Re: varadero tips and hints

[deborama]

Leaving on Nov 6th-20th.  We are staying at Palma real.  Any hints tips or suggestions would be appreciated!

[flopnfly]

Welcome to the board Deborama !!
 
 Is this your first time to Varadero?  
 
 We've been twice but never to the Palma Real.  
 
 Varadero beach is fantastic, and the town is fun.  You can wander around the shops and bars and the flea market without any worries or hassels, that's what we love about it.
 
 If you're looking to get off the resort at night, there are bars in town and there is the Mambo Club at the Club Amigo about half way along the strip.

[bellagio]

 
 
 A warm welcome Deborama to the happy family here at 7 Days.

[FredTracie]

Hi Deb
  OK everyone, Tracie and I met Deborama in the Dominican last year and this will be their first trip to Cuba, Since we invited them to join this forum please give them some great insights!
   Deb check out renting a cab for the trip to Havana as it may be a better way to see it and not as structured!
 
               :1: ......F&T

[bellagio]

That's great news F&T.  I'd really love to help but never having been to Varadero I know nothing about the town at all, let alone the hotel.
 
 I don't know of anyone on this forum who has stayed at the Palma Real.

[Milli]

to 7 Days Deborama!  You must be getting very excited about your upcoming trip!
 
 We have stayed in the Varadero area twice.  Like Flopnfly said, it is a nice  area to wander around when you want a break from the sun and sand. I have seen Palma Real a few times and it is well located.  My only suggestion for a nice few hours is to visit Parque Josone.  It is a tranquil beautiful park that also houses 3 or 4 restaurants.  
 
 There is a double decker bus that you can get on and off for 5 cuc a day and I believe it runs from 9 AM to 9 PM.  A trip on that is a great way to get your "bearings".
 
 Check out  Varadero Information

[MCB]

Hello and Welcome deborama,
 
 Having been to Varadero quite a few times ..although not familiar with your resort..will give you a few tips.
 1.Use the bus (at 5CUC per person) which you can get off and on for the entire day.It travels by all the hotels in Varadero..great sight seeing.
 2.Visit the Parque Jasone in the town..for some drinks plus they have a great Italian restaurant (home made pasta).
 3.There are several "open air markets" for shopping...plus little shops in the plaza across from Quatro Palmas.
 4.Go to Havana (as someone has already mentioned) for the day or an overnight trip.
 You can book a "formal" excursion via bus or do a "rent a cab" for a personal tour.
 
 There are quite a few excursions offered to different parts of Cuba from Varadero (depends on your interests,time and budget)..and so many beautiful cities in Cuba to see.
 
 I see we're going to be in Varadero while you're there.Our stay is from Nov. 13 to Nov. 27.
 If you want to PM me..and get together for drinks..by all means..it would be fun.
 
 Have a great holiday.
 
   :cool:

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Welcome to the forum deborama
 
 Any friend of F&T's is definitely a friend of ours  :)
 
 I have never been to varadero either but I want to get there one day
 Parque Josone will definitely be on my list of places to visit. Please do check it out as I've heard it's a great place to pass a few hours.
 
 Enjoy your trip and I hope you and MCB get a chance to meet up somewhere for drinks. It's always great to meet fellow forum members on vacation

[flopnfly]

There is also the dolphinarium if you want to swim with the dolphins or just watch the show.  It's located close to Beaches Varadero.  
 
 We spent one whole day hanging around the public beach in town.  Swam, chatted with the locals, watched the fishermen (take some fishing line and hooks and they will love you)we stopped for a couple of Cristals too.  (We bought a cerveza for one of the old locals and he sat with us for a bit, although we didn't understand a word he was saying to us.  )
 
 It was a great day off the resort, and just getting to know some of the local life.
 
 I know that everybody says that Varadero is very commercialized but normal life still goes on behind the scenes.

[JohnnyCastaway]

my fondest memory of that day that Flopnfly mentioned was watching a young guy, trying to catch a crab in the surf with his hands and a small knife, jumping out of the way each time it try to nip him.
 
 still brings a smile to my face.     :)
 
 Definitely head to town on the double decker bus. The beach is down any of side roads from the markets and goes for miles.  When you get tired, and thirsty, head back to the markets for a cervesa, only $1 US at the time, probably 1-2 CUC now.  (anyone who has been lately, please feel free to correct me).  
 
 have a great time!      :1:

[deborama]

Thank-you so much everyone for the warm welcome.  Yes this is our first visit to Cuba.  I have printed off all your hints, and will add them to my book.    

[lizzylobs]

Hi Deborama - we've just returned from our first trip to Varadero ..I'm sure you'll love it   :D  
 The beach is just fabulous .
 As mentioned the double decker does a round trip of Varadero ( 5 pesos each ) you can hop on and off all day if you wish and they announce each stop and which hotel is next .
 The flea markets are great and great for a haggle, do it with a smile and it gets you further   :D