Re: Varadero Hotels...Help!

[sunluvr]

I posted on Debbies, but not getting too many responses, maybe some of you here can help me out...
 
 Well, thanks to Steve's very impressive slide show last evening, my friend now wishes to go to Havana on the next trip to Cuba. This means staying closer to Havana than we did in January at Villa Cova (Holguin). Varadero will be the place and I'm overwhelmed by the options. We're going 4* or better, but even with that, there's allot to choose from. I'd be grateful for comments such as the best beach, best food, closest to town (walking) and the least kids  (just kidding!). I don't recall the location of all of the hotels since my last time in Varadero 2 years ago, so I'm at a loss.
 
 In order of the best prices, here are the options:
 
 Arenas Blancas
 Villa Cuba
 Playa Varadero 1920
 Sol Palmeras
 IB Tainos
 Barcelo Solymar
 
 Basically I'm looking for the thumbs up on the best overall deal...Thanks for any help!

[Crestfield]

Sunluvr, I'm not sure about pricing, but the Superclubs Jibacoa is only about an hour from Havana as opposed to the resorts on the Varadero "strip" that are about an hour away.
 Femaleowl64 just got back from a trip that offered a stay at a hotel in Havana and then the remainder of the stay was at a sister resort in Varadero. Her review is posted.
 Hope this helps  :)

[GefM]

Sorry Sunluvr...I can't help you with the resort thing but here are links to my maps of Varadero.  They're a couple of years old but should still be fairly current.
 
 To view, don't forget to click on the "View Full Size" below each picture.
 
 http://community.webshots.com/photo/54010522/61070579VqMUQM
 
 http://community.webshots.com/photo/54010522/54014040rqbTPP
 
 Also If I remember, the Arenas Blancas is one of the more happening  (young and partying) places in Vardero.  Don't quote me on that.

[Kimber19]

Originally posted by sunluvr:
  I posted on Debbies, but not getting too many responses, maybe some of you here can help me out...
 
 Well, thanks to Steve's very impressive slide show last evening, my friend now wishes to go to Havana on the next trip to Cuba. This means staying closer to Havana than we did in January at Villa Cova (Holguin). Varadero will be the place and I'm overwhelmed by the options. We're going 4* or better, but even with that, there's allot to choose from. I'd be grateful for comments such as the best beach, best food, closest to town (walking) and the least kids  (just kidding!). I don't recall the location of all of the hotels since my last time in Varadero 2 years ago, so I'm at a loss.
 
 In order of the best prices, here are the options:
 
 Arenas Blancas
 Villa Cuba
 Playa Varadero 1920
 Sol Palmeras
 IB Tainos
 Barcelo Solymar
 
 Basically I'm looking for the thumbs up on the best overall deal...Thanks for any help!

Hey there sunluvr,
 We stayed at Barcelo Solymar this past March 2005. My report is posted here and on Debbies.
 The beach is magnificent, clean, beautiful white sand, no stones, no small broken shells. It is a pleasant 7 to 10 minute walk to the markets in Varadero, either on the road, or beach.
 
 This hotel is 4 1/2, food is pretty good. The Italian and Cuban ala cartes also good. Swimming great in Oean or the two pools. Lots of activities planned also.
 
 This hotel is also next door to the Hotel International (as Barcelo uses the International's disco). On the other side is the Arenas Blancas - which looks ok, but not sure about anything else.
 
 If I can help any further let me know.
 Cheers,
 Kimber19

[sunluvr]

Thank you guys!! It took a few days, but I am receiving some feedback finally!  I appreciate the other ideas but JIBACOA is out of the question.  First of all, the price is through the roof right now, which I cannot justify paying when I know what it can and does sell for frequently.  Secondly, we want the shopping, restaurants, nightlife and the bustle of town.  Havana will be a one day excursion.  We looked into staying there, but AI's are hard to come by and expensive!  
 
 Varadero it will be (unless I win a free trip like SHINE!!!)
 
 LOL
 
 
 Kimber, I'm quite liking the sound of the Barcelo myself, I think I'll try to pursuade my friend to give it some strong consideration!  
 
 Thanks to you all