Ricky Bobby 10:35 Mon Jan 5
CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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I've just booked up for 10 days in June, what's it like and what's there to do before the Septics come in and fuck it up?
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Replies - Newest Posts First ( Show In Chronological Order)
Russ of the BML
9:31 Wed Jan 7
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Terrywait 6:35 Tue Jan 6
In Cuba I would say Cayo Coco is better than Varadero. But, in asnwer to your question, if it's laying around on beaches or by pools with food and drink on tap then you can't go wrong with either place.
Most of the resorts are good quality. The one we went to was classed as mid-range and it was very good. Couldn't really fault it apart from a few minor gripes.
The food in the resort was excellent. Unlike outside of the resorts where Cuba is a bit sketchy due to their restrictions on trade so many places can't always offer what's on the menu. But we found that was part of the charm of the place.
Most of the resorts have their own section of beach so they do activities down there and have a bit of fun. Food was always served close to the beach so you didn't even have to move anywhere through the day if that's your thing.
Varadero has pretty much no poverty. But, it isn't the real Cuba. It's kept clean and tidy and we didn't see many locals because there isn't much to do down the resort strip. The town in Varadero is quite charming without being too amazing.
If you go just please make sure you tie Havana in with your trip. I can't emphasise that enough. Otherwise you may aswell be anywhere in the world.
We did ten nights. Four in Havana and six lazing around in the resort. Varadero is about a 2 hour drive from Havana which is why is it popular as the transfer isn't too bad.
Havana was just one of the most amazing places I have ever been. It's mind blowing. Very intoxicating and just such a charming and exciting place.
Seemed very safe too. Me and the missus got pissed a couple of times and ended up in deep and darkest no-man's land but no one batted an eyelid to us. According to a barman I was chatting to the old bill have it pretty much nailed down with regard to crime against tourists.
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Crassus
8:33 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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44
tanks as in septics?
I too have been and confirm that it is a must visit. We went to Cayo Coco, which was wonderful. also swam with dolphins in a most natural bay, place is just idylic and the people a joy to chat with. Cuba's big export after the death of sugar cane is medical expertise, their populace are educated and receptive.
Note of caution, if you expect five stars as in regionally comparative it will not be. Food specifically is not the gluttony fest of say Mexico. Variety and quality is far poorer. That is not to say ropey, just more simple and less international. Stay nowhere less than 5 star. (star system works upon a comparison to the locality, it is not internationally the same standard - 5* Cuba is not 5* St Moritz).
All of which is inconsequential to the more descerning traveller.
Get there before the septics ruin the place and the S Americans restore it to the drug jump to Florida that it once was.
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hammer44
8:20 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Whoops! Yanks not tanks.
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hammer44
8:18 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Stopped at royal hicacos spa. Beautiful beach bar and hotel. I can only endorse what most people have said already. Stopped in the melia hotel in Havanna for 2 nights before moving south for a day or two and club Tropicana although not my cup of tea was impressive. Blown away by all the 50/60s American Cadillacs on the roads. With the thawing of relations between the Cubans and the yanks I would advice people to make haste and visit before it becomes a playground for the tanks again. Enjoy.
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Gavros
7:27 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Links to some casa particulars in Havana. Theres loads more around with a bit of searching
http://www.casaparticularcuba.org/showlist.asp?Lang=0&loc=prov-3&nRooms=1&NoP2Sleep=1&Type=0&price=lowfirst&B1=Search+casa
Stay there and make your trip.
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Gavros
7:23 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Cayo coco is a better resort than varadero. But honestly, if you want to go to a resort type holiday, go to another Caribbean island, where they are more used to the demands of slovenly fat Americans. Go to Cuba to see Cuba.
Ps the food is typically shite, even in the resorts. My advice is to stick as much as possible to the prawns, rice and beans (gambas con moros y christianos).
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Terrywait
6:35 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Russ, is Varadero the best place to stay really, if what you're looking for is nice hotels, beaches etc?
Whast the poverty like?
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Russ of the BML
6:22 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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BRANDED 11:31 Tue Jan 6
Are you David Niven?
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Russ of the BML
6:22 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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There is not too much to Varadero itself apart from just a whole row of mega resorts along a road. If you have a nice resort then great.
The town is ok but not much there. There is also the dolphin place and a marina where you can hire speed boats.
As others have said if you don't go to Havana you don't really go to Cuba. I would even try and stay there a couple of nights at least even if you have paid for accomodation in Varadero.
But, then again, if laying around a pool or by the sea with a cocktail in your hand all day is your thing then you can't go wrong.
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eastham75
5:07 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Loved the Place Havana great,
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Gavros
11:38 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Yes to that. Lots of good music, drinking, art and architecture in Trinidad.
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MancIron
11:38 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Did Varadero in 2010. Got the bus and spent 3 nights in Havana. It's the tits.
Me and the Missus got up early and walked along the Malecon. There was an old guy playing Moon River on his trumpet. Magical.
Nacional. Bacardi Building (you can just wander up onto the roof for a great view). Museum of the Revolution. Loads to do. Fill up on Rum. Havana Club £5 a bottle.
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BRANDED
11:33 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Club Ayala
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BRANDED
11:31 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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I'm going to Cuba but I'll not be going to Veradero. Its for cunts. I'll be taking piano lessons in Havana and then nipping over to Trinidad on the south coast. There's a very cool club in a cave there.
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Ricky Bobby
11:28 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Literal Paul 11:25 Tue Jan 6
FUCK!
*Googles flights to Cuba
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Literal Paul
11:25 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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take a plane, unless you live within walking distance.
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Gavros
11:22 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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You'll be offered 'genuine' cohiba/ montechristo/ Romeos everywhere but they are always fake, no matter what story you get about so and sos son working in the factory. You have to get them put of the official stores if you want the real thing. The alternative is to go to vinales where part of the tour will be to visit a tobacco farm. There you'll be able yo pick up a dozen bona fide churchillios for about $15.
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Ricky Bobby
11:08 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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I was after a box of 25? Decent ones, montecristo or the likes....
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joe royal
10:06 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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If you want to take cigars out of the country you are only allowed to take a few loose ones
They should in theory be in a sealed box with an official receipt other wise customs will want a word
They are a buck a piece on the beach and about 3 bucks in official shops
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Ricky Bobby
10:01 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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I have been told about using the B&B option rather than hotels in Havana... Definately want to get some cigars so a factory tour will be on the itinary.
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joe royal
1:16 Tue Jan 6
Re: CUBA - Varadero travel WHOAdvisor
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Have a guided tour of Havana . its well worth the 10 pound or so
Then go on foot the following day and pop into the local market and nice looking place to eat that you saw on the trip
Beggers vendors etc are not a prob . worst you may get is a few small kids asking for sweets
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