Sol Palmeras ****

Anónimo, IE, 2005-04-03
My husband, fifteen year old son and I have just returned from our holiday and it has been our most enjoyable holiday ever. No problems at all coming through passport control etc at airport contrary to all the things we read on reviews! We started with 3 days in Havana at the Sevilla hotel which was superb, like stepping back in time! Havana- fantastic. Then we transferred to the Sol Palmeras where the check-in was 'pain free' and straightforward. Aramando the Bellboy who's an absolute gentleman took us to our room and gave us loads of info about the hotel regarding restaurants, bars etc. We settled in quickly because the hotel was so comfortable and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent even for our son's limited diet! Yes you have to queue to book for the A La Carte restaurants but it's worth it because they're very good especially the Steakhouse and the Italian. The 24hr bar is excellent and you can also get a snack there. The pool area is beautiful, very clean and the gardens are constantly kept neat and in full bloom. There's a good pool bar, and a beach bar which serves very good food during the day. The beach is beautiful and the sea is warm and turquoise. All included is the Pedaloes, Canoes, Hobie Cats and you can learn Scuba diving at the pool. The Animacion team are fantastic and they really cover a wide range of activities for all ages. The Salsa lessons at 5pm are a must! We had a great time and met some very nice people. Take lots of toiletries, t-shirts etc for the staff, they'll appreciate them because they're so expensive in Cuba. Anyone who goes to the Sol Palmeras and has complaints about it is quite sad!

Anónimo, CA, 2005-03-27
The people at this resort could not have been more helpful, kind, friendly and appreciative. I was travelling with my 16 yr. old son, we love to travel and do everything there is to do when we arrive in a new place. We went on the Catamaran day trip, booked through the hotel, where my son met another 16 yr. old boy and became instant friends. they played beach volleyball, basketball, snorkled and danced and met up with many female friends. It was not difficult to book the a la carte dinners if you just used the phone from your room, it was not necessary to stand in line at 9:00 am, There were two men working on the beach to find chairs that were not broken, the sailing staff went out of their way to make sure boats were available (I am a sailor), the concierge desk arranged a private guide to take us to Havana, which was worth every penny, and felt safe...now we are friends with this person, I left 1 or more cuban pesos whenever I could as the staff are not paid very much and work very long hours, I left them at every meal, every day for the cleaning service, at the beach, sailing and they love Dentyne gum and Starbursts, I gave away mint toothpaste (they have to pay 5 pesos for just one tube) large bottles of shampoo etc. (I am in the cosmetic business so I enjoyed giving everyone gifts.) I find Cuban people very proud and do not want to take anything for just being friendly...I loved their music, and dancing and if you are kind and respectful they appreciate you visiting and sharing with them. It was a wonderful experience and I am already planning to go back. The front desk, the concierge, the entertainment staff, the beach staff...everyone knew us by name and we were only there for a week March 11-18th. Its a 3 hour flight from Toronto, plus the customs which is all to be expected one must be patient, the line up was actually just as long when we got home! I just didn't have the patience to wait for the standard all inclusive bus to take us to the hotel at the beginning of the trip so we just got in a cab and for $35.00 US dollars or I am sure they would have taken Canadian as this was better to change in the hotel anyway, we arrived in our hotel quickly with no lineups and were given a room. I found Cuba a wonderful destination and loved the turquoise water and clean white soft sand. Havana was most interesting (1 1/2 hours from Varadero). For a sun vacation it was great value and we have wonderful memories.