**Following new *U.S. State department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. The 420-room Ocean Varadero El Patriarca is arguably the most modern family-friendly all-inclusive in the area. Its rooms are truly upscale, its a la carte restaurants don't require reservations (a rarity), its coffee bar serves first-rate brews (not often found at competing properties), and there's great evening music at the swanky piano bar. Unlike at the larger, neighboring Paradisus Varadero, there are no rooms with ocean views, but guests seeking a more intimate environment and more stylish room decor will be happier here.
**Following new *U.S. State department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. The 420-room Ocean Varadero El Patriarca is arguably the most modern family-friendly all-inclusive in the area. Its rooms are truly upscale, its a la carte restaurants don't require reservations (a rarity), its coffee bar serves first-rate brews (not often found at competing properties), and there's great evening music at the swanky piano bar. Unlike at the larger, neighboring Paradisus Varadero, there are no rooms with ocean views, but guests seeking a more intimate environment and more stylish room decor will be happier here.
The 340-room, adult-only Melia Las Americas is a slightly more mature take on the typical upper-middle-range beach resort in Varadero. In addition to its freeform pools and postcard-worthy beach, it offers a location by a tournament-level golf course and an attractive gym with floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms aren't fashion-forward, but they are exceptionally pleasant for a Cuban resort, and most have balconies and ocean views. Five restaurants and six bars provide a wide range of food and drink, and a full theater and a beauty salon give other diversions. Another winning adult-only option to consider could be the Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa.
The 340-room, adult-only Melia Las Americas is a slightly more mature take on the typical upper-middle-range beach resort in Varadero. In addition to its freeform pools and postcard-worthy beach, it offers a location by a tournament-level golf course and an attractive gym with floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms aren't fashion-forward, but they are exceptionally pleasant for a Cuban resort, and most have balconies and ocean views. Five restaurants and six bars provide a wide range of food and drink, and a full theater and a beauty salon give other diversions. Another winning adult-only option to consider could be the Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. As a former monastery, the three-pearl Hotel Los Frailes offers plenty of history and a healthy dose of religious-themed kitsch, right down to staff members dressed as friars. Beyond the tiny lobby bar, free hot breakfast, and loosely affiliated restaurant a short walk away, the best feature is its location near dozens of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions in Havana’s busiest, most tourist-friendly quarter. Each of the 22 rooms is clean but dark, and comes with the essentials of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee-making kits; some offer minibars and balconies. Pope Benedict XVI blessed the hotel during his visit in 2012. Although it’s a bit dated, Hotel Conde de Villanueva offers similar rates and amenities in a more dramatic, sophisticated setting.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. As a former monastery, the three-pearl Hotel Los Frailes offers plenty of history and a healthy dose of religious-themed kitsch, right down to staff members dressed as friars. Beyond the tiny lobby bar, free hot breakfast, and loosely affiliated restaurant a short walk away, the best feature is its location near dozens of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions in Havana’s busiest, most tourist-friendly quarter. Each of the 22 rooms is clean but dark, and comes with the essentials of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee-making kits; some offer minibars and balconies. Pope Benedict XVI blessed the hotel during his visit in 2012. Although it’s a bit dated, Hotel Conde de Villanueva offers similar rates and amenities in a more dramatic, sophisticated setting.
Ramiro’s House is a cozy, sun-filled apartment shared with the owner who resides in one bedroom, and rents the spare room to guests. It’s a modest budget option in a quiet residential area, walking distance to Plaza de La Revolucion, but otherwise well-removed from tourist bustle. Ramiro, a former English professor, is full of unbiased info on sights and culture which guests love -- although there’s not much to see or do nearby, so cabs (or long walks) are required. Guests enjoy the solid home-cooked breakfast offered for an extra charge, and the tranquil rooftop and patio. Travelers seeking accommodations that are a step up and closer to the Malecon can consider Aparthotel Casa Luis y Ada.
Ramiro’s House is a cozy, sun-filled apartment shared with the owner who resides in one bedroom, and rents the spare room to guests. It’s a modest budget option in a quiet residential area, walking distance to Plaza de La Revolucion, but otherwise well-removed from tourist bustle. Ramiro, a former English professor, is full of unbiased info on sights and culture which guests love -- although there’s not much to see or do nearby, so cabs (or long walks) are required. Guests enjoy the solid home-cooked breakfast offered for an extra charge, and the tranquil rooftop and patio. Travelers seeking accommodations that are a step up and closer to the Malecon can consider Aparthotel Casa Luis y Ada.
This 350-room, mid-range Melia Las Antillas is one of only a handful of resorts in the area for adults only. Its beach is beautiful, and 69 of the rooms have ocean views. The property is dated (it opened in 1999), but the pool and theater received renovations in late 2015. It's a step above the (cheaper) Roc Barlovento located downtown, which has more basic rooms and no ocean views. But unlike most Varadero resorts, there's no Wi-Fi in the lobby, just Internet on two PCs.
This 350-room, mid-range Melia Las Antillas is one of only a handful of resorts in the area for adults only. Its beach is beautiful, and 69 of the rooms have ocean views. The property is dated (it opened in 1999), but the pool and theater received renovations in late 2015. It's a step above the (cheaper) Roc Barlovento located downtown, which has more basic rooms and no ocean views. But unlike most Varadero resorts, there's no Wi-Fi in the lobby, just Internet on two PCs.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. This 317-room, 11-story hotel in Miramar is aptly named: Views of the ocean and city from its top floors truly are panoramic. It's a solid mid-range option, if dated and worn in areas, with a big buffet serving breakfast and dinner, an Italian restaurant, and a Caribbean restaurant. Rooms are spacious, if basic and lacking in style, but adequate for the rates. The Miramar location is near embassies but a 20-minute drive from tourist sights, though a free shuttle service to Old Havana is offered four times a day. Lines at the reception desk and waits for the elevator can be long. It's worth comparing rates with the more modern NH Capri La Habana in Vedado.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. This 317-room, 11-story hotel in Miramar is aptly named: Views of the ocean and city from its top floors truly are panoramic. It's a solid mid-range option, if dated and worn in areas, with a big buffet serving breakfast and dinner, an Italian restaurant, and a Caribbean restaurant. Rooms are spacious, if basic and lacking in style, but adequate for the rates. The Miramar location is near embassies but a 20-minute drive from tourist sights, though a free shuttle service to Old Havana is offered four times a day. Lines at the reception desk and waits for the elevator can be long. It's worth comparing rates with the more modern NH Capri La Habana in Vedado.
The lower-middle-range Be Live Experience Turquesa is an all-inclusive resort with a smaller stature at 268 rooms including 26 bungalows. The breezy open-air lobby with splashes of signature turquoise gives an inviting welcome, and the pristine beach and sunny pool are also appealing. But rooms, with drab furniture and some maintenance issues, lack the same charm. Still, the three on-site restaurants, multiple bars, kids’ club, and mini-golf, among other activities, could offer enough diversions that guests won’t linger in their rooms except to sleep. Travelers could compare rates with the Sol Palmeras, another family-oriented resort, though maintenance issues exist there as well.
The lower-middle-range Be Live Experience Turquesa is an all-inclusive resort with a smaller stature at 268 rooms including 26 bungalows. The breezy open-air lobby with splashes of signature turquoise gives an inviting welcome, and the pristine beach and sunny pool are also appealing. But rooms, with drab furniture and some maintenance issues, lack the same charm. Still, the three on-site restaurants, multiple bars, kids’ club, and mini-golf, among other activities, could offer enough diversions that guests won’t linger in their rooms except to sleep. Travelers could compare rates with the Sol Palmeras, another family-oriented resort, though maintenance issues exist there as well.
Removed from the city center, the four-pearl Four Points by Sheraton Havana sits in the tranquil neighborhood of Miramar surrounded by embassies and an ecological park. The area has its advantages, such as ample space for a freeform pool that always seems to have open loungers. A free shuttle also takes guests to Old Havana in 15 minutes. Its 186 rooms, including eight suites, have lovely bathrooms and balconies, some with sea views. But the property does seem to lack Caribbean character, and some maintenance issues mar the otherwise upscale offerings. Travelers looking for a four-pearl hotel with more character closer to the city's main attractions could try the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
Removed from the city center, the four-pearl Four Points by Sheraton Havana sits in the tranquil neighborhood of Miramar surrounded by embassies and an ecological park. The area has its advantages, such as ample space for a freeform pool that always seems to have open loungers. A free shuttle also takes guests to Old Havana in 15 minutes. Its 186 rooms, including eight suites, have lovely bathrooms and balconies, some with sea views. But the property does seem to lack Caribbean character, and some maintenance issues mar the otherwise upscale offerings. Travelers looking for a four-pearl hotel with more character closer to the city's main attractions could try the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here.The 794-room Paradisus Varadero is one of the area's top luxury resorts, and delivers plenty of wow factor, with a stunning lobby, large ocean-view pool, and beautiful white-sand beach. Rooms are clean, with traditional style and free minibar items; the Royal Service rooms are well worth the upgrade. The sprawling layout means privacy and a big stretch of beach, but also plenty of walking or waiting for golf carts. Food is above average for Varadero, if not as good as at other luxury all-inclusives elsewhere in the Caribbean, and the spa is one of the area's best. Those seeking a more intimate resort might prefer the Ocean Varadero El Patriarca, which has more modern style.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here.The 794-room Paradisus Varadero is one of the area's top luxury resorts, and delivers plenty of wow factor, with a stunning lobby, large ocean-view pool, and beautiful white-sand beach. Rooms are clean, with traditional style and free minibar items; the Royal Service rooms are well worth the upgrade. The sprawling layout means privacy and a big stretch of beach, but also plenty of walking or waiting for golf carts. Food is above average for Varadero, if not as good as at other luxury all-inclusives elsewhere in the Caribbean, and the spa is one of the area's best. Those seeking a more intimate resort might prefer the Ocean Varadero El Patriarca, which has more modern style.
The upper-middle-range Casa 1932 is a beautifully restored guest house unfolding like a treasure trove of Art Deco, Nouveau, and antique details all curated by Luis, the larger-than-life owner/host. Its three rooms, each with private bathrooms, are immaculately presented, curated with Old World flair. Categories (and rates) range from Economic, Executive, and Deluxe. Guests rave about the spectacular breakfast (which costs extra); the exquisite decor; the warm host; and the location in a calm, non-touristy residential pocket walking distance to museums, nightlife, and the Malecon. Overall Casa 1932 offers an authentic and unique Havana experience. Travelers seeking a casa stay with a pool could try La Rosa de Ortega.
The upper-middle-range Casa 1932 is a beautifully restored guest house unfolding like a treasure trove of Art Deco, Nouveau, and antique details all curated by Luis, the larger-than-life owner/host. Its three rooms, each with private bathrooms, are immaculately presented, curated with Old World flair. Categories (and rates) range from Economic, Executive, and Deluxe. Guests rave about the spectacular breakfast (which costs extra); the exquisite decor; the warm host; and the location in a calm, non-touristy residential pocket walking distance to museums, nightlife, and the Malecon. Overall Casa 1932 offers an authentic and unique Havana experience. Travelers seeking a casa stay with a pool could try La Rosa de Ortega.