I have not heard great things about Cuba. Has anyone been to a 5 star resort there that they are willing to suggest??

I would like to hear too. Almost ready to book the iberostar in varadero. Says 5 star and seems reasonably priced.

That is what I figured . I am not sure I want to go there or not.

I have travelled a lot but always stayed away from Cuba

Cayo sAnta mariA

Linda
I have always stayed away too, but looking for a little 3 or 4 night getaway with my teenage daughter and this is the best deal. All other destinations are well above $1000 for 3 nights... not worth it, so may gamble and try Cuba for the first time.

Barcelo Solymar was a great resort. I recommend it

How was the food Chris?

How was the food Cheryl?

The food is alright for the first half of the week, it gets unappealing as the week goes on. But of course you don't go to Cuba for the food

I have been 9 times to Cuba. Love the beaches and the people. Best food was iberostar ensenachos is cayo santa Maria

I am a very picky eater. Never been hungry

Thanks Cheryl

I had no problem with the food personally. It's repetitive and simple, but the beaches and weather make up for that

Have you heard anything else bad about Cuba besides the food? Or is just the food you're worried about?

Yes flab. I was getting to u as well. lol I appreciate all the input:)

I spent a weekend at the Iberostar in VRA and the room was beautiful, there was a looot of food but the resort was pretty quiet. The RIU next door had a lot of activities if you want your teenage daughter to stay entertained.

Just the good Jason. People have told me they survived off sandwiches and bread sticks..and I have heard a lot of people get sick from the food as well???

Iberostar Ensenachos hotel lovely I think all food in Cuba is terrible But as people say you don't go for the food The beach was fantastic ,I must admit food is pretty important to me on my trips

?

We.have stayed at Princess del Mar which is 5 star resort in Varadero but it is adults only......food was really good as well as service. We rented the car and went to Havana, Bay of Pigs and couple of other places..loved that it is so perfectly safe.

nope....did a five star in January, not happy at all. its not about the food but when you are collecting garnishes from the buffets to make a salad its pretty sad. My favourite meal was mashed potatoes!!!I have spent less and had awesome food and beach in Mexico or dominican republic!!!

Melia Las Dunas in Santa Maria Cuba . awesome

Frank
1 word Sandals. That is all

i went ....didnt like the food but loved everything else....sarina la selina...varadero

We have been to Cuba numerous times. Memories Caribe had lots of variety and options.
Food is definately not the reason why we or many other people go to Cuba.

We have stayed at Sandals.. And Frank you are right

I went to a 5 star and it was disgusting. Not only the food quality but also cleanliness n service. Drinks poured back into slushy machines, unwashed n reeking of suntan lotion bathrobes in our room. Russian cleaning/filing dry skin off their feet n rinsing in the pool. So gross. I know it's a country w limitations but if the best you can do is 2 or 3 star then that's what it should rank. The star rating shouldn't be a sliding rating from country to county. Blech never again. That being said, a short trip to Havana where you have realistic 3 star expectations of lodging m food is super recommended. The architecture is terrific and a great experience.

Barcelo maya in Mexican riviera has fantastic beaches, a huge coastline with lots of privacy n zero harassment. 7 large pools . Food is so good at buffets we don't even bother going to the specialty restaurants and easy day trips off the resort into tulum and playa del Carmen. If you want a good beach trip they always have terrific deals at the end of tour operator blocks. Better than anything in Cuba.

Don't be afraid to try Cuba. Some of the nicest beaches in the world. Very safe also. 14 of us this year. No one gets sick.

Melia Marina Varadero. It is a 5 star resort, great new property (very Miami like), has all inclusive component, but also restaurants, bowling/pool, and a strip of other cool things to try out. Ocean is a 1 min shuttle ride. We went in June- loved it.

Memories flamenco is popular. Good food but rocky beach

Don't expect 5 star Cuba to be like 5 star anywhere in North America. The standards are quite different

Smokers paradise

Been to Cuba numerous times in different locations. Best food, ambiance, beach, service etc was at Playa Pesquero in Holgine. Sister resort Playa Costa Verde right next door, smaller and better price gives you access to both resorts. Been to both a few times and will be returning.

I was very happy at my 4 star. I thought the food was fine, nothing gourmet and does get a little boring after a week, but I'd rather save the money for excursions or something.

I was on Cayo Coco, didn't want to do Varadero, more for partying I heard.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria. It's adults only. The food was great (we had be warned that all resort food was horrible), and the service was incredible. We were there in march and would love to go back.

Resort food where ever you go is not very good, part of traveling is venturing out and finding local places to eat, you don't go to Cuba for great food, although I have had some great home cooked Cuban food and if u want to know what life was like back in the 1950's go to Cuba and spend a few days in Havana

Wow, I am really suprised at the negativity about Cuba. I've stayed at a 2 star there numerous times. The last trip I gained 5 pounds. Had omelettes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, grilled chicken, french fries.. all the rum punch one could ever want. Beautiful beach and people. It is what you make it.

I've been to Varadero, Trinidad and Holguin in Cuba. All beautiful! Holguin was a bit cold in the evenings, Varadero is super touristy and we LOVED Trinidad. Has a very European flair to it. You definitely do not go to Cuba for the food but the beaches, people, weather and drinks make up for it. We have never felt unsafe there and have absolutely loved each trip we've been on. Sure, Cuba is different than Mexico, Dominican etc, but do yourself a favor and go. You feel right at home!

I heard The Royalton has food brought in from sunwing as it is a sponsored hotel. I have heard good reviews. Msg me if you want a discount.

I went to Playa De Oro, 4.5 stars. It was great. All-inclusive. Food any time, resort on the beach. If you do go, you MUST go in to town and eat at Kiki's restaurant , sooooooo good.

Melina las Dunas Cayo Santa Maria

Vithu Ramachandran
I went to Sola Mares in Holguin, it was a very good experience.

you go to Cuba for the beaches, sun and especially the people who are amazing..we went to a private home for a lobster dinner...biggest lobster I have ever seen and I lived in the Bahamas so I know my lobster...

Do the privilege at Ocean Varadero el Patriarca - amazing resort and service!

loved cuba but found the food bland

I would definitely recommend going to a 5 star all inclusive resort in Varadero! Loved the excursions, felt really safe in the resort and enjoyed our day trip to Havana. One thing though.. request a room on the higher floors because the rooms on the first floor might be more prone to lizards and noisy crickets.

Someone recommended you take spices with you when you go so you can add to your food as you taste buds dictate.

Thankyou everyone for your advice. This is the most positive feedback I have ever heard about Cuba. We travel alot and just wanted to try somewhere we have not been. Now to find a cheap flight to Halifax for Dec 27...hmmmm That will be a tough one

Hi Joanne, in regards tot he Halifax flight; my wife and I usually wait for a porter sale closer to Christmas (which are usually 50% off or more).

Melia Marina Varadero - went in January and it was great!

beware the guacamole....it was mashed canned peas.

Tina joon, you have 4 cute boys! Good luck in taking care of them.

I've gone a couple of time to the media in Cayo coco. Loved it all adults resort

Went to Blau Costa Verde in Holguin last April (4.5 star). Loved it. Food wasn't anywhere near as bad as everyone makes Cuban food out to be.

Frank ...Do you like flying out of porter. What are the expenses to park etc?? We are almost 3 hours from Toronto

Nadia_ What is a Casa Particular?

Casa particular are great I spent 4 weeks backpacking through Cuba and stay at many of them. But honestly Joanne if you are use to 5 star resorts like Sandals, I don't think Casa Particular are for you. I was able to see and experience the REAL Cuba , but I have also done the resort thing in Cuba!!

Flying porter from Halifax doesn't make much sense you are better off just flying sunwing , air canada ( vacations) or west jet ( vacations )

Cuban food is wonderful....it's that the resorts attempt to make north american and european food with only the available ingredients they have to work in Cuba with that it becomes an experiment gone bland. But get off the resort and have real Cuban food and you'll be in for a treat!!

ThAt is what I am worried about Sam . We would be staying at a resort . I have heard a lot of people sick
Or the food us so horrible they can't eat it

I stayed at a Memories resort and had no issue with the food. It is simple, and some people consider it plain, but most of the complaints seem to be rooted in the fact that it's HEALTHY! Not a lot of sauces, etc, just simple fried fish and other proteins, etc. I had no problems with it at all.

I love Cuba, but if you are expecting Dominican type 5 star you will be disappointed. If you go for beaches and relaxation, it's great. And a day trip to Havana or Santiago is definitely interesting. I have been to Cuba many times, never been sick there.

We have been travelling for 30 years. Not looking for Dominican that is for sure. Just looking to travel where we wont get sick. I have been to Columbia the most beautiful place on earth...but the food was the worst I have had...but we did not get sick and the trip was fab.

I stayed at multiple resorts including Iberostar Tainos, Memories Paraiso and another in Cayo Coco. The food was absolutely fine. You can't expect these resorts to have the same 'North American 5-star' experience. It's completely different, and if you're going to Cuba, you'll receive Cuban standards. That's not to say they have poor standards. These resorts go out of their way to accommodate you and have food that will keep you full. I even had amazing poutine at Memories Paraiso. If people are so concerned with food and having an equal 5-star experience, I would suggest the Caribbean or South America, but expect to pay significantly higher.

Lol I tell people that all the time . We are seasoned travels:)

the food is cuba is quite plain and it always smell the same when you go in the restaurants but I never got sick and ate off site a few times

Love Paradisus Varadero . Rooms are beautiful if you upgrade to Royal Service but regular rooms are ok. The resort itself is beautiful, and beachfront. The beach is incredible. The main area and buffet are beachfront, nothing better than enjoying your coffee and looking at the ocean. The food in the buffet was good but the restaurants were fantastic. It is a very quiet resort. I am PICKY and get sick easily. Not sick once.