advice for cuba

hadahardyear

Hi there, i am looking to book Cuba tomorrow and have a choice of 2 hotels. Both look good with similar reviews.
Does anyone have any personal experience of Cuba. Have included links below.
Also how much spending money is feasible for 2 weeks all inclusive over there.
Any help. thanks

http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/cuba/cuba-holguin/guardalavaca/hotels/sirenis-playa-turquesa.html?ib_id=Thomson&ic_id=Missing%20Units%20-%20cuba&ig_id=Missing%20Units%20-%20cuba-holguin&ik_id=sirenis%20playa%20turquesa&im_id=ppc&is_id=Google&it_id=Kenshoo&iu_id=e&gclid=CPzesqDrtK4CFQcRfAodg2MoRA

http://www.thomascook.com/destinations/cuba/holguin-area/playa-pesquero/playa-costa-verde/?lpsrc=Google+-+TC+Hotels&lpkey=playa+costa+verde&lppkid=p165021821&adv=tht&advid=22&ord=brand

delwynshd

If its Varadero

The two hotels I would suggest would be either the

Blau Varadero

Or

Iberostar Varadero

Both get great reviews

Thanks
Del

shudd1967

Think OP is looking at the other side of the Island. Holquin & Guardalavaca are in a beautiful area. Slightly more Green and traditional than the strip of Vardero and I would highly recommend it. Playa Costa verde is very nice, if you can afford it though try Paradisus Rio De Oro, an lovely personal hotel.

hollie.weimeraner

Me and my wife went to Cuba last March and had 3 days in Havana followed by 10 days at the Paradisius Rio De Oro. If you can afford it then I would wholeheartedly book the Paradisius. It's by far the best all inclusive hotel we've stayed at and the food is superb.

The only negative about it is that it's a bit isolated which is why I would have a couple of days in Havana which is extremely interesting.

Trip advisor is the place to be for advice on Cuba.

jtr2803

Went to Cuba (Guardalavaca) in 09 stayed at the Sol Rio Luna Y Mares. The PRDO mentioned by the poster above is immense but a lot more expensive.

You do have to accept that this is Cuba and they have limited resources due to the ongoing US embargo, go with an open mind and you will have a great time, the Cuban people are some of the most friendly I have ever met (rivalled only by the Maldivian) and when we went it was perfectly safe to walk around Guardalavaca town and the local villages.

We spent about £150 on tips, bits from souvenir shop etc and one trip. The resorts here tend to be very good AI, we probably drank our holiday cost in cocktails!

We would happily go back.

You haven't listed it but I would seriously consider Playa Pesquero as an alternative.

vax2002

The best advice is dont get anyone shot !
Be-careful what questions you ask the locals, the place has lots of eyes and you can get someone in to a lot of trouble.

toofy

If going to Havana look out for the massive indoor market - the paintings are fantastic, prices relatively cheap and haggling a must!!! I'm sorry I didn't bring more canvasses home with me, I would go back tomorrow for that alone - the place & the people are amazing - enjoy!!

stephb34

Have you checked other operators for the hotels your looking at as they maybe cheaper than thomsons.

DUKE

We stayed at the Blau Costa Verde in June on an AI basis & thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have a look here for further info http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g285732-i398-Holguin_Holguin_Province_Cuba.html

Although you can do excursions, we went to Hoguin, Santiago, Guadalava, there wasn't really a lot to spend your money on as they don't have anything. A visit to the ration shops made me feel quite humble. You'll have a great time!

km182

How about the Barcelo Marina Palace in Veradero...lush!
Maybe a bit on the more expensive side but it is all inclusive so you won't have to spend a penny when you get out there. My uncle got married there...what a beautiful place!

kimblawr

I would recommend the Paradisus Rio De Oro as well, it is a lovely hotel and staff are great. We got married there last year and would not hesitate to book again