Hotel los Cactus

“My Cuban Home”

I spent one week in Los Cactus, use to be Breezes Varadero. We are coming here since 2003. Everything is perfect. Weather, food , sun, water. Especially people very friendly and helpful: Anelis, Forbes, Mabel. If you need help look for Lizbeth and Paul. Many thing to enjoy in town. Nice ride in C… more

I spent one week in Los Cactus, use to be Breezes Varadero. We are coming here since 2003. Everything is perfect. Weather, food , sun, water. Especially people very friendly and helpful: Anelis, Forbes, Mabel. If you need help look for Lizbeth and Paul. Many thing to enjoy in town. Nice ride in Convertible Cadillac with Alexander and Rene.

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“Amazing Vacation”

Just returned a week ago from 2 amazing weeks at Los Cactus, As I had been here numerous times before it felt like I was returning home but for the rest of the group it was an experience that they totally enjoyed. Contrary to what I have been reading there were no power outages, there was plenty o… more

Just returned a week ago from 2 amazing weeks at Los Cactus, As I had been here numerous times before it felt like I was returning home but for the rest of the group it was an experience that they totally enjoyed. Contrary to what I have been reading there were no power outages, there was plenty of bottled water in our room, at one point we had 6 big bottles in the fridge and asked the maid not to leave anymore. There were a few shortages with food but there was always a good variety and no one was ever left feeling hungry, in fact we all gained a few pounds. The staff were all amazing, they went above and beyond to ensure that we had a memorable vacation. The rooms were spacious and very clean and were cleaned daily, with plenty of hot water and towels changed as needed. the grounds are well maintained and very clean. A special shout out to Lizbeth, Alexis, Darlin, Freddy, Ieslin, Yunia, Rosie, Theresa, Pedro and to the rest of the staff you are all amazing and we are already planning on coming back next year.

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“Our Home Away From Home”

We have spent a lot of time at Los Cactus; 44 weeks in the past 2 years. There are many hotels on the Varadero strip, but we keep coming back here because it really feels like our second home. All the staff are like family. They always go out of their way to make everyone's stay a memorable experi… more

We have spent a lot of time at Los Cactus; 44 weeks in the past 2 years. There are many hotels on the Varadero strip, but we keep coming back here because it really feels like our second home. All the staff are like family. They always go out of their way to make everyone's stay a memorable experience. We have stayed at other hotels, but this is home for us. There is a good selection of food at the buffet, we never go hungry. There are also 2 à la carte restaurants, one Cuban and one Italian. The rooms at Los Cactus are spacious. The grounds and gardens are beautiful. The beach is just stunning and one of the best in the world, you can walk for miles. Thank you for a wonderful stay; see you all again next month.

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“When it comes to a peaceful vacation - this vintage resort delivers”

My husband and I just got back from Los Cactus, and yes, we had a great time. We've been going since it was Superclub Breezes Varadero (think this was about our 15th time). Have things changed since we first started going in 2011, yes. It was a vintage resort then, and it is more vintage now. We'… more

My husband and I just got back from Los Cactus, and yes, we had a great time. We've been going since it was Superclub Breezes Varadero (think this was about our 15th time). Have things changed since we first started going in 2011, yes. It was a vintage resort then, and it is more vintage now. We've seen the resort change hands a few times, and there have been renovations. I was reflecting on that during this stay. When we first started they were in the midst of a room upgrade. Old wood patio doors/windows were being replaced with plastic/acrylic ones (they've done more of that in the main admin building over the last few years!). When Be Live took over a few years ago there were a number of upgrades - some renovated Premium rooms (our mattress was sooo comfortable!), updated lobby area, renovated Duna bar, and renovations to the 'hotel' building. Are they at a 'low' point right now. Certainly - the whole country is suffering with food and electricity shortages. They government prioritizes the tourist areas, so while we had power at the hotel throughout our stay, the staff at home often only had 1 - 3 hours a day. And yet, they were still helpful and cheerful to all their guests. They are also right now run by the government (who has no extra funds to put into the resort but is at least keeping it open) until a new resort operator (like a Melia, Iberostar etc) takes it on. The resort itself needs an infusion of cash - a lot of cash to do upgrades. The bedroom - mattresses (at least in the preferred rooms) are in good shape, very comfortable and no springs digging into you. Our room had a newer fridge that kept everything very cold. The bathroom - so dated. Toilets can be slow to flush (hold the handle down.) But we have never lacked for hot water in the shower. The balcony/porch - large with good quality patio chairs. The food - always found something. There are many shortages, but I always knew at least I would find some deli meat/cheese, some fresh buns and the pasta station. I was pleasantly surprised by how often there was diced chicken breast available, and there was also always rice and vegetables. The a la cartes had a more limited selection than in the past, but what we ordered was very tasty. And the tiramisu at Martino's was delicious!! The beach - this is what we come for. After storms last fall, there are fewer palapas but they do have beach umbrellas available (ask and they will put one up for you. People are pigs and have left a lot of cigarette butts in the sand, but you can't fault the resort for that. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the beach, it is just a sad thing to see. The beach towels - always available and they even had some new ones (although the new ones were smaller in size than the old ones.) The pool - it has seen better days, but I don't go there for the pool. People still seemed to enjoy it. Other things to be aware of: the bedding has seen better days. Even during the last updates, I don't think the bedding changed. I am picky (and I have room in my luggage) so I pack my own sheets (fitted, flat & pillowcases) for the week. There is no coffee maker/kettle in the room (there used to be but they rarely ever worked) so we bring our own kettle and whatever my husband needs to make a pour-over coffee first thing in the morning. The towels for the bathroom are small and a little worn, but they got the job done. Bring your own facecloths. We went into town once this trip - had a lovely afternoon dessert/coffee at the Cafeccino at the central market area. (sooo good! Pastries/desserts are amazing. We brought back giant croissants for the next morning's breakfast!) We also ate a lovely dinner in town that evening at Istmo restaurant (next to the Hotel Dos Mares). Will we be back - absolutely!!! We go there for what we can't get there - white sand beaches and sunshine in the middle of a Canadian Winter. We go there for the staff - love them all - Mirka, Lazaro, Lizbeth, Paul, Mabel, Tania, Elena, Vladamir, Yenelys, Omar, Bellesing, etc. We know we can always find something to drink and to eat on site to suit our taste. We know we are going to get a good night's sleep on a comfortable bed. Next time we will probably plan to go into town a few more times, specifically to Cafeccino ($10 taxi from Hotel Los Cactus, each way in one of the vintage car taxis), but also to try some of the local restaurants. Go with low expectations and a good attitude and you will enjoy yourself - you will probably be pleasantly surprised. Don't go expecting a 4 or 5 star Euro-style resort. This is a pleasant mid-level, vintage resort, with some very pleasant staff with can-do attitudes!

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