More Traveller Reviews of Sol Palmeras Hotel
Had a great time!
from SirLou
We had a great time at the Sol Palmeras. The weather was great, as we only had 1/2 day of rain during week we were there. (Jan. 17-24) Temperature was 27 -28 Deg C all week. We had heard that it gets cool at night, so we brought a sweater, but did not have to wear it. It's funny to see the locals wearing jackets, as it is their winter season. They are used to the 32 deg. C weather. The food was fine. I had read that the buffet was not so good, but I thought it was the best. They had everything there. Great selection! The Chinese Restaurant was also good, but we didn't care much for the Italian. As far as the BBQ restaurant goes, don't waste your time. I am not sure what was worse, the food or the sevice. We did't get half our food as they apparently ran out of BBQ Chicken, but did't bother to tell us. The people at the resort were very friendly. It is hard to imagine that they are only making $13 per month. That is why a dollar tip is very big for them. One word of advise regarding tipping; tip only the ones who go out of their way to serve you. There are a few of the bartenders (at the main lobby bar) who will let you sit there and wait for a drink, even though there were 3-4 bartenders and no other customers. So we left a tip, and the next time same thing. So we stopped tipping those bartenders. Not one dime! But the others were great. Especially at the Pool side bar. They always made sure your glasses were full. We always left a few dollars when we left. The rooms were very clean, and for a small gift, the maids will leave you towel swans. We met a lot of great people there. There were a lot of Canadians there. There were also a lot of German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian people. We had to remind a few of the Russian guys that there was no smoking in the pool. Beach was great. White sand, and many topless women. (Watch out for the Ugglers). They are secretly filming girls on the beach. We had a routine were we went to the beach in the morning, then sat by the pool in the afternoon. They had a lot of activities happening around the pool in the afternoon. Trivia contests, bingo, fashion shows, and people in fishing vests dancing strangely. If you go to the Mambo club, bring ear plugs. It is very loud. One last word of advise- DON'T EAT THE HOT SAUCE!
Not what I expected.
from A TripAdvisor Member
I just got back from Sol Palmeras in Varadero, Cuba 12/30/03 to 01/06/04. All in All the resort was nice and clean, not even a leaf on the ground. The only thing that I didn't like, were the bathrooms. Locks were broken, sometimes there was no toilet paper, but otherwise it was ok. We managed. The rooms were very clean and the maid left us a little note wishing us a Happy New Year. So that was really nice. The entertainment staff was amazing, they were very friendly. The food wasn t all that great, same thing over and over again. The Chinese restaurant was really good and the Italian was good too. The BBQ restaurant wasn t too good. The bar on the beach had really good fries and fish. Very well done. The beach is amazing, the water was unbelievable, clear and blue. The waves were so much fun! The Fun Bar downstairs is really good during the week, but on Fridays and Saturdays it was empty because everyone went to a local club called International or La Rumba. They were pretty good clubs. Salsa, Salsa and More Salsa. Even the locals were friendly. They were great, always asked if we were enjoying ourselves. I would recommend this resort to anyone who wants to relax and have fun at the same time. I really enjoyed my stay at Sol Palmeras and I would definitely go back.
Sol Pamleros, Varadero
from A TripAdvisor Member
I am glad to say that my visit to Cuba was a good experience. The only disappointment was the weather, only 2 good days on the beach. This is not a great time of year to visit if you can not handle the cold. The food was fantastic, we put on a few pounds, the entertainment was good and the activities were well organized. The service is okay but it improved quickly with a tip of 1$ american dollar. The hotel room was adaquate the grounds were clean but the best part was the friendliness of the entertainment staff, they made the trip a pleasant one. The hotel's name is Sol Palmeros in Varadero.The wife was happy.
Loved Cuba Resort!
from CamRose
Our family just returned from a one week wonderful holiday at Sol Palmeras, Cuba! The hotel is clean and spacious and the grounds are just beautiful! So tropical with all the palm trees and flowers. It was a delight to walk through the property. Our family stayed in 3 separate rooms and all of us were very pleased with our accomodations. We were on the 3rd and 4th floors and had ocean views or partial ocean views. The rooms were kept immaculate and it was our joy to be able to give our gifts/tips to the cleaning personnel for putting in so much effort in their cleaning of the rooms. Bottled water was provided daily for our in-room fridge. The food was plentiful and there was quite a variety! The breads, pasta station, grill and the icecream were always popular choices. We visited the two speciality restaurants and were so pleased with the ambience and the quality of the cuisine! The Italian restaurant and the Chinese restaurant do require reservations which are to be made one day prior to the actual visit. The people working at the restaurants, front desk and public relations were more than friendly and helpful. The warmth of the Cuban people is what draws us to return to this beautiful island (our 3rd visit). The beach is raked every day and the lounge chairs are plentiful. There is no need to "reserve" your spot. The water was warm, however, it was quite wavy for about 3 days out of our week's visit. If you enjoy body surfing...you would be in heaven! We did not spend any time at the pool area since we are definitely "beach people" who love the white sand and breezes from the ocean. We also appreciated the location of the Sol Palmeras since it was about 25-30 minutes from the airport and it was within walking distance to the sister properties, "Melia Varadero" and "Melia Las Americas." One could also take a free train-like vehicle to these hotels and to the shopping mall. We enjoyed the 10 minute walk through the tropical foliage. We would actually give this hotel a four-and-a-half star rating. We were so pleased to be at this hotel since comments from fellow travellers staying at other resorts were not very complimentary. The daytime temperatures were in the mid-70s to low 80's, however, two evenings were coolish, so take along a sweater/long-sleeve shirt. We are travellers to several Mexican/ Caribbean resorts and would definitely return to Cuba and in particular to this hotel. For those who are travelling to this Cuban delight- ENJOY! We know that our travel plans to Cuba will bring us once again to Cuba and to Sol Palmeras! CamRose from Winnipeg!!
Not a 4*
from A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from a 1 week stay at the Sol Palmeras in Cuba. Upon arrival, there was 1 other couple checking in, we were ignored by hotel staff, they were busy talking to one another. Finally we were acknowledged...very little English spoken.Our room was changed as we were overlooking a roof from the restaurant. Rooms are clean, and sufficient. The resort is well located,grounds are beautifully kept. Beach is nice, but we found it short, need shoes to go around hill, and then more beach. Not a beach for people who love to walk. The ocean was beautiful, clean and warm. Entertainment was excellent...Our biggest complaint, and one i think most people would find Most annoying, is the bartenders!!! Unless you speak Spanish, and wave a dollar in your hand, you will be the last to be served, even if you are first in line! Very unusual as normally bartenders are always friendly. A tip is expected when you receive good service, not to get service. The food after a few days was the same, al la cartes ,3 of them, were pretty good. All in all beautiful resort, dining room staff excellent. Suggestion...learn a little Spanish, it will go a long way.
Mediocre...
from A TripAdvisor Member
Just got back from staying at Sol Palmeras from October 11 to October 25, 2003. Restaurant times are inconvenient - you sleep in you don't eat. Bedding was horrible, and not changed at all in two weeks. Get tired of the buffet everyday. Management not helpful, didn't check on us at all. Good things were the entertainment staff. They were awesome and treat you like family. And the beach is great as well. I would go back to CUBA but not stay in Sol Palmeras. I'll go visit the entertainment staff to say hello.
The Best Vacation Ever
from A TripAdvisor Member
We went down to Sol Palmeras, Veradero, Cuba from June 7th to June 21st for a two week honeymoon on an all inclusive. It was a vacation that will be with us for the rest of our lives, and we will go there for all our future vacations. When we arrived at the hotel at 9:30 pm we checked in and was told by the clerk that if we were hungry to go to the resturaunt to get something to eat before they close at 10:00. We went there and had dinner after our 5 and a half hour flight. Sure was wonderful of her to think that we might be a little hungry. And since we were honeymooners they have a special at the hotel where they will upgrade you to a bungalow at no extra cost. And they had arranged for a bottle of champaign, flowers, and fruit delivered to our bugalow the next day.The food was excellent there, my favorite meat was the Cuban Hash, you can even get a good old fashioned hamburger and fries at the beach resturaunt, there are so many choices of types of food, they have a Italian resturaunt, a chinese resturaunt, a resturaunt that is a buffeteria where they have the many choices of foods like pizza, omelets, fish dishes, beef, chicken, soups, etc. One couple we talked to were staying at another hotel and all they missed having a hamburger, boy were they upset when we told them we have them at our hotel, we also talked to an english couple that have traveled all around the caribbean over the years, and they said that it was the best food there that they had at any of they places they stayed and that they to will always come to the Sol Palmeras for any of their future vacations. There is a bus that looks like a little train that will take you to the other hotels along this strip of hotels owned by the Melia chain of hotels, (they by the way also own the Sol Palmeras), and stops at the Plaza Americano Mall to shop, and it is free to ride on it. You can go to the other hotels along the stip and shop in there stores but you have to pay normal prices to eat or drink in them. The staff are wonderful and friendly, we spent alot of time saying Olah. We were treated the same by all the staff whether we tipped them or not. Lisset who works at the public relations desk is wonderful and we still write to her and have made a good friend. We have made a few other friends there who we keep in touch with. Travel advisors say thet if you ever plan to go to Cuba that you should go before Fidel Castro passes away because Cuba will become Americanized like Mexico and the rest, and you will miss out on the real Cuban culture. While we were there I for one second did not feel worried about our safety, even while in the old section of Havana on our Havana and cigar factory day trip. The Cuban people are so wonderful. Cuba is a must see.
Cuba, too die for, beach beautiful!!!
from A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at this resort from June19th to early July. two weeks. We had a great time. The room was great, but the pillows were awfull, recommend stuffing one into your suitecase.! The rooms were clean with fresh towels every day. The maids were friendly. The buffet for breakfast was good, omlettes and fresh fruit. The specialty restaurants were the best, but watch the BBQ. The Chinese was the best, we ate ther about 6 times, and the tomato soup at the Italian was yummy. The beach was beautiful, and make sure that you go for a catamaran ride. Bring a snorkel, as they do not provide them. The beach bartender was nice, but the pool bartender was always a bit cranky. Be careful walking up to the pool bar, as very slippery. You have to pay a 10 dollar deposit for each towel and 10 dollars for the safety deposit box. Entertainment was ok, not the best, the lobby bar had a pianist playing which was nice. Get your portrait drawn, the guy is great, but do not leave it alone in the airport as it gets stolen. The power went out more times than we could count, so you have zero air conditioning, and no specialty restaurants, and cold buffet food. Some really neet lighteneing storms, as was almost hurricaine season, and rain, but mostly hot weather. Recommend the Havana day trip, the jolly minor catamaran tour, the jet ski jungle tour excursion, and the best was the safari jeep jungle tour. All the trips were worth the money. All in all, it was a great trip for the money. P.S. very few english speaking people, mostly Europeans, with half naked ladies, and men with speedos up ther ***!!!!!!
Good but...
from A TripAdvisor Member
Good but of all of the hotels where I was already in the Caribbean is that with the slowest service and with the most careless organization. The employees great part seems to await a tip. Great beach.
Fantastic vacation
from A TripAdvisor Member
Our family stayed at Sol Palmeras for 2 weeks (July 5-19/03) and had a fabulous time. The hotel is beautiful. The staff is wonderful and the animacion team is excellent (and girls, the boys are very, very cute). I read in an earlier review that the staff expects tips THEY DO NOT, of course, youre more than welcome to do so if you please. The buffet restaurant was okay (its buffet, if you dont like one thing you try something else). The Italian restaurant was very good but was lacking in service. The Chinese restaurant was just amazing - if staying at Sol Palmeras, this is a must try restaurant. The pool area consists of 3 pools, 1-sports pool, 2-just relax and swim pool and 3-kiddie pool SORRY, NO SWIM UP BAR AT THIS HOTEL. The beach is absolutely incredible. The water is clear, warm and beautiful. Overall, this is a great hotel and is definitely worth staying at.
My wife and i arrived in aparty of 17 on 24th Sept 2010 for our 3rd visit to this hotel ,having been before we knew not to expect 4 star service from a 4star hotel in cuba. However,1st night there was a foul drainage problem that closed the resturant and we all ended up... more