Reviews of Hotetur Palma Real Hotel, Varadero, Cuba

palma Real

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Chuckle-Vision

Comments:

Excellent hotel especially if you like night life.

The food is good as far as cuban standards go, but could be more varied, and the el Mojito bar is supurb.

The staff a friendly and polite, and you don't have to wait for service, as someone is always there to look after you at meal times.

Best areas are main dining hall, and pizza restraunt for food, chinese is ok but not like home, and they have a Cuban bar/cafe that is open 24/7

Swimming area is good with 4 pools, and a swim up bar, plenty of sun loungers are provided to bathe.

There is also just over the road from the hotel an exclusive beach area, and a free bar that does some limited food.

There are also some nice local restraunts that are good and reasonably priced.

This is the Hotel for night life too, with the Havana club next door, and a good local bar at Calle 62, where you can meet the Cubans, and dance to salsa every night.
They are very friendly and make you feel very welcome, and the street is very lively from about 10:00 pm onwards with people dancing in the street outside.

The local markets are also close to here, and there is a park nearby too, where you can ride on camels, hold crocodiles, and lizards, or just walk around, with a crazy golf course over the back of it for just .50 CUC around.

There is also a tour bus for the peninsula for which you pay 5 CUC and can tour the area all day getting on and off whenever and where ever you fancy.

I have now been here twice and would go back again, as the location is supurb.

Ideas if your thinking of going are to visit Plaza America, the Dolphin arena where you can watch a show, and swim with them, and a supurb catamarang trip which takes you to a desert island. It includes, drink on board and food and drink on the island, and stops 2/3 of the way out so you can snorkel, and see the fish and coral.

We arrived home 28th sept 08 and...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss K O''Hare

Comments:

We arrived home 28th sept 08 and we are depressed,we had the best time ever.The hotel was amazing really clean and the staff are so friendly,they all work really hard epecially the bar tenders.We tipped them a couple of pesos and we didnt have to go back the bar,they would wait on you all night and there was 9 of us.The beach was so beautiful,very clean and the water was gorgeous very blue.There are quite a few places in the hotel were you can eat,there is the main buffett area,the snack bar which is open 24 hours which we loved,the pizza place which was nice they also done pasta there which was yummy and the chinese resturant which we never went to because due to the hurricane the week before it was closed.At the beach our hotel has its own snack bar which is good so you dont have to go back to the hotel if your hungry (the beach is only 1 min away from the hotel). There is a swim up pool bar which we loved again it was nice and clean and had little seats in the water.There is a little club in the hotel which we went to every night with a few of us,they do dancing and put acts on for about an hour then there is music until 12.If you dont want to go back to the hotel after the club you can go outside to a club called calle 62 were the beer is cheap and its amazing as you see all the cubans dancing in the street.If you go on any trips while you stay there you have to go to havana,we done the overnight stay were the first day you go on a guided tour through the main city of havana,then you stay in a 4 star hotel for the night and they take you to club tropicana were you get to see all the amazing dancers-the costumes are fabulous.The next day you go back to the city of havana again you have a guided tour then you have about 3 hours of free time were you can go and explore for yourself.I would suggest going to the flea markets as everything is cheap there and another bit of advice if you go to havana take your own toilet roll with you as they either dont have any in some of the toilets or there is a woman sitting outside who you have to tip to get like 3 sheets.The weather was fab,some people think september is all rainy well its not i know its hurricane season but while we were there for 2 wEeks it didnt rain once in the day.Beware of mosquitos me and my boyfriend have never been bit in our lives but as soon as we got to cubA we got bitten all over so please take some repellent even if you've never been bit.It was a fab holiday n we'd defo go back. WE LOVE CUBA SHOWTIME!!

We had our honeymoon trip at...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Transat

Submitted By:

Other Mr. BJ

Comments:

We had our honeymoon trip at Palma Real. Our flight was delayed 2 days. But everything went fantastic. We enjoyed our time and didn't want to come back :)



Food was good if not great, but they have tons of choices and we, as vegetarians, had enough choice to eat.



We had 5 great sunny days and it we made good use of them, without taking any excursion trips to anywhere.



We were on second floor and we didn't see any bed bugs or anything. We brought our mosquito spray and that was huge difference in enjoying our time as those mosquitoes will eat you up if you let them.



Beach is few blocks away from hotel, but not too far. It's beautiful with white sand.



We took bus trip around Varadero and it was fantastic value for $5.



Please...if you go there dont do topless tans for thing as it makes people with families uncomfortable. Yes, I didn't like people doing it..and there were lots doing that.



Anyways, if you go there go with open mind and dont let anything ruin your holidays.

We had a fantastic time staff...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs A Macdonald

Comments:

We had a fantastic time staff couldn't do enough for you. Plenty of choice in food chicken, pork or fish every day fresh burgers kebabs. had an 18 month old with us no problem finding food for her. they were very busy painting and maintaining building1 as they had closed this as is quiet season for Cuba at moment. beach superb were there 8-30am as it got very hot later need high sun Factor and lots mossie spray for evenings leave perfume at home mozzies love it? Animation staff great worked all day then took groups out clubbing every night. room was fantastic whole resort very clean. Did jeep safari and day trip to Havana again both superb. only complaint we heard was too much Cuban music and food We were in Cuba maybe they should have stayed at home.

We would go back tomorrow It was Fantastic

Lovely hotel staff friendly and...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs D Fisher

Comments:

Lovely hotel staff friendly and very helpful the only problem was it felt like club 18-30 for Canadians must have been their spring break or something they were there on mass and cannt they drink ! They moan about the Brits send a camera crew over there we are mild compared to them. Food was basic but this is Cuba, beach was 5 minutes over the road but worth the walk,very clean and the beach staff look after you really well. Would go again and recomend it to friends. If you go with Thomas Cook your rep Alex is really helpful. Go to La Fondue just by Calle 62 the steaks are out of this world and so cheap to eat there as well.

Lovely hotel staff friendly and...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs D Fisher

Comments:

Lovely hotel staff friendly and very helpful the only problem was it felt like club 18-30 for Canadians must have been their spring break or something they were there on mass and cannt they drink ! They moan about the Brits send a camera crew over there we are mild compared to them. Food was basic but this is Cuba, beach was 5 minutes over the road but worth the walk,very clean and the beach staff look after you really well. Would go again and recomend it to friends. If you go with Thomas Cook your rep Alex is really helpful. Go to La Fondue just by Calle 62 the steaks are out of this world and so cheap to eat there as well.

I booked this holiday two weeks...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr A Young

Comments:

I booked this holiday two weeks before we flew so we did not know what to expect and as I am a very fussy eater was worried about food but there was no to be worried. The hotel it self was very clean and brightly decorated it was a warm and very friendly atmosphere right from the start the staff were very friendly and they certainly looked after you day and night the rooms were very clean with the maid calling every day it was only 2minute walk to the beach which was out of this world and again there were staff there to help you with sun lounger,s I have and will continue to recommend this hotel to friends . The night time entertainment was a bit low key (only down fall ) but we found it very safe and friendly to go out and about day and night with a choice of bars and restaurants on door step.Overall we really enjoyed this holiday and can safely say that we will be returning to this hotel

Please ignore the last 2 reports...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr P Walker

Comments:

Please ignore the last 2 reports as they are not a true reflection of the Palma Real, Varadero (people who can't locate hotel rooms or who arrive at the wrong airport (Montego Bay!!) can't be relied on).



We stayed here from 14-28 January and found the following:



Location, although not directly on the beach (5 min walk), its on the edge of Varadero town and has more to see of Cuban life than resort hotels further out on the peninsula. It was an easy walk into town past Josone Park, flea markets etc.



Check-in at hotel was quick an efficient.. directions given to room were easy to follow.

Room clean and spacious with L-A-R-G-E beds, small balcony with table and 2 chairs.

Maid service excellent (how do they come up with some of those towel sculptures on the bed!)

Maintenance dept. good... light bulb reported and replaced within the hour.

Food plentiful, well prepared and presented... at the buffet fresh fish and meat were always available at the grill. There was always plenty of choice (we didn't even get round to visiting the Pizza and Chinese restaurants).

Dining room and bar staff efficient and pleasant (even though some of their customers were not).

Pools clean, but brrr... not heated.



Entertainment from fashion show to Cuban and Caribbean nights were there for you or a quiet drink in the other bars in each accommodation block.



Not all rooms have a perfect view... we had a room in building 4 which faced a palm tree and the opposite wall, we asked to be moved and after 48hrs. were given pool/sea view room in building 1 (make sure your request is noted on 'the list' in reception).

Beach bar is basic/OK but its wash room/toilet facilities poor.

The beach is excellent.



Overall, the Palma Real is good value.



Tip: to help you get your bearings, take a trip on the 'Varadero Beach Resort Tour' bus from the main road (stop No.6 at Calle 62). Every half hour, this takes a loop into town and back out to Playa Americas Shopping Centre and the hotels further out along the beach. (5 pesos for day ticket, pay on bus.)



ps If you like music, the famous Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club are currently playing the concert hall at Playa Americas 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month.. well worth 25 pesos.

It took us two hours transfer...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Ms E Almond

Comments:

It took us two hours transfer time to reach this hotel from Montego Bay airport, which would be ok on the expected luxury coaches. Unfortunately our coach turned out to be an old bus, probably dating back to the 1960's!



Check in was a slow process but we eventually got our room keys and discovered that, even booked 11 months prior, the children were put 7 floors away from ours! Sounds quite good, but had booked a family holiday and did want to spend some time with the children!



The rooms were disappointing, small and half painted. The view was certainly not what we expected after paying so much for this holiday; we were situated in the North Tower facing two large, noisy generators and the staff car park. If you are planning a trip to this hotel ensure that you get placed in the South Tower, which is more updated and have great views.



The hotel complex itself was great, bar and dining room staff were extremely helpful. The pools were plentiful and clean, as was the beach and the space for relaxing. Plenty of bars (and drinks) to choose from, but the food did get a little repetitive.



Overall, I would say that the complex was great; the rooms were the disappointment for this holiday.

We have just returned from Cuba....

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cooknew year

Submitted By:

Mrs C Sinclair-wellings

Comments:

We have just returned from Cuba. We stopped at this hotel; we didn't rate it at all. Food wasn’t nice, and in the morning it had some leftover food from the night before, and had left over food at dinner from lunch time. Service was not very good.



We could not find our room when we got there. After being on a plane for 10 and half hours going to the first airport Holguin, then stopping there for 2 hours waiting for a flight to take us to Varadero airport, then getting on a bus for half an hour to get to our hotel. The last thing you want to worry about is finding your room.



The room wasn’t very clean, it had a needle in the bathroom and dirty paper and little insects by the sink every day. Under the bed was very dirty.



The rep wasn’t there when he told us to meet him the day after we got there. We could not find him to ask him to stay at another hotel. The only good thing about this hotel were the pools. We will not stop there again.

This was my first proper holiday...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mr R Johnston

Comments:

This was my first proper holiday abroad and I though Palma Real was really great. The staff were really helpful and took the time to get to know your name and would welcome you at every opportunity.



When we arrived while waiting to check in drinks were brought to us, which was a god send when having just arrived to the baking heat from the UK. The Holiday started as it meant to go on.



Waiter at dinner would wait on you hand and foot and I gave a few tips here and there of a Peso, for was simply excellent service, your glass would not be half empty before someone came to fill it up again.



At the lobby bar a guy, who looked like Kojak, was serving and upon giving him a Peso I was served first time every time for the rest of the Holiday.



The room was clean and the air-conditioning was wonderfully cool, their beach only a stone’s throw away, and at the Palma you’re right by everything. We saw some of these 5* hotels and they seemed to be miles away from anything other than other hotels.



The excursions were great, except Havana - which I wouldn’t do again simply because it’s just one big begging festival at your expense.



In Veradero do forget to go the park and see the Camels and Ostriches and stuff, hardly anybody at the hotel seemed to know it was there and we only found it by accident.



Inside is a really wonderful little Italian resurant which is great if you just want to go and have a nice meal at the side of a lake.



You do need to take some bug repellent and here’s a tip, don’t pay the doctor 90 pesos if you start to swell up cause you can go down the chemist and they will just sell you for 10 pesos what the doctor has told you to buy anyway.



Have fun, you will do as long as you’re not looking for Ibiza or Disneyland. If you’re looking just to chill and have a great time, then Palma Real and Veradero is the one.

Providing food isn’t a huge...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss N Ibbetson

Comments:

Providing food isn’t a huge big deal on holiday you will love Cuba, their idea of food & our are very different but all is edible even if a bit weird.



What can I say about the hotel, its bright friendly & comfy, the staff are good fun & very accommodating.



Go to local bars & restaurants as they are all very cheap don’t just stay in the complex because you are all inclusive or you will miss the real Cuba.



Top TIP.. Book excursions from the little Havana tours kiosk opposite the hotel, they will charge half the price to Thomson or the hotel & you end up on exactly the same trip, you even get picked up at the same time & go in the same car/bus.

If you’re after luxury then...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

elljay20

Comments:

If you’re after luxury then this isn't the place for you. However, if you want reasonably priced clean accommodation then the Palma Real is fine.



It’s literally two mins from the beach and they have they're own bar on the beach. There was a reasonable choice of food (remember this is Cuba so it's not going to be sumptuous anywhere) and the staff were friendly.



I'm a picky person when it comes to food and accommodation and I had a fantastic time here and wouldn't hesitate to return.

After reading some of the...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr R McCardle

Comments:

After reading some of the previous reviews of the hotel I was a little apprehensive as to what we should expect.



We were more than happy upon arrival, however - our room was clean and tidy, everything worked and we had a lovely view of the pool. The rest of the hotel, whilst not amazing, was very nice, very clean and well-kept - and the pool was fantastic!



The staff were brilliant and bent over backwards to help us out with the smallest things.



The food was ok - not amazing, but it was fresh and hot and filled the hole. It got a bit repetitive after a while but you couldn't grumble about the quality. The only reason I didn't give 10/10 was due to the food getting a bit boring - and the a la carte restaurants didn't have a huge selection either.



The beach was awesome - bar for drinks and snacks, clear sea with fish swimming around, white sand, and it wasn't crowded even on Saturday. Just get there a bit early if you want an umbrella for some shade.



There's not a lot to do outside of the hotel and beach, though, so if you're a bit fidgety like me you'll have to go on the day-trips or spend more time at the bar!



Only negative to the whole holiday was flying there with Monarch! Aaargh!

My husband & I recently...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mrs A Ferebee

Comments:

My husband & I recently stayed at the Palma Real Hotel in Varadero Cuba said to have held a 4* rating which had just been downgraded to a 3*.



The interior of the hotel was unbearably hot, the foyer and reception being alive with mosquitoes whatever the time of day or evening, with no apparent air conditioning only ceiling fans.



Rooms were very basic and cleaners took delight in leaving the windows open ensuring the room filled with mosquitoes.



The quality, temperature & variety of food was very poor, bland and unimaginative.

There was little entertainment or activities either daytime or evening and what there was, was amateurish. The one exception being an aqua synchronized swimming cabaret which was imported from an outside source.



The beach was a ten minute stroll from the hotel, gaining access by crossing the main Varadero highway, but worth the effort.



The hotel overall reflected a feeling of neglect & tiredness, not exactly contusive to an enjoyable venue.