Recent posts by mom2my2boys | Debbie's Caribbean Resort Reviews Forums

So you’re saying that if I buy a $100 bottle of rum in Cuba that’s worth $200 in Canada the duty will only be about $26?

When you put it that way it doesn’t seem bad – but when you are spending $5/bottle $26 duty is a lot of $ You also may be required to pay tax on it (13% in Ontario)

Keep in mind also that this is for Ontario and the duty/tax rates in each province are different for alcohol.

Hey AllI’ve been to Cuba about 6 times to both Varadero and Cayo Coco. I’m looking for a place in Cuba that is a beach resort that has some sort of town or something within walking distance of the resort – I enjoy Varadero for the "tourist town" that it is and I’m looking for something similar (even if it’s not quite the size).Cayo Coco is beautiful, but the group I’m travelling with prefers to be able to leave the resort and have something to do.

Any thoughts?

My sister is interested in renewing her wedding vows in October in Cuba.I haven’t been able to find any information about that – only about weddings!Any suggestions on how it works, cost, who to contact etc? We normally stay at a 3* place and like to keep the cost below $600 pp

Thanks for any help!

Thanks for the info.. I live very close to Buffalo so that is an option but like Bob said, more expensive! Crazy!

Guess I’ll have to work around my work schedule

	Is it possible to book a 4 or 5 day AI to the caribbean? Who does shorter vacations (Sunwing, Nolitours..??)

What is the minimum number of people before a resort/agency considers you a "group"We are considering travelling with 4-5 couples (8-10 people) in May 2010 and I’m just wondering if there are any "deals" to be had while travelling with that many people.In the past, we’ve been "last minute" travellers with no real expectations (besides heat/beach/drinks) and have never paid more than $600 all in pp for a trip, but with other couples involved, we may want more lead time to make a better choice for everyone….

Thanks for any feedback!

Now thats what I’m talking about! The 15 year! I will be staying at Playa Caleta in Varadero, is there a rum store close by? I took a quick look last year, and all I could find was 7 year at the hotel.

Right across the street is the Casa del Ron – enjoy!

Quatre Cervezas, por favore!
You can tell who is Canadian and learned French in school…In Spanish, four is Cuatro (not Quatro, like Quatre)

Just got back from Playa Caleta!

I just posted a review on PC if you are interested in reading more about that resort.

I am! Where did you post your review?!

Debbies of course! The one at the top (Laura from Ontario)

Just got back from Playa Caleta!Location: Depends on what you like – I prefer to be closer to the action of town and to be able to walk places if I want to – if you go further out on the peninsula it is impossible to get very far without taking some sort of transportation. We took the double decker bus tour and saw the location of all the resorts – I’m glad we picked our resort based on proximty to town.

I just posted a review on PC if you are interested in reading more about that resort.

	I wonder how they expect you to declare them? It’s not on the form you have to fill out on the way back into Canada, the border agent doesn’t speak to you at all, and there seems to be no other mechanism?

I’m closly watching Ike – I have a trip planned to varadero this saturday! I know that they are predicing that the hurricane be gone then but I’m wondering if anyone has travelled so soon after a hurricane.I think that I will contine my trip assuming everything is fine with at the resort since I think it’s important to the people working/living there that they continue to have income during difficult times!

That was my plan, but I was just pointing out the fact that less educated travellers (i.e. who don’t have access to this type of forum) wouldn’t really know what the "dress code" is since it’s rarely specified!

Of course, I’d never wear swimwear anywhere that I’m eating (buffet or a la carte) and agree with the comments about appropriate clothing!

	Well, I’ve booked for Mercado Cuatro Plamas in Varadero, a 3* average resort – so what would the dress code be there?

But again, where does it say that when you are looking at a resort?I just booked for Sept 13th… this is the statement about the dress code:Dress code in effect at dinner

so, what does that mean?

The problem is that most places say "dress code in effect" but do not specify what the dress code is. Depending on the resort I would say that my husband wearing khaki shorts and a collard shirt are proably fine for an a la carte… I suppose in a more upscale resort (I usually will stick to a 3 or 4*) they require more.

Where do you look to find out what the dress code is?? I’m sure most people booking vacations aren’t aware what it is..

Depends on what type you are looking for!There is a market in the centre of town which has many booths where there are hand made items (made of wood, leather, etc) where I found many things that my kids enjoy (bongo drums, wallets, critters made of wood that move) and my husband bought a wood humidor with the Cuban flag on it.They also sell t-shirts etc.It’s a pretty popular place and any taxi could get you there.

I witnessed a bloody accident with a tourist on a scooter hit by a vehicle in varadero – I wouldn’t want to need medical attention in Cuba!

Mopeds/scooters are off limits as far as I’m concerned!

	Keep reading the forums That is how I learned most things… other than that I highly suggest attending your initial meeting with the tour rep – they are knowledgable and will have great info for you!

	Even though Havana Club is available in Canada – it’s much less expensive in Cuba so I tend to bring it back home with me.If you find a Casa de Ron while you are down there they will allow you to sample different rums to see what you like!

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