Starfish Varadero

I recently stayed at the Starfish Hotel in Varadero from July 17 to July 24, 2024, and it was a complete nightmare from start to finish. Upon our late-night arrival, the restaurant was closed, and we were directed to the bar for food. However, there was nothing to eat, and all the drinks, including water, were warm – unacceptable in the hot weather.

The first morning, we woke up late after a long trip, only to be told that breakfast had ended. Sent to the bar again, we faced rudeness and were told there was no food available. It took over an hour of waiting and poor communication to receive substandard food.

Service throughout the stay was abysmal. Staff expected tips for even the most basic service, and without tipping, we were treated poorly. Drinks were warm and flat, and the food was of terrible quality. Communication was difficult as most staff did not speak English, adding to our frustration.

Every day, I had to visit customer service for various issues, but they were useless and powerless to fix anything. The hotel felt unsafe – someone stole our beach towel, and one night, a man approached us near our bungalow trying to sell wine, later causing distress by approaching my wife as well.

Moreover, all activities mentioned in the booking were false advertisements. There was no volleyball, no night shows, and none of the activities displayed on the internal website or at the hotel lobby ever happened during our stay. This is misleading and unacceptable.

Upon departure, I was forced to sign a document to avoid a $20 USD charge for a lost pool towel, which acknowledged the poor quality of service provided by the hotel.

In summary, this hotel offers poor service, false advertisements, and an unsafe environment. I strongly advise against staying here. It was a terrible experience, and I am still seeking a full refund and compensation for the distress caused. [Details]

Another awesome time at our home away from home. There were a few shortages, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked, no pina colada mix just have a mojito, both are good. Lots to eat, we never went hungry, eggs every day for breakfast, pork, chicken and fish every day. As always Yoadsis and Isabel at the beach bar were fabulous. We missed our lobby bar tender, Yisele, she was on a much deserved vacation. We talked to Rocky and he arranged a cab and made reservations at a restaurant in town for my birthday, always friendly and making sure everything is ok. Alfredo from customer service was very attentive, lots of jokes. [Details]

Value was not there at all for this resort.
It is deemed an all inclusive but only if you are in the bungalows, others you were not able to eat at all restaurants, .

We could not get beach towels until day 3.
Ran out of rum and Brad by end of the week.
Birds are in the eating area and crap on you and the food.
Very very unsanitary. There was a sewer break in the main hotel which the staff was in no hurry to get cleaned up.
The main rooms only had a sheet on the bed. We ran out of toilet paper.

The only beautiful thing about this resort is the beach. Which you coups get at any resort in the area.
Will not return. [Details]

Cons-
Check in was a joke
No information given about hotel or grounds or dinning and entertainment.
Customer service department seemed to have no idea about anything and were somewhat rude when asked.
We had asked about birthday package before we arrived, after we got there and again during our stay. Needless to say we never got it.
Had to ask multiple times for towels in room.
Water pressure was not the best.
Elevator was under repair so the guests had to use a staff stairway that was dirty and dark and did not look safe.
Currency exchange and prices of things changed numerous times a day for no reason.
Free wifi throughout resort but did not work/connect one day of the seven we were there.
Pros-
The grounds were good and our room was clean.
Food was ok, we didn't go hungry.
I would suggest upgrading to a bungalow.
Beach was fantastic.
Short bus ride into town, hop on hop off as many times a day you want for $5. [Details]

I did not have high expectations for this trip since I was already informed that food in Cuba was not great and that there could be shortages. However, I expected basics like : showers that work and cleanliness. In 7 days, I had 1 hot shower. The rest of time, it was either cold or no water at all.
In the public bathrooms, there was no soap to clean our hands. Sometimes, small soap bars were left on the counter for everyone to use. But not very sanitary.
Half the time there was no toilet paper. Would keep a roll in my hand bag at all time.
Took 2.5 days to have someone come fix our safe before we could actually use it.
Will most likely go back to Varadero but not this resort. [Details]

Food was ok
Room was ok
Shower was ok [Details]

Overall, we were very pleased. The only big glitch was the non-functioning elevators which added many steps to our stay... [Details]

We arrived early and had to wait a few hours for our bungalow to be ready. One of our rooms had ac the 2nd room didnt. Wish we had someone on the first day to go over housekeeping and where things were at the resort. I received water in my room because I tipped. It still wasnt enough, had to purchase from the store with fluctuating costs in the hotel store. Snack bar was great. Buffet was fine. Resort was very well kept. Staff were mostly great. [Details]

We have been to many resorts and have never experienced such an amazing and fun entertaining team then here. They have activities all day for all ages. They really engage with the clients!

Bonus too...Canadian pro fitness instructor - Cheryl is part of their team leading guests thru amazing aqua and Zumba classes! My two kids loved joining her everyday on the beach with Frank!

We had no issues finding something good to eat. There was always vodka but never wine in lobby bar which was sad :(

The snack bar staff at the pool work so hard and always smiling and remembering your drink of choice.

Thanks to an awesome vaca and we plan to return next winter with an extended group this time [Details]

I came to this resort for a girls trip. And it did not disappoint. If you read the reviews where people complain then they don't do the research before coming.

Cuba is not the place to come for the food. We have supply issues in North America and so just imagine what it's like for a small island with sanctions. And yes, there were days where alcohol was very limited like at the disco when there is only beer and rum available. But I've been to several other resorts around the area and they have the same issues.

Staff are exceptional. They go above and beyond to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Especially the NRG2GO instructor. Cheryl. Her Zumba classes are so much fun and high energy.

Games are played on the beach. You get an opportunity to win a bottle of rum, whereas at some other hotels, you just get a couple of fridge magnets.

There is also a barbeque on the beach. The pattys may be small but they're made homemade. Can't ask for more than that.

The rooms are clean and minimal but again I don't come here for the room. As long as I have a place to sleep and shower, that's all that matters.

They were bands playing at the disco, almost every night and then after the disco the staff put on a dance party. So much fun.

Before leaving a negative review, please remember these people work very hard for the little bit of money they get. Imagine only getting $20 a month and having to feed your family. The government rations their food.

If you are feeling so inclined to bring items to give to the people, you can bring items such as shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pain, relievers, feminine hygiene, products, candy, gum, Doritos, etc.

I had such an amazing time…so sad that I have to leave now. I'll be back again . Special shout out to Frank, Levon, Yenny, William and Lisbey! [Details]

The hotel and resort property is gorgeous. The resort grounds are a lot larger than expected for the room capacity.

We got upgraded from our garden view room in the main building to a bungalow right beside the pool. The bungalow was central to all the activities in the resort grounds which was so convenient.

There wasn't too many people sitting by the pool for the mornings which made the pool vibe relaxing and peaceful!

The beach has plenty of lounge chairs and has gorgeous turquoise waters.

The wait staff and the cook were so welcoming and happy to serve. They created a lovely meal experience and were always greeted with a smile.

The entertainment staff did phenomenal! They made sure there was a lovely arrangement of entertainment and activities which made each day fun and exciting.
Andy and Jenny specifically were always making an effort to come by and say hello as well as joke around with us which made the experience memorable.

The performers did incredible! The amount of outfit changes and dances they had to memorize was impressive!

The garden staff were always so
Friendly and engaging in conversation whenever you'd walk by.

The front desk ladies had to help us a few times with the internet and room cards and always did with a smile on their face, regardless the time of day!

The staff at the resort were amazing and definitely helped made the vacation a lovely and relaxing one! [Details]

Bungalow was clean and cozy the staff was amazing. Yahima was wonderful. Lidys was great.
Frank and Yoandris so fun. [Details]

This resort is great! All of the staff are friendly and helpful. The bungalows are clean and comfy. The food was great everywhere [Details]

Beautiful grounds and public areas. I've been to a few resorts in Cuba, this has the potential to be one of the best.
Evening entertainment and the state of the rooms puts it very low in my return list though. [Details]

The safe and toilets need a lot of work [Details]

Lovely vacation!! Amazing staff, food and entertainment! Shout out to the entertainment team for the great evening entertainment! Foam party and beach were our favourite. Have been to this resort 5 times and will be back again very soon. [Details]

Very clean rooms, very friendly people, to me the food was very good. Very good security day and night. The beach is very nice. Very good service at the front desk. I am going back on March 21 for another two weeks !!! I made a lot of friends with Cuban people !!! [Details]

The hotel is very spacious, one of the old great hotels which is now being renovated. There are some areas that do not show well right now but the wonderful people make up for it. Everyone at the hotel was nice, smiling and genuine. They bring in certified fitness instructors so that guests can work out. Yoga was wonderful under the palm trees, Aqua and Zumba was a workout and such fun! A great hotel because of the staff, the space, the beach! [Details]

Loved the resort, beach, staff and activities. They made us feel very welcome and we will definitely go back again. We did a lot of activities and our favourite was the aqua fitness classes in the ocean with Cheryl from Canada! [Details]

We went for a week with a group of friends. Our room was huge and very nice. The beach is gorgeous and we really enjoyed the beach BBQ. We loved doing the water aerbics every day in the ocean with Cheryl - so much fun! Lots of fun at the lobby bar in the evenings. The best part of the resort is the amazing staff. [Details]

This is great resort with lots of activities for kids and adults. The kids club has lots of things for the kids too and allows us adults some free time!

We absolutely loved daily aqua with the entertainment staff - Frank & Cheryl who is from Canada! So much fun & energy! Busy classes too and loved the fact that is was held everyday!

We also did Zumba with Cheryl & the other inst Kathy, who is Cdn as well. Such a great added bonus to the resort.

Lisbey, Rafael, Frank and the Canadian gals - thanks so much! You are all top notch entertainers!!

Gals during day at lobby bar who served me my morning coffee with a smile; front desk staff who were always happy to help and cleaning staff who always greeted you with a smile...thanks!!!

We will return sooner we hope! [Details]

We just returned from another great trip to Cuba. We had upgraded our room and so happy we did. We had such lovely evenings in the lobby bar. The staff there are just the best!

We enjoyed seeing the resident cat walking around greeting the guests. The kids loved him and I think by the size of him he gets lots of treats :)

Thank you to Frank, Lisbey, Rafael of entertainment staff and especially Cheryl from Canada who provided amazing morning aqua classes for us all. What energy! Such a great idea to have Canadian instructors as well as the already awesome Cuban staff.

We cannot wait to return and be received again with such great warming hospitality from the ladies at the front desk! [Details]

We visited (my wife and I) Cuba about six years ago, different resort though. Travelled with friends this time, and requested a room fairly close to them. Check in was easy. Got only one key for the room, but would have liked two (one for each of us for convenience). Unable to get second key for entire stay.
Room was in newer section (8316- 8th building, 3rd floor, room 16).
Noticed right away that there was no actual deadbolt on the door. There was absolutely no hot water (cold) for a shower on check in and again in the morning. The smell of sewer started up the next morning. Went to speak to front desk about the issues. They assured us that the water issue and sewer smell would be taken care of that day. If not, we would look at changing rooms, or upgrading to a bungalow if available. Never did.
The entire vacation, lukewarm water, and occasional milder sewer smell.
Personally, I think staying in a bungalow would have been better. Our requested superior garden view room overlooked roof tops from the room, and in the hallway out front.
Food was decent, but no milk, no butter a few days. Recommend that you bring specific items ie/ butter, condiments and anything else, just in case. Unfortunate to have to do this, but expect that Cuba has many shortages.
Bring many $1 USD for tipping, even to go use toilets everywhere off resort. They appreciate CAD and USD. Donations of items they greatly appreciate.
While Cuba is an affordable place to go, it is not for everyone. Beautiful place to visit though. Walking the beach and going into the ocean was perfection!
If I ever returned to Cuba, perhaps I would book a resort closer to, or even in town. [Details]

Not what I expected [Details]

Just spent 9 days in Varadero, Cuba and the Royalton Hicacos. What an amazing trip!! Staff is just absolutely amazing, caring and kind.The reception, spirits bar, sizzlers and buffet staff are great! And these are just some of the people that made my trip worth it. I will definitely be coming back I was happy to see that canadian, Cheryl Ponee. Her fitness classes help keep me fit during my vacation, I was not expecting that. She is so energetic and her classes are always fun. Looking forward to my next trip here. [Details]

Wow! This place is amazing. We had so much fun on the beach and at the pools. This hotel also has the best staff. Andy William and Yoandris showed us a great time. [Details]

Our family came her for vacation 10 years ago so we decided to make a trip back. The hotel is even better now and the staff are the kindest people ever! We did many fun activities on the beach! Special thanks to Andy William and yoandris for teaching us the Cuban salsa! [Details]

We just returned from family vacation at Starfish for New Years. We had a great room in superior section. My kids enjoyed feeding the piano cat who is a regular at lobby bar in the evening. So nice the hotels has this for the kids. he is well taken care of.

For activities, our highlight was aqua Zumba daily with Cheryl from Canada. My kids couldn't wait to do it as well. She made it so fun with great songs and so much energy. The entertainment staff joined in with her so tons of energy which the guests loved! We have never been to a resort with a Canadian instructor so this was a highlight for us.

Front desk ladies couldn't do enough to help us and were very patient as it was quite busy. The 2 regular ladies in day at lobby bar were fantastic. Always knew what we wanted and had drinks ready.

We had a great family vacation! [Details]

We had a great vacation at this hotel. Lots of things for the kids to do and they loved the beach.

I joined in on aqua Zumba daily with Cheryl from Canada and my daughter, who is 6, couldn't wait to do it with me everyday! What a surprise to have a Canadian instructor there and quite the pleasure.

Lots of walking on this resort which was fine for us. The grounds are beautiful and staff always greeting you with a smile :)

Shout out to front desk ladies who couldn't be more helpful!

Thanks everyone at Starfish and Cheryl for making our vacation! [Details]

We just returned and can honestly say we will be back this winter. From the front desk staff to lobby bar gals, to the chefs at sizzlers….all were great and always greeted us with a smile.

To be honest and to our surprise, the highlight was having a pro fitness instructor from Canada there ….Cheryl. Her aqua zumba was phenomenal!! We chatted with her and she travels to resorts teaching lots of fitness and she is an asset to the Starfish entertainment team ! Her energy and enthusiasm was just contagious!!

Also thanks to our maid who always greeted us with a great big HOLA! Room was perfect. Lots of walking which we didn't mind. [Details]