VALENTIN EL PATRIARCA VARADERO - Adults only

We paid for the Alegance (Premium) package at Hotel El Patriarca Varadero expecting what had been advertised, but the stay was nowhere near premium. Our room had no hot water at all, the mini-bar was empty when we arrived, and we had to ask repeatedly for water, coffee, and the promised bottle of spirits. There were no upgraded bathroom amenities. Most of the package services simply weren’t available. The lounge was shut for renovations, the exclusive beach area was neglected and unusable, and the “premium drinks” ran out almost immediately. Several bars and snack areas were closed, and the beach bar was rarely open, leaving few options. The salt sauna was closed too, entertainment was inconsistent, and many facilities listed on the Sunwing website weren’t operating. Meals were extremely repetitive and didn’t resemble the advertised themed restaurants. It was chicken, fish, or pasta every day, wherever we went. Breakfast and lunch were just as limited, and the promised 24-hour snacks weren’t there. For what we paid, the Alegance level didn’t provide the advertised services or value. Anyone booking Deluxe should expect a stay well below what’s promoted.

From December 31 to January 4, I stayed at Valentín Varadero El Patriarca, booked through Sunwing. It was by far the worst resort stay I’ve had. The property was dirty and poorly maintained, with mosquitoes everywhere and no repellent available. There were no activities, and the souvenir shops stayed closed the entire time. We reached the resort around noon, though check-in was meant to be at 4 PM. Staff kept saying the room was “almost ready,” but we waited until 5:30 PM without clear updates. Once inside, the room and bathroom weren’t clean. The shower head was broken, the closet door damaged, and there was no telephone, tea or coffee, or basic amenities. We had to beg for toilet paper, water, and towels, and got very little. Towels weren’t changed during the stay. Our keys repeatedly stopped working, so we had to go to reception several times just to get in. Front desk staff were dismissive and unhelpful. Food was bland, poor quality, and extremely limited. It often ran out, so guests rushed to get some. Vegetarian choices were almost nonexistent, and the snack bar also ran out, leaving us with no food at times. Bars lacked basic drinks too. Staff often said there was no beer, tequila, gin, or other alcohol and sent us to another bar instead of restocking. I had stomach problems and a fever during the stay, along with a lot of stress and discomfort. This resort didn’t meet even basic needs, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Food isn’t great, but I know what Cuba can be like and bring things I enjoy. Supplies and choices are very limited, and food is expensive for Cubans. I left what I didn’t use. I go for the climate, warm water, beautiful beaches, and excellent service, not the food. You can get an all-inclusive trip for under $800 or less, which is why I love going. I wanted a taste of downtown Varadero, but there isn’t much to browse on foot. There are around five or six flea markets, all selling the same tourist gifts and souvenirs, and a few restaurants that don’t feel like much of an experience. Prices aren’t cheap for Cuba, and you’ll get approached by taxis and horse-drawn wagons. There just isn’t a lot to see. The marketing calls the beaches the best in Cuba, but I wouldn’t say that. Varadero’s sand has lots of crushed shell, and I found the water wavy every day, deeper sooner, and a little cooler than at CAYO COCO or Guillermo. Those beaches have smooth white sand, a gradual walk into warmer water, and not much outside the resorts, though there are plenty of excursions.

There’s almost nobody here, so you nearly get a private pool, and the food is decent enough that you won’t go hungry. But there’s almost no entertainment, and the room is dirty with just about everything broken. We keep having to ask them to fix the toilet. If you bought the upgraded package, don’t expect to get all that you paid for. Ladies, I wouldn’t book here. There’s very little lighting at night and no deadbolt on the door. If you want nightlife, stay somewhere else. If you’re happy with quiet and sitting around, this place could suit you.