Royalton Hicacos

I was a bit nervous before going to this resort in case i got cabin fever but there's so much to do in this resort I didn't want to leave after 5 nights. We ate at a different restaurant every night and still didn't eat in every restaurant. The real highlight of this resort though is the staff, they are very helpful and friendly.

We had originally booked another hotel in Varedero , and due to poor reviews decided to change to Royalton Hicacos - and we were so glad that we did. You need to accept that this is Cuba, and that they have restrictions , and make the most of what is available , and so 5 star may be a good 4 . The travel from the airport is about 40 min - and on arrival you receive the hot towel and some cava , and meet your "butler" ( they check in on you every couple of days ) . Unfortunately for us we had been promised a third floor Sunset area, and had been allocated 1st floor 2703 - however the room change was made the following day to room 2615 . The buildings are plantation style spread across , not too big an area . Bedrooms are spacious , with the facilities listed and the maid service we received was good - with the usual towel animals on the bed each evening . There are a number of restaurants on site, and we tried all with the exception of the Beach ( wife doesn't eat fish) - There was only one meal that was a disappointment as the duck and steak was under-cook ( we should have made it clear that we prefer well done ) Our favorite was Italian , with the Mexican a close second. You need to book for the restaurants, and the office is near the Cigar bar - be aware that you can only make 5 bookings at a time , and that some restaurants may be closed some evenings ( in July its their low season ) . The grounds are kept perfect by an army of gardeners , majority of the lazy river around the complex was dry, some did complain of the slight smell - we were not near one so not an issue. There is a buffet that can be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner , myself I enjoyed the variety especially the omlettes made to order for breakfast , the wife ( not usually a fussy eater) it didn't appeal to her - and so some morning we had breakfast at the snack bar ( great ) and lunch at the Beach Bar ( very busy - and portions can be small ) We took sterling and Euros with us and changed at the bank on site - or at reception if they have enough . We didn't go to Varadero to use an ATM or the bank . They will only accept notes that have not been marked - so just check . There is also an ice cream and cake store as well as on some days Cuban sandwiches made by the wonderful Tania. The beach is amazing , and you can walk for miles along the fine sandy shore , the sea was warm ,and you can walk out quite a distance. We had no issue at all with regards to getting loungers by the pool , or on the beach - and for 15CUP you can hire cabanas on the beach front - which we did for three days , great to lie back , snooze and watch the world go by. The beach bar do come round to take your drinks orders . As mentioned the beach is one of the best that we have been on , and not an issue on the Royalton area, but if you are going for a walk , good to collect the plastic cups that have been discarded. Our favorite pool area was near to the jacuzzi , which is at the top of the path from the beach - ideal as the restrooms are near, and there is a flavoured drinks hut nearby - plus the pool and the waterfalls. It was quiet there , as we are getting on a bit , so ideal for us , although we did participate on a pool party which is on a Thursday and Saturday at 4 p.m. We didn't watch any of the shows that are put on nightly, liked to visit the Jazz room as well as the main hotel bar Martini Mix ( entertainment at both). The gym on site I thought was adequate , and you can access with your room key anytime - it could do with more water in the room , and I did take a gym towel with me . Wifi is available on site - you can buy cards 1CUP from reception or bank and they last an hour - on your last day any unused cards can be used at the airport The hotel is ideal for visiting Varadero as the hop on/ off bus stops outside - on 5CUP per person runs from 9 - 9 p.m. we used the bus to visit the town , and did the whole run to the Marina and back . What we also liked about this hotel is that the manager Lorezo Rubio is about all the time talking to the guests and staff, getting feedback on the facilities. I cannot fault any of the staff on this complex, all friendly , helpful and pleased to work there , a special thanks to Sandy and Fernando in the Martini Mix bar who never made us wait long for a refill, and Anelys for her kindness. Hopefully me review wasn't too long , but as the title states Royalton would be in our top 3 destinations . Top Hints Take plenty of mozzi spray We always take a short lead extension lead ( allows you to charge all your phones/ ipads at once) Took a gym drink holder with us - bar will always fill with ice and water, better than those small plastic cups that they give ) Leave hairdryer at home , one in bathroom was OK Tip as you feel fit , remember that Cuban's monthly salary is less than $30 .