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TRYP Peninsula Varadero 12/15/02
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
I've been meaning to post this ever since we got back! My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous week at this resort during week of December 1. Accommodations - rooms were very clean, and everything was in working order. The maid left lovely towel arrangements each day and if we required anything, we simply wrote back (bottled water was given out readily whenever asked). When we first checked in, we were disappointed to find our room far away from the beach and main pool but upon asking at the check-in desk, they were very willing to move us the next day. In the end, we never moved as we found we were hardly in our room at all. The maid actually asked us if we were going to move so the front desk had obviously relayed the message! I had difficulties making a call out of Cuba from the room but that was quickly remedied and the main lobby houses a business centre from which you can make all the calls you like. Food - we were pleasantly surprised here! We've read so many reviews that we were prepared for the worst when it comes to food in Cuba. The buffets were actually very good (yes, bland, but quality good)- for dinner, there was always a grill where meat could be grilled right in front of you and a fresh pasta bar where it was also tossed fresh for you. Breakfast was also the same with a great omelet bar. Staff were very friendly (a little slow if you sat outside - I think they had less staff on the patio than inside the buffet restaurant). The pool and beach grills were great and we had lunch there every day! Bars, great, if you find the drinks a little weak, just ask for a double, they're always willing to top up! For the best mixed drinks though, go to the lobby bar! Beach - well, Varadero is famous for its beach so there's not much to say here. Water was crystal clear and sands very smooth. It was windy on one or two days, but as long as the sun is shining, it didn't matter! The ocean was actually warmer than the pool. Pool - very nice although very cold! Activities and entertainment - the staff here were great! They put on a show every single night and it was a different one each time. Throughout the day, you could see the crew practising and choreographing so I think the shows are dreamt up each day! The disco was good although on one or two occasions the DJ decided it was an '80s night and that kind of music isn't great for dancing! Lots of salsa and mambo and disco. Good fun. But if you want a live band, I encourage a trip to the Mambo Club. Fabulous live band for some Cuban salsa. I recommend this resort to pretty much anyone- couples and families (very nice kids pool area/playground and kids programs)! The quality of the alcohol (much of it imported from Europe - French and Spanish wines at dinner, Spanish champagne at breakfast) and friendliness of staff made the trip. Tipping was not required, but in truth, I actually wanted to tip as the service warranted it on some occasions. The a la carte restaurant was great. We only went to the international (El Tocororo) and ended up going there for our second dinner too as it was so good the first time! Throughout the day, there were planned salsa lessons, spanish lessons, aquafit in the ocean, water polo at the pool, beach volleyball but you certainly were not forced or harassed constantly to participate! Grounds were well maintained, one spot that looked a little dingy during daylight hours (lagoon area near the a la carte restaurants) but this was a fabulous spot to catch the sunset and the staff even have a sunset event planned daily at 5 pm... soft music, champagne, drinks and hors d'oeuvres were a great touch! Anyway, they say they won't post rave reviews, so on the down side, when the trade winds aren't blowing, the mosquitoes can be pretty nasty! But they only seem to come out at night and it actually got cooler at night so you could comfortably wear long pants! So if you're booked at the Tryp, enjoy your stay, I know we surely did! Millia
Millia
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