Hello! Anyone think there will be any decent Black Friday travel deals?! I've found a package that I feel is a decent price, but I'm soooo hesitant to book because the price could be lower next week. But it also could go up...ugh! Thoughts?!?
ps wanting to travel from yyc to varadero for a week all inclusive in January. Anyone been in January? We've never gone to Cuba and I'm worried about weather.

The weather is great that time of year, can be a bit chilly with wind off water at night. In January you will get deals for sure

You are going on a good time weather beautiful locals more beautiful I be been many times

We are looking at the paradises princesa del mar. Any thoughts? Reviews online are good. I'm just so frugal that it kills me to not know if I could "possibly" get a better deal. Lol

Been there very nice and the food in my taste is good have a blast go to dollar store grab dog and cat treats they will love u for it
safe travels

Thanks!

Have to be honest Sarah, we stayed at that resort 3 years ago and it was awful. Lack of service started when we arrived at the hotel at 4pm, took over an hour to get checked in and there were only 3 people in front of us. Our mini fridge didn't work the whole week, made several calls and they came by a few times. They screwed up our dinner reservation and we were not able to rebook, had buffet every night. Staff were rude and not personable at all. Not enough pool or beach chairs, you need to be out there by 7am or sit in the sand. Bathroom near the beach had 3 stalls, one missing a door, one with no toilet seat. This place is almost the last or second last at the end of the bus route into town and it's a very long with several stops.
Our agent recommended the other Paradisus Resort but, I chose this one cause it was cheaper, bad decision.
On the positive side, the ocean is amazing, crystal clear and warm, we were there in January. It was cooler at night, a light sweater or jacket is needed. I highly recommend booking a tour into Havana, that was a great day.
Lastly, be sure to take insulated cups for drinks, whether you drink alcohol or not, the cups at resort are very small and warm up quick.
Hope you find a great place to stay and have a great trip.

Thanks! I've looked at all the resorts there and this one seemed to have the best food reviews which is super important for me. I need good food and great beach. We are hesitant to go to Cuba because we hear so much negative about the food - but it is significantly cheaper so we may try it out. Have you been to any other resorts that were better?

No, we were only there once and as I said it was 3 years ago so maybe it's better now. The buffet had a variety but, was the same most nights, except a small section where they did something different nightly. We ate at the small bar a few times, they had great burgers.
If you do end up booking there, we somehow found that you could prebook reservations at the restaurants, on the Melia site I think. Print off the reservation and take it to the booking office the first day you are there, to confirm them, or they cancel them, not mentioned anywhere and that is how we ended up not having any reservations.

As they say "Don't go to Cuba for the Food" we took our first trip there just 3 weeks ago. The food I found (personally) to be yucky, and I am not at all a fussy eater and like to try new things. And as a footnote I would not suggest staying in a resort less than 4.5*, their star ratings are way different than Canadian ratings. Just my own opinion.

I'm not expecting gourmet. I'm hoping for decent and variety. The reviews on tripadvisor are good so we will see. I think I will wait until next week or cyber Monday and if it's meant to happen, it will.

If you want great food, Starfish Cuatro Palmas is fabulous and right across from the well known Calle 62.

Sara go have fun if u want 5 star go to Mexico rate your own opinion

Stayed at princess del mar 2 years ago and food was awesome. Lobster on buffet every night

Cuba lacks a lot of spices for their food. That I think is the biggest complaint. Pack spices and condiments.

If you want R&R adults only resort check out Memories Jibacoa. Small resort half way between Varadero and Havana. I have stayed there 3X and wouldn't hesitate to go again.

We have been to Veradero twice.Once in January and once in early February. For the most part had crappy, cool weather both times. Hope you have better luck.

Cold in the evenings and the water is cold as well. Loved the food and would go again in January! Bring warm sweater for the evenings

Was in Varadaro in January a few years back and it was brutally cold 15c in the day time. Watch the weather and pack as needed.

Was there last Jan and was not to great,not bad, but not what you expect from a tropical Island