TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

This was our first trip to Cuba and we travelled as a family of 4 with a 5 and 3 year old. We checked in on New Year’s Day. Overall I would say the hotel was ok. We paid for premium to be close to the beach, we could get to the main pool and the buffet/ restaurants in under a 10 minute walk. Room: our room was ready at 4pm, we had 2 double beds and a cot. The room was fairly clean, we did have to ask for housekeeping to come because the mirror had not been cleaned and there was toothpaste on it. The beds were very old, we could feel the springs in our back. Even the kids mentioned the bed was uncomfortable. We only had 2 beach towels for 4 people, so we had to request more and were given 2 more. Bedding was not changed for the duration of our stay. We got new bathroom towels once. We were given new water bottles each day. We had hot water each day. Food: we had low expectations coming in and I am happy we did. Breakfast was the best meal as they had an omelette station and pastries. Snack bar was meh. Hot dogs and pasta were always available and they were edible. They had chicken wings one day which were awesome, they had pizza one day too that looked great. Dinner at the buffet was ok. The restaurants were better but go in with realistic expectations. We brought lots of snacks for the kids and we are happy we did. A few days they had a bbq down by the beach and it was amazing, pork and a bunch each day and usually some veggie options. It was the best lunches that we had. Drinks: drinks were very limited and the mix was watered down so very strong rum flavour. The rum punch or beer were the best drink options. They often had sprite for the kids but that was about it. Beach: we spent lots of time at the beach and loved it. There was music at the beach, go early to get a spot. Water was very clear. There were lots of people selling on the beach but everyone was respectful. Pool: more of a beach person but spent some time at the pool, it was decent. Water was cold in the pool but the first 2 days the weather was cold so pool likely just needed some warmer weather to warm up. Overall cleanliness: this was probably the biggest issue I had. The public washrooms in the lobby, restaurant and at the pool were not well kept. Likely plumbing issues but they always stank. Like my kids would not go in because we all had to hold our breath. There was hardly ever toilet paper available. The women’s washroom at the pool had no toilet seats. When we went to the pool our first full day there someone had thrown up on the pool deck at night and it was not cleaned up until 11-12 the next day. It was disgusting and really off putting. It was seen by multiple staff and not cleaned up. Empty drinks were also not picked up, of course people should clean up after themselves but it was annoying that staff were also not cleaning up. Staff: the staff were all very kind and helpful, they were wonderful with my kids, always welcoming them, high fives, napkins made into flowers. We truly appreciate all the amazing staff there. Notes: bring bug spray, lots of mosquitos. Bring condiments if you like them, they did have some available but not guaranteed. Would recommend lots of snacks for kids or if you are a picky eater. If you need cutlery for your snacks, pack them. The buffet would not let you leave with anything. Final thoughts: I have never travelled elsewhere in Cuba but this is not a 5 star hotel overall, perhaps in Cuba. I would say a 2-3 star is more realistic. We did have a lovely vacation. We spent majority of time on the beach and were more than happy with the beach. The people were fantastic.

It's one of the hotels I've stayed at, and the staff is one of the best, especially the entertainment team. The gardens are beautiful, everything is clean, the pool is lovely, and they have many themed events like Canadian Day and Cuban Day. And the person who impressed me the most was Gold Teeth, and I will definitely return

This is my second time to Grand Memories Varadero. I HIGHLY recommend. The rooms are CLEAN. AC works. Food is delicious. Everyone is so friendly. Hayla and Roxanne are fabulous Butlers. This resort has everything you need and feels and is safe. Only thirty ish mins from hotel. ??

TERRIBLE!!! SERIOUSLY!!! Book anywhere else !!! Place is run down , no hot water in our room the whole week, food not even edible , lack of activities to keep you busy, AWFUL.. 2 Cockroachs in room , customer service is terrible except for a couple staff . Most could care less. Beds are like prison beds hard as a rock . Toilet paper shortages, dirty public bathrooms, pools are freezing cold and dirty. Towel hut was never open when we needed . The list goes on ... not at all a 4 star resort like it's described as.

We had a wonderful time on our 30th anniversary this past December at the grand memories in varadero, the food was good but the special dinner arranged by our lovely hostess Yamaysi was fantastic. We stayed at the sanctuary but used most of the facilities at the grand memories. All the staff went out of their way to make sure our trip was special, especially Natalie, Norge and Micheal. I can't wait for our next trip there.