Family-friendly resort in Varadero.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(2 discussions)
Barcelo Solymar is a classic Varadero resort on Cuba's celebrated 20km white sand beach - the kind of place where you show up for the beach and the sun and you calibrate your expectations around Cuban resort realities rather than Caribbean luxury. It sits within the Barcelo complex alongside Arenas Blancas, which gives you a bit more breathing room in terms of pools and beach access, and the whole thing has that easy-going, unpretentious atmosphere that longtime Cuba travelers love. It's not going to blow you away on amenities, but the beach genuinely is world-class.
Food and drink are the honest weak points, as they are at most Cuban resorts. The buffet is functional and filling, but don't go expecting the variety or quality you'd find in Mexico or the DR. Travelers have noted the beer selection can be genuinely random day-to-day - there's something charming about getting Moosehead at the pool bar on your last day, but it also speaks to the supply inconsistencies that define the Cuban resort experience. Service is generally friendly and attentive, which helps smooth over the food frustrations.
Solymar is best for travelers who've been to Cuba before and know what they're signing up for, or budget-conscious Canadians looking for a beach-forward trip without the price tag of Holguin or Cayo Santa Maria. It's not the top Varadero pick - Royalton Hicacos and Melia Internacional get higher marks - but it delivers the essential Cuba beach vacation at a price point that's hard to argue with. Nearby Varadero town is accessible for a local meal or a rum purchase, adding a bit of flavor beyond the resort walls.
Pros
- +Located directly on Varadero's iconic 20-kilometer white sand beach, one of the best in the Caribbean
- +Part of a shared Barcelo complex (with Arenas Blancas) giving you access to neighboring resort facilities
- +Affordable entry point for Cuba travel compared to pricier Cayo Santa Maria or Holguin options
- +Casual, unpretentious vibe that suits travelers who want genuine Cuban resort experience
- +Pool areas are functional and social, great for meeting fellow travelers
- +Beer variety on property can be a fun surprise - Travelers noted unexpected Canadian brands like Moosehead showing up poolside
- +Staff generally warm and welcoming, consistent with Barcelo brand service standards in Cuba
- +Proximity to Varadero town makes day trips accessible for exploring local restaurants and shops
Cons
- −Beer and drink selection is wildly inconsistent day to day - you may get something completely unexpected or find a bar running low
- −Cuban resorts across the board struggle with food variety and seasoning, and Solymar is no exception
- −Older property that shows its age compared to newer Cayo Santa Maria builds or Royalton Hicacos
- −Limited WiFi connectivity typical of Cuban resorts - don't plan on staying connected
- −No on-site excursions infrastructure comparable to Mexican or DR resorts; you'll need to organize independently
- −Supply chain unpredictability in Cuba means items (from butter to specific spirits) can disappear mid-week
- −Shared facilities with Arenas Blancas means a larger crowd around pools and the beach
- −Lower traveler ratings than top Varadero competitors like Royalton Hicacos or Melia Internacional
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Got here on January 3rd what great resort in Varadero . Front desk was amazing Amy was so helpful always smiling. Ledais was the nicest girl I fist met when I came to check out this resort . Went to the Linda mar buffet could not believe h...”
“Don't expect a 5 star hotel for the price of a 1 star but rest assured that the staff is working hard to ensure your stay is good. You will not go hungry but the food is repetitive & the choices of food or booze do vary day to day due to lack of avai...”