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As I started posting pictures on social media of my stay at the Iberostar Varadero, I could not believe the number of friends who commented about their stays there. Comments on our Facebook page also confirmed it. People love the Iberostar Varadero resort in Cuba, and here’s why!
The Iberostar Varadero is a modest size resort with 386 rooms in 11 building spread out over the resort grounds. It is not a huge sprawling resort, but is packed with amenities and features which many of their repeat guests love.
Iberostar Varadero Cuba Location
Located on the main strip of Varadero approximately 50km from Varadero Airport (VRA) you can expect a 30-40 minute drive to the hotel when you first arrive. The resort has easy access via taxi or happy bus into the city of Varadero and to the Americas Shopping Mall located on the strip.
Iberostar Varadero Resort Cuba King Room
The majority of rooms at the resort are doubles, but I had this lovely King bed in my room. See the video walkthrough of my room here.
You can also get a spa suite which includes a private concierge and a treatment to the resort’s spa. (more on this below). However, you can expect the rooms to have been upgraded to this standard.
The room included the following:
- Hairdryer
- Satellite TV
- Minibar
- Iron/Ironing board
- Coffeemaker
- Safe
- Terrace
A note about locations around the resort: since the beach is located far away and behind vegetation, there is no real ocean view room. You may get a glimpse of the water, but that’s pretty much about it. The location of your room depends on what you like, rooms facing the pool will be noisier during the day and while the show is on. I like being up at the top of the resort in a quiet cluster of buildings, but it meant walking farther to all the amenities.
Restaurant and Dining Options
I was pleasantly surprised by the dining options at this Iberostar property. The buffet was packed with plenty of choices from healthy eats; kid focussed favourites to local cuisine.
A highlight for us was a tasting dinner at their gourmet restaurant which had eight courses of fancy little plates. I had never seen such plating and uniqueness in an a la carte restaurant in Cuba until I started staying at Iberostar hotels. Iberostar Hotels are slightly ahead of the curve from other resorts in the country.
- Restaurant La Dorada a-la-carte (Mediterranean cuisine)
- La Parilla restaurant (a-la-carte international cuisine)
- The Ambrosio restaurant (Cuban/international buffet)
- Manzoku restaurant (a-la-carte Japanese)
- 3 bars: Los Arcos (hotel’s main hall bar), La Rumba Theatre Bar (night shows/live music), La Vitola Bar (cigar bar)
Keep an eye out for the Star Café located in the lobby. There you can grab a snack and specialty coffee throughout the day.
Iberostar Varadero Beach Area
It is hard to find a bad beach in the Varadero area as it runs for miles and miles. The many hotels and resorts are dotted along the long coastline.
The Iberostar Varadero is no different. There are plenty of chairs, grass umbrellas and the beach is wide which means people are not sitting on top of each other. If you like a little quiet, there are a group of chairs designated as a quiet area, and then there are those closer to the beach activities.
Read more: A Look Inside the Iberostar Laguna Azul Varadero Review
Iberostar Varadero Pools
The main pool is massive and runs through the centre of the resort. There is a swim up pool bar in the main pool which gets quite busy through the day. However, we had no difficulty getting a drink both inside the pool and out.
The pool area has plenty of seating both in the sun and shade around the entire pool area. Music plays at the pool, and the animation staff runs activities there in the afternoons.
Read more: Beach life and Boulevards at Iberostar Playa Alameda, Varadero
Children will love the modern kids club waterpark at the resort it is filled with water cannons, slides and more.
The Iberostar Varadero Spa
For adults looking for a quieter pool, check out the Iberostar Varadero Spa. Enjoy a luxurious Rum Massage and then sit outside and relax at this pool which is designated for adults only.
Iberostar Rum Massage
I did indulge in a spa treatment at the resort. The Rum treatment is a standard massage, but the oil is infused with rum. It had a sweet scent as the masseuse did her magic. Just a note, as I find at most Caribbean massages I have had, they use a lot of oil. The massage room has a shower so you can rinse off the oil after your treatment.
Other Iberostar Varadero Amenities
The resort has a gym next to the spa. There is also a beauty salon and an on-site medic.
Iberostar Varadero Showtime
The animation team and staff at the Iberostar Varadero are top-notch. They will ensure you have a great time all day long at the resort and put on some fun shows with dancing and music that will not disappoint.
During the day the resort holds many activities including this fun Cuban-themed day were dancers on stilts performed and a Cuban barbeque was served for lunch.
I really connected with the staff at this resort both times I stayed here. There are lovely and will do everything they can to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
Planning a trip to Cuba, check out more of our Cuba Coverage: Download our Cuba Travel Guides for Canadians
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I stayed at the Iberostar Varadero on two separate press trips one provided by Iberostar Resorts and another with the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.
