Hotel Villa Cuba

“Villa Cuba May 2024”

Lessons learned will be at the bottom, if you're looking for tips regarding a trip to Cuba from a first timer! It was my first time in Cuba, and the group I went with is already planning our next trip back. I'll rank different aspects of the resort, but I want to begin by highlighting a few of ... more

Lessons learned will be at the bottom, if you're looking for tips regarding a trip to Cuba from a first timer! It was my first time in Cuba, and the group I went with is already planning our next trip back. I'll rank different aspects of the resort, but I want to begin by highlighting a few of the staff members that made the trip memorable. Jorge Horrego from the lobby/coffee bar. Our group ended up going for coffee several times a day and very often found ourselves served by Jorge. I've worked 15 years in hospitality and found Jorge to be as personable and top notch with service as the top people I've worked with. From their public relations team, Thalia and Adryan were exceptional in doing what they could to enhance our stay. We travelled from Canada, during the Stanley Cup playoffs, and we were struggling to get the game on a screen larger than an ipad. They spent quite a bit of time helping us to get a smart tv in a business conference room in the hotel to work with our devices so we could stream the game. Technological challenges aside... we did end up being able to watch the games while we were at the resort. Yailin from the Sunwing Experience was also very helpful for our group in planning excursions. I know that she wasn't technically a resort employee, but I definitely wanted to mention that she did contribute to our positive experience overall. Okay, now for the experience at the resort: Food 4/5 There are shortages at this time, and while this was felt, the food was nonetheless quite enjoyable. The bread was amazing. As good as the best buns or loaves I've had at top restaurants, and that both surprised and delighted me. Loads of fresh vegetables, fruits, and beans, and assorted rice dishes. Chicken and pork was present, but no western foods like hot dogs, burgers, or anything... which was fine to me! Breakfast was probably my favourite... there was a great omelette station, and a crepe maker. There were sausages as well. Oh, a varied and delicious dessert pastry also, though I rarely indulged. I probably haven't eaten as healthy three meals a day as I did here. There was salt and pepper available, and often other condiments as well. Our group occasionally seasoned the food, but it was mostly unnecessary. The a la carte restaurants were good, if only for a bit of a change of pace from the buffet. The soups were quite good at both of them. The asian themed restaurant, Bamboo, had the best sweet and sour pork I have ever have. They used a pineapple sauce mixed with... I cannot recall if it was with guava or papaya, but the sauce was easily the best sweet and sour sauce I've had. Shortages for food: Potatoes only 2 of 8 days we were there. Same for fish. Shows: 5/5 Every night the hotel had a show around 9:30pm. We didn't make it to every show, but the ones we saw were impressive, and there was a variety. A dance troupe one night, a water dance/acrobatic group, a magician, a romance themed show, and a participation (crowd work) show were the ones I was aware of or saw. Also, one of the nights we were there, the hotel extended an invitation to us and the other Canadian guests (they did this for other guests on other nights) for a special dinner with live music. I wish I got the name of our singer, he was so talented! I initially thought I would find the event to be somewhat corny, but it turned out to be quite the highlight. Rooms: 3/5 The room is nothing special. Two beds, a bathroom, air conditioned, and a balcony. It did have a safe and a mini fridge. There was a spill on night two of some cola, and that's how we did discover there were ants, but they did not bite/bother us. Water pressure was a little low, both for the toilet and the shower and sinks, but not to the point that it was an issue. Drinks: 4/5 To be fair I am not a heavy drinker, and I was personally completely satisfied with the coffee, beer, and mojitos that I had. Truly, the mojitos were phenomenal. A couple in our group were disappointed that the rum used wasn't as good as they expected in Cuba (some days it was Havana Club, but most days was not). One pleasant surprise was that Moosehead was one of the beers available! They did run out of cola for mix for two of the days we were there. One of the guys on the trip brought a 1L pepsi with him for just that possibility, and we managed. Beach: 5/5 Words will not do justice to the beach. The sand is white and soft, and the water is so clear that you don't even notice how crystal blue it is until you're waist deep in it. It was warm and comfortable, and we ended up in the ocean every day for a lot of hours because it was the most perfect beach any of us had ever experienced. On our last day it occurred to us that we had only actually used the (perfectly pleasant!) hotel pool only once the entire trip! Tips and Lessons Learned Prices: Cuba is not as cheap as you have heard. The last several years have changed things. Inflation is not something that passed over this island. It hit this island hard. I came with some silly notion of spending $50 USD for a box of cigars, and that was off...by 5x! Currency: Do not bother exchanging any money for Cuban Pesos. We did not encounter any vendor in Varadero or in Havana that priced anything in Cuban Pesos at a rate that was beneficial. You will have offers to exchange at high rates (1 USD = 250 pesos) but will be charged by vendors prices that are 1 usd = 350 pesos. Just use Canadian or USD. Do not bring coins. If you're feeling nice toward the locals, bring some larger denominations to exchange with them for their coins (which their banks won't take) or damaged/older bills (same issue). Sunscreen: We were good all trip, but on one day I spent so long in the water that I didn't take any breaks to reapply. Don't convince yourself this is okay. I only got a burn on that one day. Just apply and reapply your sunscreen. Cigars: The best price I had for a box of cigars was at a government store. They were about 15% cheaper than a cigar shop in Varadero. For cigarellos (the cigarette sized mini cigars) the same was very true... $20 USD pack vs $32 USD at the hotel. For cigarettes, the best price I saw was actually on the airport on the way home. If you buy cigarettes from the hotel be sure to ask specifically for Cuban cigarettes, if that's what you're trying for. I did not (I do not smoke, wanted them as a gift for friends) and ended up buying Swiss cigarettes... whoops! If you care about getting a genuine cigar of a brand you want, do not buy any off the street. They WILL be cheaper. They only MAY be genuine. Tipping: You don't have to go overboard. But you should be consistent. We used $1 USD and just tipped each service staff member that helped us. With 5 of us there, 2-3 of us would tip each meal, but one of us would tip the omelet station cook, for example. When we would go to the coffee bar, same thing... we'd drop 2-3 bills as a group. We tipped our cleaning staff each day. Tipped a bartender when getting the first round. Tipped again when getting the last round. You'll see some reviews where people mention service suffering if they didn't tip. You decide your thoughts on tipping, but your decision on this matter will be reflected in your experience. Souvenirs: Consider bringing something to leave for the staff. It's friendly, kind, and could be more useful to them than you may think. Brought Tylenol with you? Consider leaving the bottle. I saw a review that said I should bring my own towel. I brought a brand new towel and it went unused as the hotel provided... so I gave it to a staff member. Save room for the things you're bringing back, and provide goods to the people who hosted you for an amazing stay!

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“Hotel Villa Cuba since May 1st 2023.”

Since May 1st 2023 the hotel chain of Be Live Experience have left Cuba. This hotel is now known by its original name of Villa Cuba Hotel or Hotel Villa Cuba. This is a hotel through all of the trials and tribulations of the past year which has plagued Cuba is still an outstanding hotel run by ... more

Since May 1st 2023 the hotel chain of Be Live Experience have left Cuba. This hotel is now known by its original name of Villa Cuba Hotel or Hotel Villa Cuba. This is a hotel through all of the trials and tribulations of the past year which has plagued Cuba is still an outstanding hotel run by the best and most caring staff. There are difficulties and the biggest one is the elevators that have a mind of their own as to whether they will work or not. A word to anyone mobility challenged this may not be a perfect match. Saying that while we were there in April we saw 2 families who had family members in wheel chairs and some how they managed to get up and down. Once again the beach is spotless and tourists are helping by picking up after themselves. The gardens have never looked lovelier with flowers in bloom all over the gardens and the scents of them wonderful. The rum and beer was flowing and no shortages here. Eggs served every which way possible available at breakfast even crepes if one wanted to line up. Flour is in shortage but fresh breads and buns served at breakfast and lunch. No french fries, hot dogs and hamburgers but restaurant on the beach El Sitio ( maitre Ramon ) had a nice buffet and al la carte, pool bar Yoskiel and Taimey ) had sandwiches and omelet's to tempt everyone. Buffet at lunch had pasta's with all sorts of tempting sauces. The new director of the hotel is trying hard to make this hotel home to everyone encouraging repeaters to come out and enjoy events. A wonderful meet and greet at the pool bar with great music and dancing and cocktails to whet everyone pallet. ( thank you Dania and Madelyn for arranging that event ) It was wonderful to talk to friends we have met over the years and listen to great Cuban music. The Canadian dinner was delicious and served perfectly. New entertainer sang beautifully. The lobby coffee bar is a great place to meet and plan the day. And the lobby bar a great place to just relax before or after dinner having a wonderfully prepared cocktail. Thank you Corso, Evidio and Gordeio. Yes, its an old hotel 1997 and it has some issue's but the people of Cuba, the beach, the gardens we 4 are already planning 2025. Thank you one and all for a wonderful 2 weeks. Even the weather was perfect. gracias.

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