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Paradisus Varadero 12/04/02
Reviewers Rating:  Great
Just returned (Nov 23) from a 1 week stay at the Paradisus Varadero. Overall I would rate the resort as good, nice beach, buildings are well designed with generally friendly and accomadative staff. Some specifics: Room: we had an ocean view junior suite - rooms fairly well appointed w/mini bar - water soft drinks, beer - nice sitting area with rattan furniture - I wasn't too keen on the bathrooms, only had one sink and were a little small - also mattices were hard, which apparently is common at resorts in Cuba - great view and we were less than 50 yard from the water Beach/Pool: large long beach - powder beige sand, gentle slope with clear blue green water - we had bad weather for 3 days and the beach got heavily covered in seaweed - this was an issue b/c the seaweed was everywhere and was hard to walk on/around - crews were trying clean up the beach but were very slow - they took 3 days when the job should have taken 1 day - the pool is very nice - large with lots of bays - it got busy very early so we didn't use it opting for the beach, weather permitting Social/Bars/Lounges: the hotel has one main centrally located bar w/a large lounge - this is nice area w/very good/friendly staff - we spent lots of time here, drinking/smoking cigars - there is also another smaller bar in this area if you like to dance and the area for shows - saw part of one show, looked semi-professional The guests were a mix of French, Italians, Germans and Canadians - mostly 30's and up and fairly affluent if dress is any indicator Food: really the only negative for me, but a fairly big one - the hotel has 3 a la carte restaurants (require reservations) and one buffet - I tried to book the a la cartes on Monday am, but were told all full until Fri, our last nite - couldn't beleive this as they appeared empty when walking by - ate at the Spanish on Fri nite - food was good but the place was 60% full and they had room for a dozen more tables - I suspect that they try to limit you from eating at the a la cartes b/c higher quality food is v-expensive in Cuba and force you to eat at the buffet - this angered me b/c better all inclusives promote their food quality - a clear case of bate and switch - I am writing Melia Hotels and I will post their response Overall a nice place - they have lots of competition w/Sandals now open next door and several new resorts now being built - I doublt I'll return to a Paradisus
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