Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort

Cuba

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*Our second trip was enjoyable.* Visited: April 2008
Posted by sengaa
	This was our second trip to Cuba. We stayed at the same resort - as we enjoyed this resort so much the first visit. Overall, the second time around was not as exciting. Maybe it was because we knew somewhat of what to expect, and we came across a few things we did not expect. That was not Cuba's fault, but our travel agent never advised us of the currency change. Also, the elevators were scary at times. The staff (some) appeared to not be as friendly. That may have been because of the changes taking place in that country. The shining light was the staff in the restaurant. Our server, Yandy, was very interesting and caring, and our maid took very good care of our room for us. Tips were a big plus, but we did not mind if the service was good - considering their low salaries. Also, I brought some gifts from the dollar stores for the girl who looked after our room.
3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
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*I was not impressed at all.* Visited: August 2007
Posted by wishi\dneverbothered
	I found this hotel to be just full of annoying, drunk Canadian kids and rude staff who would only seem to serve you if you handed over a wad of cash up-front.
4 users found this review helpful. 33 found this review unhelpful.
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*This place was a dump.* Visited: August 2007
Posted by wishi\dneverbothered
	Anyone who can rave on about how "excellent" this hotel is, must never have been to Mexico, Florida, the West Indies or The Bahamas. This dump is the worst place I have ever had the misfortune to be stuck in. There were absolutely no positives whatsoever. Stop praising this dump, as you are misleading people. If you don't believe me, book it. Go, waste your money, have a crappy time and then cry!
10 users found this review helpful. 47 found this review unhelpful.
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*This was an absolutely fabulous beachfront property* Visited: April 2007
Posted by westerly44
	I thoroughly enjoyed the Solymar Resort. The beaches were the number one attraction. I also enjoyed the pool and the pool bar/snack bar. It's true that some of the front desk staff need to be educated on treating paying guests respectfully. The restaurant staff was exceptionally friendly and professional, though. Too bad about not being able to use my own currency. I didn't tip that much this time as I did last time when I was at the Iberostar Tainos in 2000 because of having to use the Cuban Peso. The 10% fee for currency conversion is highway robbery. I would definitely return for another stay!
30 users found this review helpful. 7 found this review unhelpful.
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*I received bad service.* Visited: February 2007
Posted by ben
	I had a graet time, but the staff was not all that friendly, and they demanded tips. Also, the pool was dirty, and the elevator did not work.
22 users found this review helpful. 20 found this review unhelpful.
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*I want to go back!* Visited: December 2006
Posted by faisal
	This ws the best place to stay. The food and bar were both really, really good. Also, as for the view - you can't get it anywhere else! It was a nice, clean place.

35 users found this review helpful. 8 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was fantastic.* Visited: August 2006
Posted by robbo
	This hotel was fantastic.
6 users found this review helpful. 12 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was really nice.* Visited: May 2006
Posted by sjerrott
	We had a great time and would go back!

18 users found this review helpful. 8 found this review unhelpful.
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*Once again, it was the best yet.* Visited: May 2006
Posted by elliegil
	We just spent a week at Barcelo Solymar for the second time (it was our third trip to Cuba). Last time, we were part of a party of six. This time, we were a party of nine. It was as wonderful as we had anticipated. Everything spotlessly clean, the staff was friendly everywhere -except for one nasty public relations person we were unfortunate enough to ask a question of. We asked if we could see a "suite", as we intended to return again with even more family members. However, we were literally sneared at and belittled by her. So much for the suite vacation idea. I suggest they give some "people skills" training to the their public relations people - ironic, isn't it? All in all, the stay was absolutely wonderful. That had great food, and the pools and beach were the best. Also, the rest of the staff members were absolutely the very, very best. There was lots to do and see in the sorrounding area (Varadero within walking distance, lots of nightlife if you want it, and lots of shopping and day tours). Weather was the best yet. There were no bugs or humidity, either. Humidity was just starting the day we left, May 12, 2006. Yendy, our favourite waiter, was wondeful to us this trip, too. Once again, I must emphasize the food was delicious. We will return again.
40 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
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*We had a wonderful experience. The beaches were beautiful, but the food was awful.* Visited: January 2006
Posted by m_vanitt
	We stayed at Solymar for a week in the beginning of January. Our room was not immediately available, so we hung around the resort for a few hours. For those traveling here, keep your swimwear handy when you arrive. We really enjoyed our stay. The beach was beautiful and very clean. We were impressed with the cleanliness in and around the hotel. Our room was comfortable enough. We did not care for the food, though. We found that a lot of the food smelled and tasted like fish. At the end, we stuck to bread and a lot of bottled water. (Take granola bars with you!) Anyway, we would return again, but not in the near future. Also, we took along second hand clothes and toys to hand out in the village there. They really appreciated that!
25 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*This was the best yet!* Visited: December 2005
Posted by elliegil
	We visited the Barcelo Solymar, Varadero in December 2005 with a party of six. We found the resort to be amazing. It was spotlessly clean in every sense, and I am a clean freak. The food was excellent. I can't believe people have had complaints about the food. What on earth are they used to...royal banquets or what? There was always something you can eat, regardless of your taste in food. The grounds, pools, public areas, tennis courts, beach, games rooms, bars, etc. were all maticulously maintained - and the rooms likewise. The staff was absolutely wonderful to us. We have been to Iberostar Cozumel, Grand Paradise DR, Tuxpan Varadero (don't go there!), and are returning to Barcelo Solymar again with a party of nine on May 5, 2006, mainly because of our wonderful experience the first time. We can't wait to see our friend/waiter, Yendeys and our maid, Itsmary, again. See you guys in May!
21 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful.
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*Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort is paradise on earth.* Visited: November 2005
Posted by elliegil
	We visited the Barcelo Solymar in December of 2005. It exceeded our expectations. First of all, the staff was wonderful, warm and caring. The hotel itself was immaculate, the pool was crystal clear, and the food was delicious. The bread and ice cream deserves special mention, they were unlike anything here in Canada. The fact that the Barcelo Solymar was so close to Varadero made it that much more special. Needless to say, we loved this place and are returning in two weeks.
18 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
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*Barcelo Solymar was the best! I'd rate it ten stars if I could.* Visited: November 2005
Posted by veeduberz
	This was an amazing hotel. The food was perfect, with loads of selection, and everything was always so clean! The hot water was perfect! The pools were clean, and the staff was amazing! It was amazing what they did for us. Also, the location of Solymar couldn't be better. They had the perfect beach location with an amazing sand and water combination. I would definitely return to Cuba, and most certainly to Solymar - no question about that! Thanks for an amazing vacation.
14 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*Entäuschung* Visited: November 2005
Posted by hermann_zach_wn
	Hotel und Strand waren OK. Bedienungspersonal(Kellner)waren sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.Entäuscht wurden wir bei der Abreise am 16.11.2005 als vom Handgepäck im bewachten Kofferaufbewahrungsraum in der Zeit von 12-15Uhr30 ein Rasierapparat"Marke Phillips" inklusive ein Handtuch entwendet wurde.
2 users found this review helpful. 14 found this review unhelpful.
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*This was an awesome vacation.* Visited: October 2005
Posted by lover_gurl19
	This was the most amazing trip! I've never had so much fun in my life! This resort was too good to be true. Everything was perfect. The food didn't sit well in my tummy, but there was such a broad selection of food offered here. Also, the staff was super friendly and seemed appreciative of everything. The hotel was really clean, and the rooms were nice. We didn't see any bugs, and the pool was kept clean. It was also a short walk to beach, and there was a 24-hour bar in the lobby. There were clubs nearby, and the restaurants that you have to book the night before were beautiful! The beach was unforgettable! I was standing there looking over the ocean and I thought to myself "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else is the world but here". I had the best time staying at the Barcelo Solymar. I would most definitely come back here (I actually just booked another trip here for in a few months). You will have a blast here - I promise!
17 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
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*excited!!!* Visited: October 2005
Posted by 99johnk010
	i am going to solymar in october. tony cant wait. bless him. by reading some of the reviews i am really looking forward to going and i think that i am going to thoroughly enjoy it. My dad is getting married out there so what a good excuse for a holiday. Tony is really looking forward to swimming with dolphins as am i. it should be a great holiday. i cant wait. i have known ive been going for over a year so now its getting close im getting really excited. will let you know how it was when i get back.
5 users found this review helpful. 6 found this review unhelpful.
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*Barcelo Solymar was a dissapointment for me.* Visited: September 2005
Posted by nido4
	I found the food safety handling and the quality of the food to be poor. My room was not clean, the quality of the room was poor, and there was no air conditioning. I also thought my bathroom was dirty. However, the hot water was excellent. None of the staff seemed friendly to me, and I received poor service from the management here. The beach was nice. The water was clean and clear, and the sand was white and clean.
7 users found this review helpful. 7 found this review unhelpful.
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*I thought this was a bad, bad place.* Visited: July 2005
Posted by j_raposo
	I found Barceló Solymar to be a bad, bad, place. The service and food were both bad. I will never return. This was the worst holiday of my life.
6 users found this review helpful. 14 found this review unhelpful.
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*Reservation* Visited: May 2005
Posted by pdlsf01
	Dears Srs We have just visited your site and we liked very much. We would like to know your price table for 2 adults. We are making plans to stay 8 days and initiate the journey from Lisbon at 15 of May. Do you have discount price for a flight company employee? Thank you for your attention Best regards Ana Isabel Pimentel Serviço de Marketing e Vendas Telef:296 209 734 Fax: 296 209 701 email: pdlsfsp@sata.pt
1 users found this review helpful. 8 found this review unhelpful.
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*Barecelo Solymar was brilliant.* Visited: February 2005
Posted by cpt_teddy
	I stayed here in February and I thought it was brilliant. I received brilliant service - all the waiters were polite and friendly. The food was great, and the beach was wonderful. There were also a lot of activities - dancing, canoeing, vollyball, British football (soccer) - the list was endless. The music was good, though a little repetative. There was also diving for those who dive. My brother went and said the wrecks were exellent. My only negative experience was seeing how other people treated the staff. Other guests were unpolite and nasty, and treated the waiters badly. Overall, it was a brilliant holiday and I wouldn't hesitate to go back.
11 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort Overview

Barceló Solymar Beach Resort is located on the best stretch of Varadero beach, the main tourist area in Cuba. The perfect resort for families and couples, as well as for diving lovers and water sport lovers in general. The recently reopened Solymar was the first Barceló hotel to open in...