Blau Varadero - Hotel Review

Along the peninsula of Varadero is a long strip of hotels and resorts, and not much else, with some lovely shallow beaches and clear blue warm waters, which are perfect for families or all-inclusive package holidays.

The Blau Varadero is located near the end of the strip, a large structure compared to others in the vicinity but still isolated. Since Varadero offers so little to see, its important to find a place that can cater to all needs on location.

Blau delivers with excellent room sizes and nice views if you get the ocean view rooms. If you get non ocean view rooms you'll be facing and getting the sun rays all day long, which may be bothersome to some.

A large pool, tennis courts, mini-golf, garden, outdoor pool bar, 2 a la carte restaurants, 2 buffet restaurants, 24 hour beach bar and snack bar, fitness rooms, jacuzzi and sauna, evening entertainment and inside bar in the large open lobby. After a couple of days this feels natural and routine, but a pleasant array of choices as menu's change daily with plenty of options of what to try next.

It does the job, clean and comfortable. If your staying in the higher floors, waiting for the lift/elevator may become a bit of a wait at peak times. An internet room with one PC is available, but no wifi.

Varadero isn't much more than a resort town, and Blau at least offers everything in one place without having to leave the resort or needing your wallet.

Links:
Blau Varadero - Tripadvisor
Blau Varadero

Parque Central Hotel Review - Havana, Cuba

 Excellent location and easy walking distance to old Havana makes this a great place to stay. It is a modern 4/5 star, depending on which building you stay in. The older original building is slightly dated, but the rooftop pool offers excellent views over the square and Capital building in the vicinity. This remains the main entrance, and also with a large foyer, is the place to see some evening entertainment.

A newer building is now connected by an underground passage-way, or just a short block away if you choose to walk at street level (though may mean being harassed by locals). The newer rooms are spacious and modern, and the rooftop offers additional swimming pools and restaurant and bar with great views of the city below.

Parque Central Hotel is a very comfortable stay, but after reading reviews on Tripadvisor it may just depend on which part of the hotel you get your room. Ask for a room in the the new building and you may find the standards are higher than in the original building.

The hotel does offer wifi at 8CUC for one hour, but don't expect it in your room. This is only available in the main foyer and can be charged to your room. This is Cuba, so don't expect to be connected to the world as easily as in the modern world - after all, coming to Cuba is a holiday and a break from it all.

Parque Central Hotel is an excellent hotel in a great location.

Links: 

Tripadvisor - Parque Central Reviews

Parque Central Hotel