The hotel Barceló Solymar stands right on the sea front of the top spot of Varadero beach, Cuba’s best-known tourist destination. With a privileged setting, it’s the perfect place to combine rest and relaxation with a wide array of exciting activities. At a short distance from downtown Varadero.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Lagoon View
Languages Spoken
French, Spanish
Location
Carretera Las Americas, Km. 3, Varadero 42200 Cuba
Barcelo Solymar
9,270 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Barcelo Solymar hotel garners mixed feedback from its guests. Many appreciate its prime location near downtown, but some find the rooms and amenities lacking, with reports of maintenance issues and inconsistent offerings such as sporadic WiFi and limited towels.
While the atmosphere and cleanliness receive varied responses, with the lobby's fresh, plant-filled ambiance praised by some, others are dissatisfied with the hotel's value, pointing to overpriced rooms and subpar food. Service quality also varies, with commendations for friendly staff alongside grievances about slow issue resolution.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Uncomfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Inconsistent
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I gave the hotel a second chance because of the many great employees in the buffet restaurant, at the bar, reception (lexxy) and guest service (Karen). I was disappointed. I definitely don't get what I pay for. It's getting more and more expensive but the quality isn't getting any better. Hotel managers in Cuba need to learn that they have to offer quality. The food in the buffet restaurant is OK. But I've had better in cheaper hotels in Cuba. I just expect freshly prepared fruit juices or milkshakes for breakfast in this price category. It's unbelievable that in the first week there was only Spanish rum, if at all. But mostly none at all. Only after my negative review was there suddenly Cuban rum. But then often in the evening after dinner the rum or coke with the rum was all gone. I know the supply problems in Cuba. But other hotels in this price category show that things can be better. On the last day I want a late checkout because the flight doesn't leave until the night. I know that I have to pay for it. But why only until 4 p.m. when I would like to have it by 6 p.m. This shows once again how inflexible the hotel management seems to be. It's a shame. And I heard someone had a problem with my negative review. Then I would have expected someone to speak to me. The rooms need some necessary cosmetic repairs. This would definitely improve the stay. The management needs to understand that in other countries you get more for the same money. This means you lose guests who never come back after a negative impression.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are now in this hotel for the third day. I'll start at the beginning. We arrived at the hotel on 30.07.2024, checked into a room. The first thing that disappointed us was the smell in the room, it smelled very damp, and there was a bad smell in general. There will be those who say, well, this is Cuba, the humidity is high. It's not the first time I've been to Cuba and I've never had a number like this before. And in continuation of this issue will continue. Two, the faucet in the washbasin was spraying in all directions. I mean, for show's sake, you come up to brush your teeth and wash all at once. Of course there's a plus, two birds at once 🔫 and saved time, but still. By the way, huge thanks to our guide and Janet (the girl who helps the guests), the next day we were moved to another room👍 with an ocean view, although whichever way you look at the ocean, so stands the hotel. Our problems seem to have been exhausted. But the new room does not have a coffee machine, which is the only way to heat the water, since in the mornings we drink warm water, the room was missing large towels, meaning only small ones for the face. We turned a blind eye to the coffee machine, but we went to fight with towels again) the next day we finally got some normal towels in our room. By the way, we've been at this hotel for three full days, but we haven't been given beach towels yet. Every day we go to reception and they tell us they'll be in the room. Cleaning the room, if you can call it that, around 4.30pm, the towels never arrived. You ask the cleaner, she says you should call her boss. Goes down to the reception, they say tomorrow))) Krch, vicious circle. In general, the rooms are murdered, need repairs, issues seem to be solved, smiles, noses of woes and now there, every day the same. In the bar no drinks are spared, poured from the heart, but this, if you have normal containers, in bars only plastic cups 200 gr.) The choice of food is not great, but you will not stay hungry, fruit is quite enough (mango, maracuya, pineapple). The plus side is the ocean, of course, but it's not a credit to the hotel, nor is it the green space of the hotel itself. We rest further and wait for the towels😁The spouse read the review where the holidaymakers received these unfortunate towels on the 19th day of rest. I don't understand if that's how the Russians are treated in Cuba, or if that's how the hotel is treated? In this hotel most of the vacationers Cubana (local) and they have towels.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Vacationed in February 2024. The area is large, well-groomed, wide beach, plenty of sun loungers. After the tide comes in, the mud washes in and is removed with a rake in the morning. The water in the pool is cold, but sunbathing on the sun loungers is pleasant. After lunch, the animator hands out cards and you can play Bingo (lotto in our opinion), the winner will receive a small bottle of white rum. We read a lot of reviews about the food, but in our opinion everything was 4 - you can always find something to eat: pork, chicken, fish, side dishes, there are few vegetables, but there are tomatoes/cucumbers. Ripe fruits - always papaya, pineapple, guava. In the morning, omelet/fried eggs, cheese, sausage. Delicious ice cream is served for lunch and dinner. In Barceló it’s usually vanilla/banana(?), if you go to the Arenas Blancom hotel, you can eat chocolate ice cream. The ala carte restaurants are mostly nonsense, but once we went to the Mediterranean one, they served lobster. You can also find something to drink at the bar - always beer (they recommend adding a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, they stand on the bar), Rum-Cola. In the first half of the day, you can find Pino Calada at the bar in the lobby and by the pool, delicious. The rooms are tired, but they are quite suitable for spending the night and washing up! When checking in, we asked the housekeeper for beach towels, and they provided them for everyone without any problems. They change it if you ask and they will be available.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There were five times in this hotel, the last time in 16, everything was great, there were their flaws, but all in all, everything was fine. But what happened to the hotel now is heaven and earth. The hotel's so ruined, I don't know how I'm gonna get through this vacation. It's raining 24/7, there's nothing to do in the hotel, it's boring at most. About food, it is possible to cry just every day))) from the rubric "eat so as not to starve". Breakfast is still half the trouble tolerable, there are pancakes, eggs are eaten, bread, sausage and cheese are given out piece by piece) with vegetables cucumbers and pumpkin. Lunch and dinner, it's just gloom, except for cucumbers, pumpkin, bananas platano, beans, pasta and rice. Fish or chicken ready legs, etc., and this assortment every day, that's it, that's where dinner ends. It used to be pretty much anything you wanted, shrimp, lobster, fries, sushi, burgers, a couple of meats and fish, tomatoes, corn, carrots, you can list for a long time. I wish there was food, but even in fruit the hotel impoverishes, it has to be very hard, either papaya or guava and unripe watermelon. Pineapples are so bad and sour they're not ripe that they can't be eaten. Not even mangoes, which grow abundantly here. The bar also died, there used to be a menu of 3-sheet cocktails, immediately asked about the menu, I was patted with eyes and told "no menu". From a choice of cube libre(rum and coke) and Daiquiri, which is difficult to call any drink at all. There's nothing else. Wi-fi barely pulls, every 15 minutes it goes off, then it doesn't catch, but it doesn't connect. Towels to the beach, you need to grab the maid and ask her, and change it. Why they put away a towel rack near the beach where you can always change it, I don't understand either. Room cleaning is bad, if you can call it cleaning at all. They just make the bed, give you water, toilet paper and if you're lucky they change the towels, if you're not, wipe yourself damp. The room is murdered, dirty, and has a huge number of ants and spiders. I loved cubes a lot, but the hotel ruined everything so much that I'm not here again in my life unless I'm at another hotel with very good reviews. The hotel from 4/5 stars needs to go down to 3 maximum, for it is a mockery of holidaymakers and just horror and gloom.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beach towels were only issued a few days later after several persistent requests (the cleaning lady brought them to the room). Beach towels are issued once, they are not exchanged or washed. In the room (bungalow) on the ground floor, the toilet did not flush well. A rusty old latch at the door to the balcony, which is about to fall apart. Very flimsy plastic design for shampoo and shower gel in the bathtub, it also feels like it’s about to fall apart. In a two-story bungalow by the pool: on the ground floor there is a living room with a TV (plasma) and a sofa. There is a table, chairs, a wardrobe. A staircase leads to the second floor. There is a bed (we had 2 single beds), a wardrobe, a mirror, a mini bar (only water is included), and bedside tables. There is a toilet on both the 1st and 2nd floors. There is a bath on the second floor. It is very inconvenient that there are no “do not disturb” signs and the cleaning lady can come during the day and interfere with sleep after lunch. Cleaning is mediocre.
Bars often run out of beer and cola. In the bar, which is located in the building where the reception is (where the late dinner takes place), the bartenders with dissatisfied faces demand to sit at the table, and only sitting at the table you have to wait a long time until they deign to come up and take the order (although I just needed to pour a cola, what I said. This could be done in a couple of minutes without sitting me down at the table). They specially bring drinks in plastic glasses, despite the fact that I asked to pour them into my thermal mug. Not very environmentally friendly, waste of plastic.
At breakfast there was no butter or cheese. Sometimes there was no butter or cheese. Scrambled eggs were cooked 3 times in 10 days, and you had to stand in line for about 20-40 minutes. It's very depressing. The waiters do not bring drinks, often for breakfast we could not get coffee (the waiters ignored) and just drank a liberated semblance of juice. I realize that this is Cuba, you shouldn’t expect luxury here. But there are better hotels. The only plus here is the ocean (beach) and the location of the hotel in the center of Varadero.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Стоит взять термокружку, средство от Комаров, пляжные полотенца
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We drove in late December for 10 days. Reading the reviews were prepared for the worst, yet there were wonderful impressions. Holidays in Cuba, the ocean, the beach, the local flavor overlap all the minuses of the hotel. Of course, it's not Turkey or Egypt, and God forbid the hotel is a three. Linens in the room are less clean, water is hot to eat), shampoos and gel were taken with them, although they are present. It is also better to bring a towel, since there are two, regardless of the number of guests, one-body, second beach). Cleaning was daily, after the tip in the form of $1 towels became more). Prepare to see old furniture, dirty bathroom and broken plumbing. There was no problem with food at all, there was always a choice, yes uniformly, yes sparsely, but you certainly won't be hungry. There's always meat, chicken, fish, delicious cheese and ice cream. Vegetables and fruits are not much to choose from. Dishes are mostly pasta, rice or beans. On arrival, the first two/three days you are impressed, but then you adapt and everything is fine))). The staff is friendly, the ocean is chic, the beach is beautiful, the area is huge. The hotel is within walking distance of markets and bars, very near nightclub, did not go to the hotel for animation. You can drink alcohol (drank rum and cocktails, beer) . Personally, I liked everything, I'm not choosy and I didn't expect a five-star service, Cuba is the ocean and the local flavor. The Cubans are very friendly, the staff try.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Barcelo Solymar in Cuba offers a delightful vacation experience, primarily due to its exceptional staff and stunning beachfront location. The staff's friendly and welcoming nature truly enhances the overall atmosphere, making guests feel valued and comfortable throughout their stay.
The resort boasts a pristine beach with soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It's the perfect spot to relax under the warm Cuban sun, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or enjoy long walks along the shore. The cleanliness of the beach is also noteworthy, providing a pleasant and inviting environment for all.
In addition to the friendly staff and beautiful beach, the Barcelo Solymar is conveniently located near the local town, allowing guests to easily explore and experience the local culture and cuisine. The town offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Overall, the Barcelo Solymar in Cuba is a great choice for those seeking a relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience. With its friendly staff, pristine beach, and convenient location, it's easy to see why it's such a popular destination.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Juan Marqués, Director General at Barcelo Solymar
Responded Dec 23, 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review of Barceló Solymar. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your vacation and appreciated our exceptional staff and stunning beachfront location. Our team takes great pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests, and it’s heartening to know that their efforts made your stay memorable. We are delighted that you found our beach to be pristine and inviting, and that you enjoyed the local culture and cuisine. Your kind words about the cleanliness and convenience of our resort are greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back for another relaxing and enjoyable vacation at Barceló Solymar.
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We're at the hotel now. The hotel is terrible, perhaps the worst in Varadero, there is something to compare with, the eighth time in Cuba. There is no rum in the bars, only cheap whiskey. There are no cocktails, mojitos, or Pina Colladas. There is no choice of food in the restaurants, rice, chicken, pork, beans, grated carrots and cabbage, and Cuban sausage in different variations is all they have. There are no basic products - cheese, butter, ketchup, vegetables, fish, etc., today the hotel is out of sugar... the rooms are ruined, rusty plumbing, it's scary to step into the bathtub, there is no flush button in many rooms, everything is in terrible condition. They only give you one towel, you can exchange it for money, otherwise it’s a mess. We couldn't get a beach towel for 4 days! The reception is not in the mood to help guests. The safe has not been repaired for 4 days. The beach is dirty, there was a storm and everything that was thrown out by the ocean has been lying there for 4 days and stinks. On the beach you will be given dry bread with the same sausage and carrots for a snack. There is no food in the ranchon. I consider the hotel a disgrace to the Barcelo chain. I do not recommend visiting, especially for those who are in Cuba for the first time.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just returned from 9 days at the Barcelo Solymar. This is my third time here over the last 6 years . I’ve been here pre Covid and as other reviews state things are definitely different. I have friends who travel to Cuba several times a year so we went here knowing things have changed.
What I like about this hotel is the proximity to town.. easy walk or cococab ride.. typical tourist shops with some restaurants . The beach is fantastic with lots of chairs and umbrellas but get there early as it does get crowded. The price point is great value especially since all the hotels, even the 5 stars are having issues with supply.
We brought some condiments, beach towels , gifts for staff.. bring things like spices , toothpaste, cosmetics, candy, dry goods, coffee creamer , snacks , medicine. So appreciated by all. Supply is a big problem as they’re biggest support (Russia) is at war and things are hard to get for the Cuban people. Bring your own vodka as they didn’t have any, plenty of rum , beer was flowing but they did run out of coke one day. Food variety at the buffets was lacking but there was always pork, beans and rice … which I love but does get tiresome after 9 days … and the Cuba day festivities they put on once a week had a roasted pig with typical Cuban sides and mojitos was lots of fun. They always had eggs in the morning but no bacon , nbd. Fruit was limited to pineapple, papaya and guava .
The rooms are adequate ( we had Superior bungalow, which aren’t really bungalows but two story buildings away from high rise part of hotel) never had a problem with hot water , mini fridge will only have 2 bottles of water daily.
You also have access to the Arena Blanca next door and we liked their buffet for a change of pace , same food but a quieter environment than large buffet area at Barcelo.
What hasn’t changed are the staff and people of Cuba ! All of the staff were fantastic! From the front desk staff, the pool people , gardeners, maids and bartenders ( big shout out to Lala and Pocholo at the pool bar ) . They’ll do their best to accommodate and are working as hard as they can . We had 3 issues that were dealt with immediately.. safe didn’t work , within 5 minutes it was dealt with. The fridge was leaking, just needed defrosted.. dealt with in 5 minutes .. the wifi is a challenge sometimes only works in lobby area . Get off your cell phone and enjoy your time .
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Joan Marqués, General Manager at Barcelo Solymar
Responded Feb 25, 2024
Thank you for your kind review of our hotel. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and appreciated our location, beach, and staff. We are also grateful for your understanding of the challenges we face due to the current situation in Cuba and the world. We always try to provide the best service and quality to our guests, despite the difficulties. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced with the safe, the fridge, and the wifi. We are happy to know that our staff was able to resolve them quickly. We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable vacation at Barceló Solymar. Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your experience with other travelers.
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The lousy hotel, starting with the reception where they explain absolutely nothing, or how the facilities work, or that there is a wifi, or that this hotel and white sands communicate and work together. The nasty food... papaya in all forms, a tasteless white melon, permanent habanera mince, chicken and boiled fish. No dessert : only papaya .. and in breakfasts rows of 4 hours for a tortilla, plus you can find cockroaches walking around the table, and crockery (dessert spoons , or containers for ice cream or jam ) scarce .... everything you have to eat in cups of latte or flat dishes.Offers after breakfast, lunch and dinner times nonexistent, hot beer and soft drink is instant. Rooms lack of maintenance, showers broken and rusty, air not cooling, shower not heating, dryer not working, false ceiling almost dropped and the hotel in general ugly, abandoned. I did not listen to what I read and risked coming... I regret it a thousand times because I gave away the money... my advice: DO NOT COME! this hotel is only fixed with a demolition
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Que no reserven este hotel noooooooooooooooo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hey there!
Our hotels are located right in the heart of Varadero, so the nightlife is very lively and caters to all tastes and ages, especially for younger crowds. December and January are great months to visit, with plenty of parties and events happening.
Could you please clarify what you mean by “what is the policy for students?” Are you referring to specific discounts, age requirements, or something else?
Looking forward to helping you plan an amazing trip! 🎉🌴
There are more places to choose from in the Varadero area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
barcelo hotel solymar, barcelo hotel varadero, barcelo solymar cuba, barcelo solymar hotel cuba, barcelo solymar beach resort, barcelo solymar varadero cuba, barcelo sol y mar
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Barcelo Solymar Arenas Blancas Resort
LOCATION
CaribbeanCubaMatanzas ProvinceVaradero
NUMBER OF ROOMS
525
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