we stayed here for a week after visiting havanna for 3 days prior. From a melia we expected it to be 5 star and mean it. I loved the place from walking in allthough the staff on reception are somewhat laxidasical. We were shown to a room, lovely decor but unfortunatly it had a odour of a old musty kind that was not acceptable, we were then shown to another room on a different side of the hotel wich was identical in decor but unfortunatly the same smell was present, I would say maybe a little worse there was also some damage to the furrniture and a genral sence of unkeptness i.e wonky pictures&stains on the sofa. We were eventually moved, on the same night to a room on the level which is the top floor, there is an option to upgrade upon check in for a extra cost. These rooms are by far the best so ook thenm or upgrade when you ght there if possible. They include access to a private VIP bar and restaurant and give you extra toiletries ect in the bathroom also bathrobes and slippers. The Level has its own reception with concierge service and you can book you al al cart dining there too.You get 3 didnig al a cart experiences if you stay here without staying in The Level which you must book everyday between 9-4 with the lady on the bottom floor,...we stayed here for a week after visiting havanna for 3 days prior. From a melia we expected it to be 5 star and mean it. I loved the place from walking in allthough the staff on reception are somewhat laxidasical. We were shown to a room, lovely decor but unfortunatly it had a odour of a old musty kind that was not acceptable, we were then shown to another room on a different side of the hotel wich was identical in decor but unfortunatly the same smell was present, I would say maybe a little worse there was also some damage to the furrniture and a genral sence of unkeptness i.e wonky pictures&stains on the sofa. We were eventually moved, on the same night to a room on the level which is the top floor, there is an option to upgrade upon check in for a extra cost. These rooms are by far the best so ook thenm or upgrade when you ght there if possible. They include access to a private VIP bar and restaurant and give you extra toiletries ect in the bathroom also bathrobes and slippers. The Level has its own reception with concierge service and you can book you al al cart dining there too.You get 3 didnig al a cart experiences if you stay here without staying in The Level which you must book everyday between 9-4 with the lady on the bottom floor, we did not do this as you can book your didnig choice through The Level reception if you are staying or paying in thoses rooms.
The Level bar&restaurant is lovely with panoramic view over the fromt and back of the hotel, the food is good as it is all served al a cart, even breakfast! It makes your day to sit on the balcony in the morning and have your breakfast served to you in the sun befor you start your day. All the stall at the Level are fantasic, concierge Michael is very good as is the 2 male members of staff in the bar&restauraunt, sorry didnt get their names. The menu doesnt change but the food is of a good satndard and includes lobster, chicken, duchess fish fillet and beef. The wine is good and the sevice is impeccable. Other restaurants include,
Don Ernesto LATIN - a lovely setting but bland food. Nice wine and good service.
Casa Bagueete FRENCH - better food than don ernesto but by no means frech classic. Nice wine and again, good service.
BANA: ORIENTAL - restaurant, by far and away the best food of them all, set menu, cant go wrong, good service too. drinks are also nice.
The rooms: i can only review THE LEVEL rooms . lovely decor, luxourious furnishings, nice layout bathroom especially good as you can take a bath whist looking out of the patio doors. T.v, not many english channels or news, mostly american, they have a coffe machine and mini bar with a choice of 3 drinks, beer, water and their version of coke (not diet) you may need to ask the concierge for water if you run out or need more but this is no problem. The wi-fi is very slow and expensive. The rooms are done everyday the maids seem nice althought I never encounterd any. They have a hairdryer, ironing board and iron in the rooms too.
Beach: Lovely paradise setting, blue sea, clear and weather is great. The sunbeds are hard though and it can be busy. The watersports are free but the lads may try to talk you into going snorkeling with the for 20 pesos extra. Also the catamarans do not go out if its windy. Pedalos are good. The lifeguard will try to sell you cigars, if you are in Havanna before, please get them there they are much cheaper and better even than the ones in varadero town.
The Beach Restaurant: 11-4pm . Very nice setting, shane about the food, some lovely waitresses and drinks are ok, a bit warm for my likikg and on the small side.
Beach bar: relly nice staff, proper drinks but small plastic cups.
The pool: can get rowdy about 5pm as its open untill 6pm and people may have been drinking all day. Nice guys on the pool bar, drinks seved in plastic small glasses so take a travel mug with you for the beach and pool drinks.
Gym/Spa: Fantastic, go if you can. the staff are lovely and the pool/jacuzzis/sunbeds are in an amazing settinf and you can just relax! we were lucky enough to have it to ourselves for an hr. Price is extra.
Buffet restaurant i the hotel: I cannot comment on as I never used it, seemed ok.
On site shops: All staff are surly and seem moody. sells cigarettes, snacks drinks ect. There is a supermarket, souvineer, clothes shop, purfume and bits and bats. They do not belong to hotel they are just on the marina. There is also a bowling ally, coffe shop, tapas bar, sports bar & ice vream palour on the marina all extra charge. There is a seafood restaurant too which didnt seem busy but the menu seemed expensive.
Night time shows, every night on the square unless its rainig then they are in the lobby which gets packed out! Michael Jackson by far the best show.
Lobby bar, allways full, needs a couple more staff on at busy taimes, drinks are served in real glasses, frapppes are good.
Cigar bar: sells cigars, has a bar, open till 1am. All included, nice rum coffes and ok prices of cigars.
Our rep, couldnt understand him very well. Bought a trip to see Buena Vista Social Club, please note the 65 pesos trip for two DOES NOT include interaction with the musicians and the place they sing is like being in a lecture hall. Go see them in Havanna if you can.
Transfer time from here to airport is 3.5 hours as you have to pick everybody else up on the way.
Please note: In airport you cannot go through security with lighters put them in your bags. The check in staff will ask for a tip to get you a good seat i.e 2 together, just give them what you have left ( I gave them about 5 pesos) and we got upgraded tp economy comfort!
All in all a good hotel that could be better. Loads of choice and things to do. I think its the best hotel In Varadero. Would recommend.
Many Thanks to the customer service lasy who treated us very well and invited us to a managemnet drinks and canapes party.
we Stayed here 8 nights as a couple in september.More
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