Mar Del Sur

The buffet was full of flies, on tables and on food. Was hard to get anything to eat even if you wanted becuase this hotel caters to the locals. Locals butt infront of you in line and they give mounds of food to them and only a few bites to the tourist. We couldn't get pool towels, toilet paper or room towels either. They would run out of mix for the limited drinks they had. They wouldn't give drinks if they had no plastic cups but would give glasses to the locals with no issue.
Another person traveling with us had no water in their room to shower and no handle on their patio door and was eaten alive by bugs in their bed. Our room had no door handle on the inside and the toilet was broken but they did fix it the first day
Some staff was nice, some wasn't.
This hotel caters to locals and doesn't care about tourists. [Details]

Our apartment had only one key for 4 people and you couldn't even get any more keys for a deposit. We didn't receive any written or oral information about the hotel, or restaurant hours or anything else. We stayed in an older big 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment that had mold painted over on the walls, shower grout and one and the only curtain were moldy and we were constantly running out of toilet paper. Bath towels were the size of a face towel and they were not being replaced daily as the resort didn't have any available. The initial tiny shampoo bottles and the soap were never replenished, we had to buy some outside the resort. Wifi is not available, except maybe at the bar but it's $1 per hr to use it and the signal would have been weak. Food was not bad, limited coffee and milk, you will not find fries anywhere, there is only one restaurant on premises. All inclusive bar had a drink menu that you didn't get to see because they only served you mostly beer, and rum and coke. Pina coladas and mojitos were limited or not available depending on the day. You couldn't ask for any other drinks as they "did not have them".
Money exchange is offered at the hotel, however they don't tell you that it's only in the morning and they will not tell you that the banks close at 2 pm on a holiday, you need a passport to exchange your cash. USD and CAD currency is not welcome in the city, only CUC pesos.
We were pleased to see that the resort is adding additional newer buildings, however they would need to add more restaurants to accommodate the extra people at meal times.
This could be a gem of a resort if it was restored to look more modern and cleaner, and freshly painted. [Details]

The staff are the most friendly of all of the resorts we've ever stayed at in Cuba so far. They are making every effort to renovate the entire hotel too. [Details]

This hotel is by far not fancy but the rooms are clean. When reporting any issues I had, it was taken care of immediately.
As you are advised in Cuba not to drink the water this is the first hotel I have stayed at that did not offer bottled water to the guests. I questioned the travel rep and was told this was not an all inclusive hotel, water was not included, however he directed me to the hotel store. They in turn do not sell water.
In defence to the hotel, they will fill a container or bubba if you ask.
There are no refrigerators or hair dryers in the room .
Only one key is offered per room, and it is a key. Mine personally was not an issue however a friend had a room which unless you locked the door from the inside the door would not close. A chair had to be pushed under the nob to keep it closed if it was not being locked.
I find this disturbing in that if one person from this room went for an early morning walk or coffee and their companion was sleeping they would have to lock the door. This left the person in the room, LOCKED IN. If there was a fire or other emergency how would they get out???

I found nothing wrong with the food, it was plentiful, maybe a bit repetitive, but there was always something to enjoy.
I love liver however was a bit sceptical trying it here, SO GLAD I DID, best liver I have ever eaten!!!
Dining staff did nothing at all for the most part. You needed to find someone to ask for water, wine, etc, never saw a smile or friendly face in that room in a week. [Details]

My room was clean. The food at the buffet was good. The staff are all amazing. The bartenders are funny and helpful. Always smiling and happy to serve you. Best coffee on this planet. Entertainment at the pool was a lot of fun. [Details]

The resort was a bit run down but they are in the processing of trying to attempt renovations. Room was basic with good aircon and hot water. The food in the buffet was the usual Cuban food and there is always something to eat. The serving staff were the most unfriendly unhelpful people i have ever come across in Cuba. [Details]

It is not some fancy place, but everything you need you can get there. Room is kept clean all the time, food is very, very good, beach is great, everything is fine. People who are working there are a lot of help for everything you need. I spent 7 days there by myself, and there is just one thing I can say - all compliments! A lot of couples and families are guests there as well, and I have not heard anybody complaining about anything. I picked up this deal without a lot of thinking and I was very pleased. For the price I got for the deal I got much more than I expected. Honestly. [Details]

The hotel is located in Varadero and does not have direct access to the beach.Later you will like it.The nice bar is on a beach.The sand is fantastic but irregular and high waves are only for very good swimmers. [Details]

the hotel was wonderful and everything about it, witgh the exception of, a dripping shower which was advised to the front Desk the first night and the second night and nothing was done. Of course, with noise of the dripping shower, I could not sleep. I hope that is changed for the next person who occupied that room. [Details]

Hotel is as expected. At least, it's close to the beach and markets. However, don't miss an amazing entertainment every night. Information service is not well maintain. [Details]

well staying here proved to me hell on earth is at this hotel!!! [Details]

The hotel pictured on the website at the time of booking was not the same as the hotel. Not on the beach. ALa Carte restaurant was not open. Room not even at the main hotel. [Details]

Not good.Hotel run down , food is the same every day and doesn't taste good. At the bars coffee machine broken poor mixed cocktails . [Details]

The hotel is old and out-dated but I can honestly say that I really enjoyed myself there. The staff couldn't be more attentive, the food was better than expected, and loved the nightly shows. [Details]

We had fun but to short of a stay [Details]

I've stayed at this hotel on several occasions and I like it. It is not for everyone. This hotel is very basic and could use a few minor repairs. The fact that it is located in town is a bonus for me. The variety of food at the buffet this time , was the worst that I've ever seen it. Given the low price that I paid for my package, I have no real problems with this hotel. [Details]

This hotel was in very poor shape. It was not on the beach as we were led to believe but a couple of blocks away. There was a bar associated with the hotel but only limited drinks, no food or bathroom facilities. There were not even any bath towels for a 2 bedroom, 4 single bed apartment style room, only regular towels. Luckily there were 2 of us not 4. Limited toilet paper, no Kleenex, shampoo or anything like in a bathroom in most resorts. The staff was very friendly and nice so that made it a nice enough place. The food was terrible with extremely limited choice and variety. The bar was also quite limited in choice, we were there almost the full week before we knew you could order a Pina Colada. Recommended for is a mandatory field in the summary, there is no option for do not recommend. [Details]

load music day and night made it imposible to rest. Bugs in my room and i was told no problem they dont bite! disgusting room [Details]

Hola my friends. Just got back from the Mar del Sur, staying 2 weeks this year. I first want to thank Monarc for asking me to review this hotel again...like I do every January. Things have not much changed since last year. (check out last years review titled "MAR del SUR for sure") The hotel has not changed...but seems to be in need of a major clean-up. The food is about the same as last year (same thing every day) They don't have the afternoon buffet in the court area this year...which was a delight for me...but you get what you pay for. My room was without hot water for the first week...no problem showering in cold water. You have to have an open mind about this place...it's a 2 star & still a long way from being a 2 1/2 star. Like I have said in previous reviews...I come here to meet my good friends from all over Canada every January. If you like 3-4-5 star hotels there is good chance you will not like this hotel. Last year in my review I was begging to have the washrooms by the pool bar "CLEANED-UP"...well it was wishful thinking...still disgusting. Wanted to see if cervesa could be available in the 24 hour bar & maybe the beach bar...notta. These are just small things that should be added to the hotel...I guess I'm sucker for punishment...because I will be back to the Mar del Sur next year. "FOR SURE". To all my friends & staff who make my vacation memorable I thank you all.
Take care...see you all next January. [Details]

you do get what you pay for.
I HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE. THE HOTEL HAS IMPROVED ESPECIALLY THE FOOD.

I [Details]

Crappy service from the receptionist, we were sent off on our own to find our room and what a task as there are blocks and blocks of rooms with silly numberings. It's not fun looking for rooms when you're towing heavy luggage. When we we got to our room: bed sheets were dirty, broken toilet handle, dirty floor, bed with springs almost poking out. It was over all FILTHY! We learned from the locals that this place is known to be a dive. We ditched this place and had to pay for rooms out of our own pocket. I will not even let my dog stay in this place. [Details]

Overall the property is very impressive. I was very satisfied with the service, the food and the cleanliness. The hotel lacks elevators and the rooms are below par, in that the beds are small, the shower had no water pressure. But overall very clean and still comfortable.. A PAINT JOB WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE THIS DESTINATION! [Details]

Hotel was ok I was not picked up for departure by the shuttle, either poor communication or just missed me,it cost me 40.$ for a taxi. [Details]

I was so disappointed when I arrived at this resort, it was dirty, the cushions in the front were falling apart, the floors were super disgusting. I understand it was a 2 star but that doesn't mean it had to be so dirty. The pool was not maintained. The hotel is located in the city and about a 8 minute walk to the beach. You have to walk through the streets to get there. I transfered to another resort. Would never recommend this. [Details]

The people are very friendly and helpful.
The pool is clean, the rooms are clean, no bugs, outside and interior can use fresh painting. A great vacation. [Details]

L'hotel pour Cuba est pas pire que d'autres, ya des serviette de plage, des bars, des animations, du service, la bouff pas si pire, on va pas là pour prendre du poid, mais pour profité de la plage, c super bien situé au centre du village. en général pour le prix on n'aurrais pas pu trouvé mieux...pour cuba, la sortie de Jeep est super... [Details]

Just got back from a 11 night trip to the Mar del Sur. I have been to this hotel 7 times in the last 5 years. I only go to this hotel in January...third week every year. The weather at this time has "COOL" temperature...seems like every year...but! i have so many friends that i meet every year here from all over Canada...it's a party every day. First the good news...the food is starting to improve...they opened up the lobby bar removing the windows & door...made it a 24hr bar. BUT! no cervesa. Now the bad news. Guests who have rooms off the main proporty have to walk around to the main entrance...except during meal hours,the gate by the dining room is open only then.The beach bar is open...but this year no cervesa there. This hotel still needs alot of work. The lobby washrooms aren't bad...but the washrooms by the pool bar are worse than horible...disgusting!This hotel is not for everyone...it's a 2 star Cuban hotel (and not close to being a 2 1/2 star)I've been to Cuba 49 times,i sort of have a feel for these cheap hotels & i love coming to the Mar del Sur.The location in Varadero is right in the middle of the main strip.Excellent! The beach is about a 7 minute walk...beautiful beach. If you want to spend time at the beach...get there early...they seem to run out of loungers quickly.Will i be back to the Mar del Sur? DAMN RIGHT!!I'll be back next year.BUT! maybe go a week earlier. To all my friends & staff at the hotel have a wonderful time. Wish i was there now. [Details]

We loved the central location, our room was just fine, pool area was clean and beautiful and we enjoyed the variety of food. [Details]

upon arrival it was dark and our room was on another street but no one would give us directions

the room we got had:
dirty floors,
a broken toilet seat,
dirty bed shets (w/ stains),
a bed that you could feel the springs thru the mattress,
a bed with ants that bit us,
a room filled wiht lizards and mosquitos,
no remote for the tv,
ac would no stay in position i wanted it to,
shower space was small.

however outside the room it wasnt too bad as staff were friendly and the pool looked clean.

but still, the food was awful, full of flies, undercooked and really scarce (people would almost fight over chicken and ice cream)

the diner should have btter operating hours and/or expand as many pople had to wait in line to eat because there was no room.

finally, the hotel should have more entrances since there is only one main entrance and a fence entrance that is only open when the diner is.

front desk lady acted like she didnt care to help us and we had to constantly try to get her attention for help. she also barely spoke english.

overall, a terrible experience though! [Details]

This hotel is beautiful on the outside! The food is good and the beach is phenomenal! However, the air-condition gives off a foul noxious smell in the nights. We could NOT sleep at nights!!! My perfect holiday was ruined by the AC smell and I developed a throat infection from breathing this nasty smell. The staff at the lobby are not very helpful. I was told by a friend there are better rooms on the other side of the hotel with no noxious smell problems. Next time I'd rather pay more and sleep at nights!!! [Details]