviews have pointed out, you may not get new beach or bathroom towels. Bringing your own could be a good idea. On the second night, I wanted to iron clothes, my iron was not functioning and it took 4 days to get a new one. Although there us plenty of food and yo won’t go hungry, there is very little variety. Of the 7 days at the resort, only 2 days with beef. Food was lukewarm at best. Got lucky one day and they had just pulled a personal size pizza out of the oven so that was hot. So was the steak. Only lettuce carrots and cucumber to make a salad. Nice to have oil and vinegar dressing. Not everyday did you get a can of Moosehead and a can of Pepsi. Of the possible 5 elevators, only one works so if using the stairs is a problem for you be willing to wait. It can use a fresh coat of paint. Would wonders. Your patio door might be stiff to open The bad: No advertising for what and where the evening shows are. Absolutely zero beach activities. No hair dryer. Some toilets do not flush properly. Some people did not have water at all, no hot water, lukewarm water. For the price, it was a very good deal for me. Would I come back, well honestly if the price is right I just might. All in all it was somewhat what I was expecting food wise except for the food temparature and I did get amazing weather all week, hot and sunny, zero rain. So great beach weather which is what I was here for . Overall out of 5, 3.8. Food a 3 Activities a 1 at best Rooms a 3.5 Beach a 4 Location a 5 Service a 5 Now for the last part which is no way resort related. If you are a snack person, bring your own. Very rare to find chips or chocolate bars. No peanuts or anything else. There is absolutely no diet soda available . The resort has no cola to make drinks at all. No bacon or potatoes anywhere, not a resort issue. People rushing out at before 9 am to reserve beach chairs and not showing up before 11 am or even later. The people with boom boxes…with all due respect, most people have different taste in music so hearing 4 different types of music playing loudly not very relaxing. Slap in your esr buds. Upside no electrify problem. Nov 30-Dec 7 2025.

Our preferred resort for the last 4 years now.... The Barcelo Solymar hotel is close to the boulevard & very handy to Varadero's activities by foot. Our room has always been with a view of the ocean & pool (thank you Guadalupe), our room attendant Yesenia, took great care of us, keeping the room stocked & cleaned. The buffet has a good choice of food, the people in there welcome you with a big smile & can't wait to bring you your beverage of choice. Lázaro, Ivo, Ismaël, Oli (pastry chef), my favorite chef Gabriel (breakfast) & many more.... The lobby bar with Jorge, Julio, Ketty, Ana, LisaAndre & many more, can make great coffees of all types from espresso to iced cappuccino & many delicious mixed drinks... Natasha, the PR person, assisted in making an occasion special to us, that much more special; with supplying a cake to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the baptism of our godson. All the workers here will do everything in their power to make your stay a memorable one. Too many individuals to be mentioned by name that I'd need a page just for their names... but believe me, the people here, will make your stay unforgettable! We're sure to come back soon. Thank you Solymar! ????

I went November 21 to see my husband he is cuban it was our anniversary on 26 I love the location great beach I stayed in room 1222 it had a bad smell but was clean our house keeper did a great job had water every day lobby bar was fantastic the staff there are great my husband and I do not drink so I can not comment on the quality of drinks they did make fantastic cappuccino front desk was very helpful food was ok I found things to eat but I found the temperature of food was not good often cold my husband said the gym needs upgrads but said it was ok the grounds are beautiful view from room was fantastic I would stay here again ??