Holguin -v- Varadero – Cuba – Debbie's Carribean Reviews Forums

We last visited Cayo Guillermo for Christmas & New Year 2005 and, due to the weak pound, are considering Cuba for a two week stay at the end of May/early June

From Manchester there are flights to Holguin – Guardalavaca/Playa Pesquero or Varadero, in either case we would be looking to stay in a 5* hotel

We are looking for a relaxing holiday and more interested in relaxing and dining than night-life!

Which is the best to visit in the middle of the year?

TIA

Jenny & Phil

suggest SuperClubs Breezes Jibacoa…fly into Veradero. Small peaceful resort, great staff, great food (by Cuban standards).

Paradisus Rio de Oro in Holguin – wonderful resort, great staff, great food, and an international clientele.

Second choice would be Paradisus Princesa del Mar in Varadero.

We have stayed in both Holguin (Playa Pesquero) and Varadero (Sirenis la Salina). Although neither listed as a 5*, but a 4.5* – each resort was fantastic.

I haven’t stayed at the resort (too expensive for us) but have heard many good reviews about the Paradisus Rio de Oro in Holguin. It would be my first choice for a 5* in Cuba.

Paradisus Rio De Oro is the best 5star!!! it is an absolute paradise and 5 restaurants to choose from every night. There is nightly entertainment and it doesn’t run too late into the evening so you can just enjoy for a while if you want. there’s also occasional parties at the beach at night if you like but just know the beach is far enough away from the rooms if you are worried about noise. Anyone would love this place…going back for the third time this fall!!!

Hmm, my vote would be: not Varadero. :-*

Personally, I like the beach at Varadero much more than the one at Holguin. That being said, if I got a good deal at Paradisus Rio De Oro and I didn’t have to worry about accommodating kids, that would be my first choice.

Modified to add: Any of the Paradisus resorts would be a great choice.

Hi,

I have been to Holguin Playa Pesquero and the beach is not as nice as Varadero Beach, some parts of the beach have rocks in water. Also I went in the month of June and there is no air conditioning in Buffet Restaurant and it was extremly uncomfortable for breakfast, for supper was very warm and full of bugs. Very large resort alot of walking most rooms are far off from beach, main lobby, swimming pool.
However the best food for Cuba 24 hour restaurant at PP.

I have been to tryp Peninsula in Varadero and prefered the beach
and resort.

I would never consider Holguin again.

I have been to Tryp Peninsula 4.5* 2 times and would not hesitate to go back. 5* in varadero is the Iberostar.

PRDO is wonderful just read the trip reports superb beach relaxing great snorkling of the beach, food is second to none as are the drinks international brands included and wine.

Many thanks for your replies; when we phoned the travel agent she persuaded us to book Melia Las Dunas in Cayo Santa Maria…

£300 less than Playa Pesquero plus adult sector and nude beach!

Arriving on 5th June for 14 nights…whoopee

I’m sure you’ll really enjoy Melia Las Dunas and Cayo Santa Maria – the beach is stunning. Will you come back to tell us all about it when you return?

Have a great trip!

I personally preferred both Holguin and the Cayos over Varadero. As I have stated before, I am glad I went to Varadero because it allowed me the opportunity to visit Havana but I have no real interest in rushing back there. Given the choice I would return to PP or ID in a heartbeat.

Great choice, Jenny & Phil! The beach is beautiful there, the clothing optional section is a fair walk from the Melia Las Dunas – when looking at the sea, head to the left, past the Melia CDM and the end of the Sol CSM resort, so take some water and/or other beverage of choice.

However, take a long walk to the right – towards the Barcelo. Even better beach – IMHO ;). :-*