According to forum posts, Melia Las Americas is highly recommended by multiple travelers for its great food and nightly live entertainment. It is particularly favored by senior adults and is conveniently located next to a golf course.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Club Tropical Resort is mentioned as a good choice. It offers an all-inclusive option at about 55 CAD per night and is praised for its value and central location in Varadero.

Some travelers have shared positive experiences with local casas (private homes) such as Casa Monzon, which offers cozy accommodations, a large bathroom, and proximity to the beach and main areas. This option provides a more authentic Cuban experience at a lower cost compared to resorts.

According to forum posts, the best beach experiences in Varadero are found closer to the downtown area. Some travelers highlight that from calle 60 to calle 13, the beaches are exceptional, with clean and expansive sands. The area around Melia Internacional towards downtown is particularly recommended for its superior beach quality.

For travelers interested in beach activities, several users have recommended resorts that offer beach volleyball, with Sol Palmeras mentioned for its excellent setup that is unaffected by tides or high winds. This makes it a prime location for those who are enthusiastic about playing beach volleyball during their stay.

Travelers have called out that while the resorts closer to downtown tend to be older, they offer easy access to the best stretches of beach and are generally less expensive. This combination of affordability and beach proximity makes them a popular choice among visitors to Varadero.

According to forum posts, the Viazul bus service is a popular option for travel between Varadero and Havana, with tickets costing around $10 USD. Travelers have mentioned that the buses run twice per day. Additionally, there is a Viazul bus departing from Varadero Airport to Havana daily at 12:30 PM, with tickets costing $8 USD.

Some travelers said that taxis are readily available for the Varadero-Havana route. The cost of a taxi can range from $90 to $300 USD depending on various factors such as the time of booking and the type of taxi. It is possible to pre-book taxis through services like Taxi Vinales for competitive rates.

For many users, shared taxis are a cost-effective alternative. Travelers have called out that rates for a shared taxi from Varadero Airport to Havana can be about $50 USD. It's often possible to share a taxi with other passengers to split the cost.

Travelers also mentioned the possibility of using hotel transfer buses if space is available, although these are generally reserved for those who have booked a hotel package.

According to forum posts, Varadero Airport has an abundant supply of taxis readily available as passengers exit the airport. Travelers have frequently mentioned seeing both regular taxis and mini-vans, which accommodate larger groups.

Some travelers said that the cost of a taxi from the airport to Varadero typically averages around 30 US dollars. Additionally, for larger groups or those preferring a set arrangement, online booking is possible, with one user reporting a pre-arranged fare of 50 US dollars for five people.

Travelers have called out an alternative to taxis; one mentioned being directed to a resort bus by an individual with a clipboard right outside the airport, which cost them 15 Euros and dropped them directly at their non-resort accommodation. This suggests that besides taxis, some organized shuttle services might also be available, providing a potentially cheaper alternative.

According to forum posts, tipping in Varadero is customary and appreciated. Travelers have called out that while there is no fixed amount, tipping in foreign currency is preferred over local Cuban Pesos (CUP). U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, and Euros are commonly accepted and appreciated as tips.

Some travelers suggested that for small services like drinks at a bar, a $1 USD tip is typical, while for more substantial services like meals at a restaurant, around $5 CAD or its equivalent is deemed generous. It's advised against using coins for tipping since they cannot be exchanged easily by the recipients.

Users have indicated that the cleanliness of the facilities and the quality of service might influence the tipping amount. A clean facility and attentive service often warrant a higher tip as a token of appreciation. However, if the service or cleanliness is subpar, it might reflect in reduced tips.

In summary, while tipping isn't mandatory, it is a well-recognized way to show appreciation for good service in Varadero. Carrying small denominations of foreign currency can make it easier to tip appropriately throughout your stay.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend exchanging currency at banks in downtown Varadero for the best rates. However, it's noted that the airport and hotels also offer currency exchange services, though rates at hotels tend to be slightly lower.

Some travelers said that while various currencies are accepted for exchange, Euros and Canadian dollars are often preferred over British pounds. It is advised to bring clean, undamaged bills for exchange to avoid any inconvenience.

For many users, monitoring the official bank rates before traveling is beneficial. Travelers have called out that exchanging at the resort might not offer the best rates compared to banks in the city.

According to forum posts, internet in Varadero resorts is generally accessible via Wi-Fi, though it may not be free at all locations. Some resorts offer a specific number of internet hours with the possibility of acquiring additional access by requesting new codes from the front desk.

Travelers have mentioned that the reliability of the internet can vary significantly between different resorts. While some users experienced stable connections, others faced frequent disconnections and variable signal strengths depending on the proximity of network towers to their rooms or the resort's lobby.

For a more consistent internet experience, some travelers suggested using a Cuban SIM card as a hotspot for laptop connectivity. This method was particularly useful when resort Wi-Fi was unreliable or when staying at accommodations without dedicated internet services.

According to forum posts, the weather in Varadero is quite variable, with experiences ranging vastly among travelers. Some visitors have enjoyed warm weather suitable for swimming in both the ocean and pool, while others have encountered cooler temperatures and even cold fronts, especially noted in December and January.

Travelers have reported temperatures often in the high 20°C to low 30°C range during warmer months. However, during winter months like December and January, temperatures can drop significantly, sometimes feeling chilly to visitors, especially at night. Some have even needed sweaters and extra blankets during colder spells.

Varadero's weather can also include windy conditions and occasional rain. While rain is typically short-lived, sometimes lasting only 20 to 30 minutes, there have been instances of prolonged rainy periods during certain times of the year.