Sol Palmeras? Party of 10 + 2 kids, comment welcome

[phlatlanders]

Thanks in advance as your comments regarding Oasis Brisas del Caribe were most illuminating.  

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Haven't been to this one Phlatlanders, but I've hear very good things about it. It's quite a spaced out property (the hotel portion and the villas section). It looks very lush, lots of greenery! The main hotel is horseshoe shaped and then the villas are off to the side

[flopnfly]

This is another one of the older original resorts in Varadero.  It's close to the Plaza and golf course and on a nice stretch of beach. 

It gets mixed reviews, with most of the negative reviews reflecting the age of the resort.

I haven't stayed there, but I've popped in to see it, and it looks ok, but you never know.

You will get better deals on the older properties, which are closer to town if that's what you're looking for.

Varadero beach is beautiful and better stretches of beach are closer to town.  All of the newer resorts are at the tip of the peninsula and very crowded.

maybe if you told us what your criteria is, we could help you choose the right resort.

[phlatlanders]

Thanks for the replies.   
It is not so much what our requirements are, it is more about what is available from here. Winnipeg (and likely Sask/Alb) Cuba connections are quite reduced this winter. For example, without onerous connections we cannot get to Brisas Guardalava during spring break. BG would have been ideal for our purposes.
I guess the airlines have forecast that the prairies will be spending less or travelling less this winter but many of us are not dependent upon the petroleum industry fortunes. In other words if we connect via Toronto we could go anywhere but our recent connection (Munich - Toronto - Winnipeg) was a less than enjoyable experience and if you add the always present problem of winter storms and flight connections through Toronto, then connecting flights are off.

[flopnfly]

What about the Barcelo Marina Palace in Varadero?

It's a very nice resort with something for every age range and it's available from Winnipeg in the spring.

[phlatlanders]

Thanks for the BMP suggesion. Too $$$ and too far away. Our younger son and wife were there last spring (3rd visit to Cuba) and preferred Sandals. They liked it (i.e. BCM) but found it quite large and other than the children, they are the youngest of our group. Being the "seniors" and the missus having a bad hip, I think we would choose the Iberostar Varadero if it were just us. We also have the issue of family from Calgary being part of the group and trying to find flights/resorts that we all can get to.
It's sort of funny, but part of the charm of visiting Cuba is to stay at different resorts and different areas so we are open to suggestions. As I mentioned previously, this year our options are more restrictive than the past but that is only a small complaint as we consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to travel.   
Requirements:
1) need a bungalow for family with 6 & 4 yr old. This family also wants a "family friendly" resort. In my opinion that only rules out Sandals and the like as children are most welcome at Cuban resorts.
2) has to be available on the first Saturday or Sunday of Manitoba Spring Break (one of the group is a teacher)
3) one couple is from Calgary and will not be coming to Wpg to join the flights.
4) not the most $$$
5) and last but not least, a phlatlander requirement, the flight to Cuba must be: non-stop, no bloody connections anywhere, period!!

As the senior tourist don't I get the say about 1 thing...

Viva Cuba
 

[Milli]

  Another one to consider would be Blau Varadero.  It is just about the same age as Iberostar Varadero or a bit newer??? and usually gets good to very good reviews.  It is hotel style though and so no bungalows.  I see you can go there with SunWing.  (not sure when your March Break is?)

[phlatlanders]

Manitoba Spring Break starts on Friday March 26 but teachers, as a rule, cannot get that Friday off.
Blau didn't make the list, no bungalows but thanks for the suggestion.

[flopnfly]

What about Villa Cuba?

I know Char and Jammy love this resort and it has villas for families.

It is available from Winnipeg and Calgary with direct flights.  I did notice that the prices are much higher than they are from Toronto.   

[phlatlanders]

Thanks FF. If Sol Palmeras doesn't work out you never know...

[phlatlanders]

We have sort of taken a straw poll and Sol Palmeras is it. Guess I'll post again in late March to see if any other members of 7DiP are going to be there as well.  for the input.