The top 10 hotel resorts in Cuba

It's time to choose your holiday and you're wondering which resort to choose to ensure a successful holiday.

Usually, the most popular resorts are popular because they're highly rated by travelers. So, we're sharing the 10 resorts in Cuba that our clients choose most often. And guess what? Before sharing them with you, I made sure these resorts have excellent reputations, so you won't be disappointed.

So, here they are, in descending order:

10- Occidental Arenas Blancas 4*

Located in Varadero, this hotel advertises itself as a 4-star, but to avoid disappointment, I'd say it's more like a 3-star. Family-friendly and affordable, it's popular because of its great location and often unbeatable rates.

9- Memories Flamenco Beach Resort 4*

A large resort with over 600 rooms, nestled on the shores of Cayo Coco, this hotel is a safe choice for a vacation with young children. The beach slopes so gently that you can walk far out into the water without the sea level rising above your knees. The fine, white sand reveals crystal-clear water that all travelers will adore. However, I must correct myself: like many hotels, the rating is inflated; consider it more of a 3.5-star.

8- Hotel Pelicano 3.5*

One of the most well-known hotels in Cayo Largo. A small hotel with 307 rooms. The staff is welcoming, and Cayo Largo beach, at low tide, is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Powdery, long, and sometimes even wild, Cayo Largo is the place to be for unique experiences, as if you were alone in the world. This hotel has an enviable 4/5 satisfaction rating, which is equivalent to a 3-star hotel.

7- Pullman Cayo Coco 4*

This large, brand-new hotel with over 500 rooms offers spacious accommodations and six swimming pools. Located near Playa Las Coloradas beach, 17 km from the airport, this hotel features four à la carte restaurants. It is very popular and deserves its four-star rating. Some sections of this hotel require guests to be at least 18 years old.

6- Memories Holguin Beach Resort 4*

If you're looking for a hotel surrounded by nature, close to Cubans to immerse yourself in their culture, Memories Holguin is the perfect choice. This hotel has the unique feature of accommodating up to 5 people in the same room, which is rare in Cuba. The beach in front of the hotel offers coral reefs right at your feet, allowing you to snorkel directly from your room—a real treat for families with children. Located near several villages, you can visit the school, shops, and even swim with dolphins in the nearby Naranja Bay. Excellent value for money for a guaranteed family getaway. Let's lower the star rating to 3.5 stars.

5- Playa Pesquero 4.5*

In Holguin's hotel category, the Playa Pesquero, a large 1,000-room complex, is undoubtedly the finest family hotel after the brand-new Iberostar Holguin, and is certainly more of a 4-star. It also boasts the largest swimming pool. The Playa Pesquero offers the best of both worlds: two buffet restaurants and eight à la carte restaurants, including a lobster restaurant (for a fee) and an ice cream parlor for hot days. To top it all off, there's a beautiful beach and a coral reef, attractive rates, family benefits, and spacious rooms. A true 4-star gem.

4- Playa Cayo Santa Maria 4.5*

Cayo Santa Maria is an island; in fact, "cayo" means islet. This hotel offers four infinity pools for swimming or simply relaxing. This mid-sized resort, with 769 rooms, ranks among the best hotels in Cayo Santa Maria. Its popularity is undoubtedly due to its price. Offered with attractive family discounts, it has won over many travelers. The beaches of Cayo Santa Maria are long, and the pristine white sand captivates lovers of beautiful scenery. I would gladly give it 4 stars.

3- Golden Tulip Aguas Claras Resort 4*

One of the few resorts in Cayo Santa Maria to offer both a wine bar and a cigar bar, it's perfect for weddings. Children are welcome, and attractive family rates, or even free stays, allow you to enjoy this resort with the kids. With 846 rooms, it's quite large, and the focus is on children's activities. A true 4-star experience. Fancy visiting a sugar cane processing plant or a traditional village? Embark on an adventure!

2- Valentin Perla Blanca 4*

This is a favorite, reserved for adults (18+). It's truly beautiful, a new resort in Cayo Santa Maria, offering Balinese beds (the kind of super comfortable beds by the pool), over 1,000 rooms, and recently opened, it's very popular. Cayo Santa Maria is known as a paradise for sun worshippers, with pristine beaches and stunning views for catamaran trips and deep-sea fishing.

1- Sol Cayo Largo 4*

If you're planning a trip to Cayo Largo, the Sol is where you'll be pampered the most. The Meliá chain, which includes the Sol, Meliá, and Paradisus hotels, offers hotels worldwide with the quality standards we've come to expect. Cayo Largo is a small island, barely 25 km long and 3 km wide, so you can explore it quickly. There aren't many hotels... but they're all incredibly welcoming and relaxed. The Sol, while the most beautiful hotel, unfortunately doesn't quite deserve a 4-star rating. Deep-sea fishing for tuna, barracuda, or grouper, scuba diving, or long walks on the nudist beaches—that's what awaits you in Cayo Largo!

So, have you made your choice?

Sylvie Myre

President of Discount Travel