We just returned from two weeks at the Barlovento Hotel in Varadero. We flew with West Jet Vacations out of Thunder Bay
Your Arrival:
Check in was really quick…front desk has an amazing group of very friendly and helpful people. There was a bell boy there to take our luggage to our room…no waiting.
Rooms: Our room was great. We were in a bungalow just down from the beach, across from the out door lunch buffet and the quiet pool. The room was smaller than our friend’s but our balcony was huge. The room had a fridge that was stocked with bottled water every day so we never had to buy it. The maid service was very good too….no too many fancy sculptures on the bed but that’s ok as long as the room is clean.
Restaurants and Bars: We booked all of our al a cartes as soon as we got there as they fill up fast. We went to all three…they were all great. Mexican was the most fun and the food was very good. We were the last sitting so we never felt rushed. The tequila shooters were funny….”no lady the camera never worked we have to do it again!” A great bunch of guys working there! The Cuban restaurant…in the same place as the Mexican…was really good too. The Italian was a nice quiet change from the others…the music was more classical….food tasty. The food in the dining room was basic. We always found something we liked. Some days were better than others. Breakfast was really good as you have the fresh juice bar, eggs cooked the way you like them….bacon too if you take it to the grill. Lunch is at the beach restaurant with burgers, pasta, fish, sausage, chicken and pork….you wont go hungry! For supper there was something different at the carving station every night. We had a very nice white and red wine at meals also…it came after day two.
Beach/Pools/Grounds: There are three pools at the resort. The two near the lobby are the busiest….as well as the noisiest. The music and entertainment team are always there. If you like the involvement then that is your spot. The kids pool is next to it. There were a few small ones enjoying it. When it is windy on the beach this pool is more sheltered so not as cool. The pools were always being cleaned. The one night the aqua ballet was done in the larger pool…they are really amazing artists. There were always enough chairs by the pools…never saw the towel game played. The beach is beautiful…what we go to Varadero for! There are too few beach loungers so get there earlier in the morning….9ish is fine. Coming at 11 you are not likely to get a chair. They do need to invest in a few new ones. Beach bar was a fun place with one of the nicest bartenders I have ever met. She is always smiling and happy….even when it was a little cool and windy. They don’t have beer at the beach but she can come up with something for you. There are hobi cats, kayaks and paddle boats to take out. The water doesn’t get deep fast but is not too shallow either…perfect for everyone…my grand daughter loved jumping into the waves.
Other Comments: This hotel is at the edge of the town so is a perfect location. You can walk to the flea markets and restaurants in town. If you need a taxi the most we paid to get to the other end of town was $6. I would go back to this resort in a second and would recommend it to anyone. We loved it!
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