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Melia Varadero, Cuba Review |
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CUBA - MELIA VARADERO
Reviewed by
Loraine Troppmann - Calgary , Ab
WILD ROSE TRAVEL CLIENT |
Click image to enlarge | Looking for a relaxing, do nothing holiday, then this is the place for you. The Melia Varadero is a 4+ Hotel. Remember that Canada's 4+ are more elegant but the rooms are very comfortable and clean. There is air conditioning, 220V outlets, small safe and bar size fridge. They do supply you with bottled water every day. The ocean view rooms are fantastic and the scenery will take your breath away. The all-inclusive is the only way to go in Cuba. The 4+ hotels will ultimately affect the food that you eat. The buffets that were set up were out of this world. A large variety of food to choice from.
There are also 3 other restaurants that you can choose from if you do not want the buffet. Two of them you order off a menu and the other one that is located in the courtyard offers seafood paella. There is a bar set up in the pool area where rum punch was my favorite. The important thing to remember is to tip the staff a little everyday, as your service will be better. You will also be helping out the staff, as their earnings are very low. All of the staff was fantastic, very friendly and willing to help you out at anytime. |
Click image to enlarge | Cell phones are not allowed in Cuba and calling cards do not work. You can purchase a gov't phone card but that cannot be used at the hotel. There is a small shopping mall approx. 11/2 blocks away where you can use the pay phone there. This mall also has a grocery store & this is where we bought our Cuban coffee. It also has a bank, liquor store (good for rum) and a variety of restaurants and small shops. You can use the phone at the hotel and charged approx. $2.50/min. very expensive so keep it short and sweet when calling home.
The beaches are spectacular and take your breath away. You can lounge at the pool or beach area. You are given a tower card and make sure that you return your towel everyday or you will have to pay $10.00 US for a new one. Remember your sunscreen has the sun is very hot.
The hotel has various activities you can participate in and depending on your tour company there are different tours that you can take. They are fairly expensive but if you like snorkeling etc. do take advantage of them. The hotel has varies night shows that are very good to see. The 3-al la Carte restaurants to choice from do take advantage of them, Chinese, seafood and International. Make sure you book these when you arrive at the hotel as they do fill up quickly. Do the International restaurant last as this is the best one.
We took a trip to La Habana by taxi. This cost approx $120. US return. (2hrs drive one way) If you like to take tours then do take advantage of this as the city is quite nice.
There is a lot of poverty in Cuba so be prepared.
Overall the holiday was very relaxing and stress free. |
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