Occidental Arenas Blancas

We booked two rooms, in one, 4 of us and in the other my daughter and her boyfriend.

Upon arrival at around 10 pm, my daughter found an army of ants coming from beneath the refrigerator, there was a moulding bun, that must have been there at least a week. We quickly went to report it and it was promptly cleaned. Unfortunately we hadn't seen the last of ants. A disturbing amount of ants were in the two rooms. Not only were we dealing with ants throughout our trip, we had to deal with filthy sheets and towels. My daughter actually left a note, and money, for housekeeping asking if the sheets could be changed. They completely ignored the request but gladly took the money. It would seem that maintenance in this resort isn't a priority, we had no toilet seat, and after speaking to some other guests, they had been missing theirs as well. Apart from the shower being filthy, there wasn't any water coming out of it. My daughters door handle also fell off in her room. Overall, the room was not well kept at all or maintained properly.

We were not provided with enough drinking water for the week. We were given 1 bottle of water for 4 people each day, and had to pay housekeeping to get more water when it is supposed to be an all inclusive!! Coming to Cuba we were warned of the lack of food, so we were prepared a little, but the food was horrible, thank goodness we brought snacks. If you're looking for a tropical drink, don't bother! Only drink options were rum and lemonade or a rum and Fanta.

The pool was cloudy all week and had a green tint by the end, we didn't even swim in it because it was so disgusting! We refused to even put our feet in it. This was extremely disappointing as well as we were looking forward to enjoying the pool that was featured in the photographs. Our only saving grace was the beautiful beach!

Watch out for the “towel scam” on your last day! Our maid followed us to check out and claimed we stole multiple filthy towels and wanted us to pay for it. We were appalled! We had seen this happen twice to other families on this trip. We were so upset at the way the hotel manager addressed the situation. It left my whole family feeling uncomfortable!

All staff were incredibly rude, they catered mostly to the locals, that seemed to be at least 80 % of the guests. The gift shop worker was disgustingly rude to my 17 year old daughter who had money to purchase goggles. The sign said $3.00 and they tried to charge her significantly more and then locked the door on her when she left.

I can appreciate and empathize with the economic situation, but people work hard to afford a vacation. This was one of the worst experiences in our lives and will not recommend a trip to Cuba. [Details]

J'avais été à l'Arenas Blancas en 2020 et avait été satisfaite, mais cette fois, c'était différent. Pas d'air climatisée au buffet et des rénovations très bruyantes au lobby... Mon air climatisée fonctionnait dans ma chambre, mais dans celle de mon amie, non. On a demandé deux fois à l'accueil la réparation et ça n'a pas été fait de la semaine. Que de la bière et du rhum au bar et vraiment pas beaucoup de choix côté nourriture. Peu de sourire et de service de la part de plusieurs membres du personnel (on donne toujours des pourboires). Il faisait extrêmement chaud, presque pas de vent (pour le personnel, ça semblait difficile et on peut comprendre). Il a fait beau tous les jours, la plage est magnifique. La mer était chaude et calme, c'était merveilleux pour se baigner. Il fallait réserver nos chaises tôt le matin pour avoir une place avec de l'ombre. Comme je ne suis pas difficile et habituée de voyager à Cuba dans les 3* ou 3.5*, j'ai réussi à me débrouiller pour trouver ce dont j'avais besoin. Je suis aussi consciente de la situation économique difficile à Cuba. Pour un 4*, il ne faut pas avoir beaucoup d'attentes. J'ai préféré le service et l'hôtel Villa Cuba en mars 2024, un 3.5*. Pour aller danser à Calle 62 ou à la Comparsita, Arenas blancas est très bien situé, on peut y aller à pied, c'est vraiment proche. Pour le prix payé (785 $ chambre occupation simple), on apprécie tout ce qu'on a eu. Toujours se rappeler que malgré tous les manques et petits irritants, nous sommes choyés comme touristes comparativement au peuple cubain... Pensez à leur ramener de la nourriture quand vous allez manger et des breuvages froids (ils aiment la bière), ils apprécient beaucoup. J'y retournerais pour laisser une autre chance, voir si les rénos sont terminées et si le service s'est amélioré. [Details]

The resort was very well maintained, and the people! OH the staff were the highlight of my stay. Specifically Yanelis.. she was our go to waitress for a beautiful smile, a laugh and lovely service. I really enjoy walking into a place and seeing her big beautiful smile and always in a wonderful mood. Even when we had too much to drink the night before, she would make the day that much better by just showing up with her big personality. This resort is very lucky to have the staff they do. We cannot express how much we truly desire to come back. We have made friends for life and it is what will keep us coming here specifically for that reason. The food is ok, but it's not why we came..
this resort has everything including the positive energy that is felt amongst Cuban people, and that's why we will be back. Thank you for an incredible experience. Mucho Gracias [Details]

We were treated poorly put us in wrong room we paid extra for ocean view staff at reception in even not accommodating staff not cleaning our room unless we complained had to argue to get fresh towels [Details]

This Resort Is A Nightmare. We Paid For A All Inclusive Experience And Certainly Did Not Receive That.
We Spent An Additional $300usd So We Were Able To Eat.
This Resort Ran Out Of EVERYTHING Including Toilet Paper, Ice, Pop, Juice, Coffee, Food, Booze, Silverware.
How Does Cuba Run Out Of Rum?
The Staff Are Rude, Ignornt and Not Welcoming At All.
We Expressed Out Concerns And They Called Us Names And Swore At Us In Spanish. No Offer Of Any Reinbursment What So Ever.
NEVER AGAIN WILL I USE The Travel Agency We Did And The Airline Vacation Package Program Airline and Travel Company Did NOTHING!!!!
We Are Not The Only Unhappy Customers There Are Dozens. [Details]

Occidental Arenas Blancas is a great place would be for your vacation choice. Location wise you'll never regret if you're heading to Valarado, Cuba. Very well amenities surrounding. Nice beach, gardens & no doubt about pools. Rooms are literally old & their wifi connectivity is very poor. All the staffs at the hotel are so nice & caring towards all the guests. Food, drinks & musics are great entertainment. Next time if we're heading to Cuba, no doubt I & my family would LOVE to go back . [Details]

I was very disappointed service was not good food was not good, and i think you should offer me a cost free package then I would.be able to make a commitment to suit,.no disrespect to anyone but it was my experience thank you very much. [Details]

It was great: room, restaurants, bars, huge pool and of course the ocean beach for swimming and walking. .
Awesome entertainment: kids & adult shows every evening, kids & adults activities during the day around the pool or at the beach.
Very helpful & friendly staff at the buffet and for the activities.
Special highlight.: our TV wasn't working well - It was taken care within 24 hours; since 2 repairmen tried to repair it and couldn't. A new TV was installed. My husband was so happy to watch soccer games. [Details]

Rooms smelled like urine, had insects in them, and showers very non-operating.
Food is beyond horrible and is old will make you sick.
Hotel staff will scam you during excursions and alter the price of the excursion last minute as you are about to pay, hoping you wouldn't leave and pay for it. [Details]

The shower head is broken since day 1 and not fixed until checked out [Details]

I love Arenas Blancas and I have stayed there many years. It's a great place, with such kind, friendly, loving staff who help you as much as they can! I can't name them all, but here's a few: Teresita, Alejandro, Karel, Jorge, Yanetsis, Katty, Osleidy, Liliana, Laren and many, many more! [Details]

The hotel is rated as a 4-star online, but in my honest opinion, it seems more like a 3. Overall, the staff are really friendly but my room was not fully cleaned upon my arrival; there was dust and hair on the ground. I had an ocean view from my room which was beautiful. I believe some renovations could be done to improve the interior of the hotel. My door handle broke on the second day of my stay; I would still recommend a stay at the resort, as the vibe is all worth it. [Details]

We have stayed here numerous times pre-Covid. The staff are still great, and so was the sun and beach. This time -- Suggestion--Bring your own condiments because there were no basic condiments anywhere, such as S&P on any table, ketchups, mustards, any type of hot sauce, no potato fries, no shrimps, kept running out of plastic cups at pool area (bring your own), repetitive dishes every meal (but good!), alcohol limited to Cuban Rum and beer. Want something other, you go to the boutique and purchase your own (e.g. vodka, gin). (Not something everyone wants to do when they have already paid all inclusive.) Be sure to take your credit card! Many of the shops do not take cash. You can tip with CDN; USD (yes USD!); and CUP pesos (limited). -- Overall, we enjoyed our stay and will return, once again! [Details]

I do not think this hotel is 4 star,it will be 3 star [Details]

Cockroaches & Rats [Details]

Overall I was pleased with the accomodations. I have been to cuba other times and this was one of the better ones. Covid and logistics have impacted Cuba...some basic commodities are missing. [Details]

T'was an overall good experience but for the tiny ants everywhere. Do something with the balcony door. Room 4330. Was a real hell to open or close it. Very very very very hard. [Details]

The beach was amazing as always, best beaches in the world. This resort has the best restaurants for North American/Canadian guests, hands down and is why I chose it again. This time however, there was a distinct lack of customer care. The staff just didn't care.
My room (we had two) mattress had blood and other body fluids in the mattress and mattress cover. Sheets were just put right on top. I didn't see this until day three when the sheet came off a bit. I don't move a lot when I sleep. I was horrified. The body fluids can easily contain things that are transmittable. The manager was notified and a replacement (still worn out ) mattress was brought up and the bed made up. No other compensation.
Beach loungers this year- First time ever you have to be at the beach at 6am to get your chairs or sit in sand. It doesn't matter if the other chairs sit with a hotel towel, empty all day, security or hotel staff will not interfere. There were a few fights. Not even sure why security is there to be honest.
There was a couple, girl was topless, their 18 month (aprox) baby was naked, no hat, playing, while they lay together groping each other, having sex with only his speedo between them in front of everyone on the beach.....children and all. Parents were horrified. Security did nothing. When a 17 year old girl pointed this out to security, she was told “so?” I got up and handled the situation without actually touching them. The baby could have been into the water and they would have never seen it.

There was an ant infestation in both of our 2 rooms. They would come right out if the walls, 1000's if them if you had a drop of any drink or food.

For a 4 star resort, the beds were horrible. My back and children's (they never complain about backs) were sore the whole week. Yet their next door property has great beds but horrid food and cockroaches. I was hoping for so much better.
We were told at the desk that one night sells for $270 USD. I do understand that it is Cuba. I go every year. This is not a 4 star hotel. The food is, yes. Great variety, different each day.

Sunscreen and sunburn creams, gift shop, were expired 2 years ago [Details]

We stayed for 12 days. It is defiantly a 3 star and that is what you get. Please do not expect a 4 or 5 star rating. The location is the only reason we stayed here as we were in walking distance to shopping, clubs, hospital, local parks. You would need to leave the resort for night life and entertainment. The store on site had rude staff. The staff in the buffet were great. The walk way to the beach is a complete hazard, as well as the elevators. There was an oil smell from a local refinery almost every day and 1 particular day on floor 3 and 4 it was obscene and you could not stay in your room as it was too strong. The sheets and towels were changed alot, but always had a musty smell.
This hotel was $2000 pp for 12 days to come from Nova Scotia, Canada which was too much for this star classification. I will not return. I will spend more to get a 5 star if needed. [Details]

great vacation,the maids bar tenders and staff were excellent.second time there and will be going back,everybody goes out of their way to serve you [Details]

We always enjoy this hotel. Been there 5 times. Friendly workers ☺️ [Details]

I love this hotel. Istay here twice a year, 2 weeks each time. The staff everywhere are very friendly and staff will accommodate you as much as possible. For example, I have a very restricted diet and they help maintain it for me every stay. Return guests get bonuses starting on their 2nd stay including a special 5 course meal and a free bottle of rum and other things [Details]

Hotel is right off the Varadero Strip & you can walk down to the different restaurants and shops, which is great. I also felt 200% safe off the resort. So location is fantastic.

For the most part staff is friendly.

Our room got cleaned the first night we stayed & never again for the remainder of our trip even though we left tips. Fridge rarely got restocked.

There's plenty of chickens running around so be prepared to have a horrible sleep if you get a room facing the city.

Pools were decent. There's tiles missing but that's whatever.

There is entertainment for the most part everyday and tons of things to do on the resort. (Pool tables, snorkeling, paddle boats, daily bingo, contests, etc)

Food was meh. The first night my boyfriend ate fish from the buffet and half way through realized it was raw and was sick the entire next day. The resort has buffets and BBQs everyday so if you go to an area where a chef is grilling or BBQing be sure you get it fully cooked. Sometimes they dish you up because the line is just long. Also make reservations for the restaurants on the resort.

Beach is absolutely gorgeous, clearest water I've ever seen. Chairs are usually available around pool but get up early if you want a beach chair.

Wifi is trash.

Another thing to note : if you are Canadian, the exchange rate is horrible. We took out cash at the bank on Varadero strip as well as the airport. It charged me $130 to take out $300.
If you want to do excursions or dinners outside the resort, be prepared to pay!!!

Ps the rooms have normal outlets and won't wreck your devices [Details]

When we arrived, we were not registered at the hotel. Our names where not on the computer at check in, but they did find us a room.. The Hotel was not as clean as it used to be. The staff are over worked. Only One waiter at the Lobby bar. They have to serve, mix drinks and wash the glasses and bar tend making the service very poor. Three of the elevators were not working. Our room floor was never swept or washed. The pool was only cleaned on our 10th day there. The same food every day and no French fries.

Staff are very friendly and the location is great, but the hotel is going downhill. [Details]

OK hotel but much older and what is shown on the pictures. Definitely not a 4 stars. Need a good scrubbing. [Details]

Great trip, air conditioning didn't work great, but was enough. [Details]

Pretty disappointed in this place. Even for Cuba, this resort is rough. You can do better for cheaper, or much better for the same price elsewhere on the island. People walking around til midnight blasting music was a treat too. [Details]

overall the hotel was okay by Cuban standards and the location was great as it was walking distance to everything we needed. It was nice to be able to make use of the Solymar facilities as well. The food was as typical Cuban food goes (a bland mix of basic fare with nothing creative for the palate) but honestly while trying my best to be careful, i got food poisoning on the second day at lunch and was on a fruit and rice/veggies diet for the rest of the trip. The mangos were delicious!

The hotel has an ant problem such that when i was sick, the only thing i could drink was a pop and through the night, i didn't realize that the can was covered in ants as i drank...yeah, disgusting but i guess i got some protein in my system. The night that i vomited, we asked for someone to come clean but no one came until the next day (luckily i cleaned most of the stuff). We asked several time for the room to be treated for ants (and a fellow traveler had a nest of ants in between their mattresses) we had to pay the room cleaner a tip to ensure that she sprayed for us (which she did and it seemed to help).

We were expecting more interactive entertainment. The water activities were present but the activity board indicated sports like volleyball or soccer which we never saw.

Overall, the staff was friendly and we enjoyed the excursions that we went on [Details]

We will never come back to this hotel. Cuba is beautiful but this hotel is awful. Staff are not helpful. They made you feel like they were doing you a favour and were most disgruntled if you did not tip for every small service.We ended up eating off site most of the time as the buffet was a glassed in sweat box with mediocre food and dirty table clothes. Making reservations at the a la carte restaurants involved standing in line for an hour between 2 to 4 if Nancy was actually there. ( the hours on the restaurant info brochure we're 9-5. )don't eat or drink in your room you'll be over run by ants and bring toilet paper in case the maid forgets or doesn't show up [Details]

My experience at the hotel was not very good the first night we arrived there we asked to change rooms and they wouldn't let us change rooms our room was dirty I had a Dirty Ashtray filled with ashes cigarette butts our room was just like sleeping in the lobby so loud and noisy next morning went down to Ash change rooms we did get a room changed but it was just as noisy and spoke to the manager and the manager I taking me up to another room which was Ocean View and that room wasn't too bad until after it rained in a room late water everywhere I came out of my room and didn't notice water on the floor open the hallway and fell and hurt my leg bad I went down to the front desk to complain about it at first they just said to go see the doctor they didn't seem like they wanted to do anything at first so then I spoke to another manager I could hardly walk on my leg and then the other manager was super nice and asked if there's anything he could do and the people on the desk were all so nice to me the next time I went down so with that all said I ended up with a free massage I like the sore for a couple of days when I got home it got a little worse from sitting too long on the plane [Details]