Barcelo Solymar

Looking at the structure, architecture of this amazing resort, you can see that it was once a palace. Ceramic and marble tiles everywhere - stone bars, beautiful woodwork, framing is beautiful. Sadly, this treasure is neglected. The rooms are clean and the staff is very good/polite/friendly. You can smell the mold, and see it in the bathroom mostly, dingy taps, broken hair dryer, the safe can easily be picked up and walked off with. For my worse part, was the structured meals being served between certain times only - people lining up like cattle to get in and fill plates before it was all gone. Resorts usually have buffet service anytime of day and night. There was a shortage of wine, liquor, toilet paper, towels, the coffee was very sludgy at the bottom. Elevators were constantly breaking down. The elevator doors had not been cleaned in "forever", filthy, splatters/mold/dirt. BUT, the exterior was beautiful, very well maintained and clean. [Details]

We had an amazing stay at Barcelo Solymar in Varadero. The food was good and lots of selection, there was lots of beer and rum (not sure about other booze because I didn't ask), always soda and juice available. No issues with shortages other than the hotel was slim on toilet paper but we had it in our room. Amazing service by all the staff, special shout out to maids Danica, and Natacha, the Community Service Manager Alejandro, and Lala on the bar! The food at Barcelo was better than Arenas, they have a blender at the pool bar at Arenas if you like ble ded drinks (delicious), and if you like your coffee strong ask for espresso Cubano strong! Our room was fantastic, air conditioning worked, hot water and good pressure every day and of course super clean. Beach towels provided for the week and new shower towels daily! We have no complaints! If you go for the beach and the people you will not be diappointed! [Details]

We stayed here for a month Nov5/Dec3 2023
We had to move rooms 3 times! No hot water and safe wouldn't work even with the technician coming, he finally had to open it for us to get our stuff out, additionally the light fixture leaked water in the bathroom. Second room the A/c sounded like a helicopter was on the roof 24/7 it leaked 2 inches of water onto the ground floor of the bungalow making it unusable plus the electricity didn't work down there either! The last room had an infestation of ants by then I was so fed up I just sprayed with soap and citronella oil to kill them. The food in the main buffet was always Luke warm or cold. The soup was over salted and my friend found a cigarette butt in it. We ended up eating at Arenas Blancas for most of the meals.
Beach towels were non existent for 3 of the 4 weeks we were there. The main pool was always filthy from plastic cups and cig butts.
We were both sick with tummy issues and some kind of high fever illness culminating in sinus infections and antibiotics when we returned home.
The only good thing about this resort was the beach. We have vacationed in Cuba for the last 25 years and this was the worst resort we have been to.
I will never return here! [Details]

Beach is absolutely incredible. White sand, clean blue water is unbelievable.
In regards to the resort, we stayed at this hotel 10 years ago and it was much better experience. Hotel is slightly outdated, they have some rooms that are fresher. Food was ok, no seafood this time. We had no wine the whole 10 days we were there. Sometimes bar was out of coke, beer and pina colada. Staff was friendly and they tried to help as much as they can but most of the times items we asked for (shower gel, extra towels, water) was simply out of stock [Details]

What I loved most about this hotel was the staff, everybody was so friendly! Lala at the pool bar was so sweet and funny. The location of this hotel is also amazing, the beach is beautiful and it's super close to downtown varadero, where you can go shopping, check out a few concerts and clubs, or enjoy the best pina colada at Pina Colada La Vigia! Staying at barcelo gives you access to the amenities of 2 other hotels so we took advantage of that and checked out the Cubano Restaurant at the Palma Real and the food was AMAZING. The staff was also so sweet and everything was so good that we HAD to go back a few days later! There was also entertainment on the beach, by the pool and at the theatre everyday and we attended a few times, got to join in to a few games and won some Havana Club bottles of rum!
What we had issues with was that our safe did not work upon arrival, and it took 2 days and 5 visits for the safe technician to get it fixed. He was super friendly regardless. The tile in our rooms were broken in some areas and that could've caused serious injuries. The rooms definitely could use a little TLC but everything else was great.
Unfortunately we had booked for 10 days and our trip was cut down to 7 due to a canceled flight, but I think our original 10 days would've been the perfect stay at the Barcelo. [Details]

Stayed in the bungalow with our two adult sons. Both rooms are spacious, beds are comfortable, and plenty of hot water [Details]

no sheets on the bed first nigh out, ants/termites in bathroom and sink, could not leave anything on bathroom counter, [Details]

First, it's not my first time I am going to Varadero. It's 10e time. I like to go to Varadero for the beach. People's from the resort are usually friendly: not this time. Food is not really good to Cuba but at this resort was terrible. I can understand was ambargo but ....Often if you wanted to be serv to the buffet we need to make them a sign. [Details]

Overall a great experience, older facility as expected but closer to downtown, beach is the best you can get and a short walk from hotel, hotel is under renovations, staff are friendly (as all cubans are) dowtown is a short walk away [Details]

My experience was better than the two previous visit the pool we're out of order except One in.acendental the food it could improve like maby get stir fry section no spaghetti no fry except one night not much of selection for a 4 star but room for improvement just saying don't get room over the reception back entrance they party's till 3 or 4 in the morning I meen let get real [Details]

The resort was really really dirty the rooms were specially dirty bugs everywhere did not enjoy the food they had over there. [Details]

Had a really bad experience the bathrooms were dirty the room was especially dirty in the hotel was really dirty did not enjoy my stay.Did not enjoy the food they were serving the food was really really bad. [Details]

Staff very helpful and friendly. The hotel grounds are beautiful with flowering shrubs and lots of Palm Trees for shade and close to the beach. We enjoyed having our lunch in front of the ocean and beach every day. at Ranchón. Our rooms were close to the bar and coffee shop. We had the best Capachino's made with Cuban coffee beans and 3% milk. Mmmm! Just a short walk to downtown Varadero and its exciting attractions. Food was great for Cuba. Smoked Salmon and prosciutto, the best low salt. My friends and I keep asking each other is this for real, are we in Cuba. The wine was very good from Spain and Chile. Definitely coming back and for longer than 7 days. Planning on taking my family next time. Perfect location you don't need a car, just a short walk to town and the beach. [Details]

We, couple, wanted to sit at the pool enjoy some sun, when we sat down on an empty sun-bed we were attacked by 6 people. They claimed, violently, that it's their & we shoud “fuck off”. They just yelled & used violent language. They punched me, female, in my face & kicked my spouse in his face.
Ended up in hospital, Stitches needed.
Had to sped whole vacation in room due to bad health as a result of the assault. [Details]

Had a great experience at barcelo solymar, my room was great kept cleaned everyday with fresh towels no issues. The food was better then other places i have tried previously, activities were fun from the staff, and the beach was ofcourse amazing!!! Will definately return here next time i come to cuba! [Details]

Upon arrival long wait at reception then no help with luggage or directions to our bungalows. One of our bungalows had water dripping from air conditioner and black mould on walls with a very musty odour. We were unable to change rooms until the next day much better room. The beds were good although we had tiny ant problems in bathrooms and they bite. Maids were good to spray but receptionist didn't seem to be interested or do anything about. Very difficult getting room towels and beach towels for 2 days. Many nice bartenders and maids entertainers. Glad we booked bungalows over the hotel as it was where the parties were. [Details]

I was recommended this hotel by many people that have gone in the past. But now this hotel is in dire need of help now.
The only good thing I have to say about this hotel is that the mattresses in the rooms were very comfortable.
The rooms need renovations. Most AC units weren't strong and the rooms were warm.
The pool water was green and dirty.
The hotel staff weren't very helpful. The front desk actually unplugs the phone most of the day.
Had a hard time getting clean towels for the room and the beach.
At the buffet, the food was limited and wouldn't refill when something runs out.
Hotel is missing a beach bar, and a snack bar.
You can go to the Havana club to have a late drink but that's about your only option.
The beach was beautiful but that has nothing to do with the hotel. [Details]

I'm not one to write bad reviews. I was expecting a 4 star hotel, that was not the case. Check in was terrible. The lobby is dirty, leaking Ceilings, very run down. The rooms are very dated with old musty fridges and very poor A/C. The food was the same everyday and not cooked well. My travel partner got extremely sick for 3 days which limited what we could do. The cleaning lady was very nice and did a great job with what she had to work with. There were small bugs all over our room and in our things. The front desk staff was not helpful if you didnt have money in your hand. This is no where close to a 4 star hotel. [Details]

This resort is no more then one star, but it was advertised and charged like a 4 star resort.
We believe it was definitely not worth what we paid or deserving of its title of 4 stars because of the following reasons: [Details]

Prior to departure, I was told that the resort was running as usual. Regardless of what the outcome may be, I was happy to bring tourism to Cuba after the hurricane as I know that many suffered. This was not the case as there was some minor damage caused by the hurricane that we were not made aware of. There were no shelters down at the beach and I heard that there was a bar down there, but it was destroyed by the hurricane.
The beach was raked once every morning but only one strip and there was more garbage down there than necessary.
The restaurants had a lot of birds in them and if you left your plate unattended, they would peck at your food.
My friend's room in a bungalow was very dirty. The pathways throughout the resort were also dirty and garbage would be left lying around for long periods of time.
There is a stairwell at one end of the hotel that has a broken rail and in my opinion that stairwell should have been closed. If someone fell from the 4th floor by leaning on a broken rail, that could have been disastrous.
Also, the pool bar would often close early when the sign said open til 11:45pm. This was sometimes very disappointing as you are there on vacation to enjoy yourself and it was the only outdoor bar. I didn't think that I should have to walk to the other resort just to have some drinks.

Having said all of that, my room in the hotel was spotless every day and the maids were fantastic. The lobby was always clean and the bar in the lobby was great. The food was actually quite good as well. In fact, I would have to say that it was the same as the food at the 5-star that I stayed at last year. [Details]

Everything was great BUT the accommodations are really in need of dire mantainance. They were way below expectations. Only a 3star not a 4star [Details]

There was public fornication in the hallways, and it went downhill from there...To put some perspective to my statement I have been travelling for over 30 years from budget to 5-star and this property was not up to standard. Management was a let down. It was clean, but not in acceptable repair with water leaks throughout the buildings. Also, the noise was 11am to 5am and there was nowhere to get away from it. To top it all off, their was no record of my complaints made while at the property; no acknowledgement or no satisfaction of any kind from either the property or my agent. My suggestion, make another choice!
Note: I am so disappointed with this property's management, I waited a year for my anger to die down before posting my diplomatic review! [Details]

Everyone here is looking to get CUC from you, if you do not show $ before speaking they are rude and unhelpful. The lobby bar is charging double for all inclusive liqour ..water is close to impossible to get unless you go to the store. staff is unhelpful and will take your money and run [Details]

Solymar joined with Arenas hotel made an excellent variety of restaurants and bars/snacks. Staff were extremely helpful and lots of fun. We mainly ate at Arenas buffet as they did not have birds in the restaurant and we had a lot of fun with servers and hosts. [Details]

Just returned from my week stay at Barcelo Solymar and I already wish I could go back. I have visited Cuba last year as well as Mexico and Dominican but this trip was by far my favorite one ! My boyfriend and I absolutely loved it. The hotel was beautiful, the staff was very friendly and polite, the room was very clean and we had an amazing view overlooking the pool area. Buffet/A la carts/ snack bar were all extremely delicious. The beach was amazing. We had the chance to go to two beach parties that I've never experienced on any of my other trips which was pretty fun. We also enjoyed paddle boating in the ocean which is offered by the hotel. The hotel is less than a 10 minute walk away to Calle 62 where tourists can go to see the Cuban culture, shopping, live entertainment and clubs for partying. No complaints whatsoever, I would recommend this hotel to anyone and I definitely plan to return soon [Details]

Hotel could be good however, is deteriorating due to lack of regular upkeep. Roof leaks,washroom fixtures needing repair,musty odour in rooms,fixtures in room in need of repair, [Details]

Hotel was decent. We had the bungalow suite which was a worthwhile choice as we were there for 2 weeks (with the exception of the hard beds and pillows). Overall the staff were helpful, friendly, and enthusiastic. Unfortunately the reception desk was a bit of a disaster - first come, first served is not a used concept. I was often waiting for at least 10 minutes to be assisted as Spanish speaking guests would approach the desk and be helped first or anything being done for only English or French speaking guests would be interrupted to assist the Spanish speakers. Despite these long wait times, the reception desk staff was ultimately helpful overall. Room key cards are a nightmare, we often had to get ours fixed as they wouldn't work and this seemed to be a common theme for a lot of other guests as well. The pools and beaches were nice and well kept. The food was decent, nothing to rave about except for the desserts. My husband is not usually a dessert person, but there is nothing like Cuban cake or ice cream. They also had a good variety of drinks to offer. Overall, our stay was enjoyable. [Details]

Cet hôtel déjà besoin d'être rénové, même si elle a été mise en service en Décembre 2001. Ne vieillie pas très bien.

L'EXTÉRIEUR de l'hôtel devrait être peint régulièrement, on voit les signes du temps. Sur le site, quelques tuiles ont été remplacées par des blanches, faute d'avoir celles d'origines en stock. CHAMBRES : La1ère chambre donnée était au-dessus de la discothèque, j'ai immédiatement demandé de changer de chambre. La 2e chambre avait des coquerelles dans la salle de bain, un autre changement requis, la 3ème était acceptable ... Dans la chambre, la porte patio ne pouvait être verrouillée. Les 3 matelas des 3 lits n'étaient pas très très confortables, un remplacement s'impose. La salle de bain avait des bugs, nous avons demandés 2 traitements d'insecticides TIP: Apportez des couverts de drains en caoutchouc afin d'éviter qu'il y ait des bugs provenant des drains. Quelques tuiles de céramiques étaient cassées et recollées. L'air climatisé= Déficiente.... La piscine avait un cerne tout le tour au niveau de l'eau. LA PLAGE est géniale, mais le manque de sécurité est flagrant, on a volé mes 2 serviettes de l'hotel ... et l'hôtel s'attend à se faire rembourser pour les serviettes. ASTUCE: Surveillez attentivement vos serviettes. J'ai expliqué la situation au service à la clientèle et je n'ai pas eu à les payer. J'ai observé un manque évident d'entretien dans cet hôtel. LA NOURRITURE: Vous trouverez toujours quelque chose à manger, mais ATTENTION .... Le chef utilisait la même spatule pour cuire le boeuf, la volaille et le porc ... risque de contamination croisée imminente. Ils devraient probablement éliminer les FAKE restaurants italien ou espagnol…à la carte .... Il n'a rien d'autre que le nom qui soit italien espagnol ou chinois. Tant qu'a le faire qu'ils le fassent pour vrai. CONCLUSION: Arrêtons de dire que c'est normal pour Cuba .... Il est temps pour les voyageurs, les agences, les grossistes et les compagnies aériennes de se lever et de réclamer de véritables hôtels 4, 41/2 et 5 étoiles à Cuba. C'est impensable de voir comment ils n'ont pas progressé dans tous les aspects du service hôtelier depuis ma 1ere visite au Solymar en 2004. Je dirais qu'ils ont régressés. [Details]

The hotel was nice but quite loud until around Midnight, and a little beat up. Food was good, but had little variety over the week. Beautiful beach and good service. [Details]

Front desk service terrible, super slow and made us wait four hours because the room was not ready. No keycard had to wait for a day to get another key card, always huge lineups at the front desk meanwhile stuff is taking their sweet time. Cocroches in the rooms and bathrooms as well as in the buffet, everything falling apart, used and abused. Food was terrible I lived on junk food and restaurants in town for the week as the food at the buffet was just nasty .you would have wait in a huge lineups to get anything descent. They run out of ketchup or fries constantly I guess that was the only food people ate. Could not take showers as the damn shower head was broken, toilet seats would be sliding all over or missing completely. This place has so much potential to be awesome but they just don't care. Seen better 2 star hotels in Mexico than this place, not sure how it is advertised as a four star. There was 6 of us at this place came to party a bit do some diving and just relax well it turn out to be a big disappointment. Been to Cuba many times and I notice that with time it just gets worst and worst. [Details]