Varadero Hotels and Accommodation

(Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba)

Many mid-range Varadero hotels cater exclusively to the package tour trade, but the high level of lodging options available in the holiday town ensures that whatever the preference, accommodation can be found. A good number of Varadero's four- and five-star hotels are co-owned and operated by foreign chains, and are of a high standard. Most of the upscale hotels are located along the 21-km / 13-miles of white-sand beach, and include several all-inclusive luxury resorts with every possible amenity.

Rates range from reasonable for two- and three-star accommodation, with even some four-star lodging offering good deals, right up to the five-star-plus luxury offered by hotels such as the Hotel Iberostar Playa Alameda. There are no registered examples of the charming homestay 'casas particulares' in Varadero, as the Cuban government does not allow them to operate here. If a room is offered in an unregistered casa particulare, it is best to refuse as, if an official visit occurs, you will be evicted - even if it is late at night.

Where to Stay

For visitors who just can't get by without all the trimmings, the aforementioned Hotel Iberostar Playa Alameda is the top-of-the-range choice, and also the most expensive option in Varadero. For those with shallower pockets, other ultra-modern five-star accommodation choices on the beach include the Mansion Xanadu, which is set in a 1920s beachside mansion with its own 18-hole golf course, the only such on Cuba.

Another slightly less expensive choice in Varadero might be the Melia las Antilles, set in 15 acres / 6 hectares of exotic gardens. For honeymoons and suchlike, the deluxe Paradisus Princesa del Mar resort is designed for the over-18 crowd and bans kids.

The colonial architecture of the four-star Club Windward is set just back from the beach and makes a change from contemporary glass and concrete. This is all-inclusive and has a monster swimming pool. For more privacy, the Kawama Club Hotel's accommodation, also four-star, features colourful traditional houses and bungalows sited amid palm trees.

At the much lower end of the scale, the Oasis Hotel is set on the beach just like its upmarket neighbours, is all-inclusive and boasts attractive Cuban colonial architecture. Further budget accommodation in Varadero comes in the form of the Villa Horseshoe, again on the beach and happy to cater for water sports enthusiasts.