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Caribe Beach

Varadero, Cuba

4.6(1,521 reviews)

FamilyMelia

Hotel Sol Caribe Beach is a Melia-operated all-inclusive that positions itself as Varadero's ideal family destination, and the case holds up. The beach alone - 1,200 meters of soft white sand with shallow, gentle water - is enough to anchor a vacation for families with younger children who need calm surf and room to play. The resort's three-tier kids program (baby club, mini club, kids club) is well-organized compared to the generic 'kids activity corner' you find at less specialized properties, and the inclusion of snorkeling and non-motorized water sports in the all-inclusive rate keeps active families engaged without surprise charges at the end of the week. The nightly entertainment program taps into Cuban cultural performance in a way that genuinely differentiates the experience from a Dominican or Mexican all-inclusive.

Things to Know

Formerly Sol Caribe Beach

Before you book in Cuba

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Traveler Insights

Pros

+Spectacular 1,200-meter stretch of private white-sand beach with shallow, calm water - one of the most generous beach allocations in Varadero and genuinely comparable to the best Cuban beaches anywhere
+Melia-operated property with recognizable service standards that provide more consistency than some of Varadero's locally managed resorts at similar price points
+Two pools - a large social main pool and a smaller quiet pool - give different guest types the right atmosphere without competing for the same space
+Kids club, mini club, and baby club with age-appropriate programming make this one of the more thoughtfully equipped family resorts in Varadero
+Snorkeling and a full roster of non-motorized water sports (kayaking, pedal boats) are included in the all-inclusive rate, which adds real value for active travelers
+Thirteen restaurants and bars within the complex offer genuine variety across the week, including a la carte options that break up buffet repetition
+Colorful, modernized rooms with balconies or terraces and views of the gardens or pools received positive feedback after mid-period renovations, feeling brighter and fresher than older Varadero properties
+Nightly entertainment program featuring Cuban music, dance shows, and themed evening events that travelers consistently describe as a genuine high point of the all-inclusive experience

Cons

−Buffet rotation becomes predictable after three to four days, with limited daily variation for guests on week-long stays - though a la carte options help break the monotony
−The large main pool is unheated, which matters to guests visiting October through March when water temperatures can feel cool without sun direct overhead
−Some inconsistency in buffet quality between meals - breakfast tends to receive better marks than lunch, and small details like pancake syrup or specialty condiments are sometimes missing
−Gym facilities are basic compared to what you'd find in a modern resort, functional for cardio but limited for strength training
−Like all Varadero resorts, Wi-Fi is a recurring frustration - connectivity exists but is slow and unreliable, especially during peak evening hours when many guests are online simultaneously
−Beach vendors occasionally penetrate the resort perimeter, which is a Cuba-wide issue but still unwelcome when guests expect a fully controlled environment
−Babysitting service is available but carries an additional charge rather than being included in the all-inclusive rate, which surprises some families who assumed childcare was covered
−The property's size means it can feel impersonal - the staff-to-guest ratio works against the kind of personal service recognition you'd get at a smaller boutique property

The food picture is mixed in the way that's almost universal for Cuban all-inclusives. Thirteen restaurants and bars sounds impressive and is genuinely more varied than many competitors, but the buffet rotation follows a familiar pattern that repeat guests find predictable by mid-week. The a la carte restaurants provide a meaningful break when you book them early, and the breakfast buffet earns consistent praise for quality and variety. Room quality is a genuine positive - colorful, modernized spaces with balconies that feel well-maintained and brighter than older Varadero properties. The two-pool setup works intelligently, with the large social pool and the quieter secondary pool each attracting a different guest profile throughout the day.

Sol Caribe Beach is best positioned against other family-oriented Varadero properties like Memories Varadero and Iberostar Playa Alameda. It wins on beach quality, kids programming, and Melia's service reliability. It costs less than the Paradisus and Iberostar Selection at the top of the Varadero market and offers a meaningfully better organized stay than budget-tier properties. For families wanting Varadero's famous beach with enough structure to keep kids busy and enough dining variety to stay satisfied for a week, this is a reliable choice. Havana day trips are easily arranged through the resort and should be on every itinerary.

Common Questions

What ages does the kids club cover and what kinds of activities are included?

The resort operates three separate programs: a baby club for the youngest children, a mini club for kids roughly 4-7, and a standard kids club for children up to age 12. Activities are age-appropriate and include beach games, pool activities, mini-golf, video games, crafts, and supervised evening entertainment. The beach's shallow, calm water is particularly well-suited for younger children. Babysitting is available but is an extra charge rather than included.

Is the snorkeling good directly off the beach?

Snorkeling gear is available at no extra charge as part of the all-inclusive package, which is a meaningful perk. The snorkeling directly off the beach is decent - you'll see some coral formations and reef fish - but it is not a pristine dive site. Guests comparing it to snorkeling in Cayo Coco or along the Riviera Maya will find it less spectacular. It's perfect for beginners and children trying snorkeling for the first time, or for casual daily dips between beach lounging.

How many a la carte restaurants are available and how hard are reservations to get?

The resort operates within a complex offering multiple a la carte options in addition to the main buffet. Most guests recommend booking a la carte nights on the first day at the entertainment or concierge desk, as the most popular venues fill early in the week. Making reservations on arrival rather than waiting until the mood strikes you is the consistent advice from experienced travelers at this property.

Is the gym worth using or should I plan to skip workouts for the week?

The gym is functional for basic cardio - treadmills, bikes, and basic equipment are available. It is not a full-service fitness center and travelers who follow structured weight training programs will find it limiting. For guests who want to maintain basic activity levels during their stay or use it for a short cardio session before the beach, it does the job. The beach and pool provide enough physical activity for most guests that the gym is a nice-to-have rather than a necessity.

What is the beach like compared to other Varadero resorts?

The 1,200-meter beach allocation is genuinely one of Varadero's strongest points at this property. The sand is soft and white, the water entry is gradual and sandy-bottomed rather than rocky, and the shallow depth makes it ideal for families. Varadero's beach consistently appears on lists of the Caribbean's best and Sol Caribe's stretch is representative of that. Compared to neighbors, the beach here is consistently rated above average even among Varadero's generally strong field.

Is this a good resort for a couple without children?

Yes, though the resort skews family-friendly in its programming and guest profile. Couples who want a quieter pool experience will appreciate the second smaller pool which attracts less family activity. The beach is long enough that you can find a less crowded stretch during peak times. The nightly entertainment, Cuban cultural shows, and a la carte dining options give couples plenty to do. That said, couples prioritizing an adults-only atmosphere or romantic seclusion would be better served by Varadero's adults-only properties.

What's nearby

Varadero Beach
7 min drive · 3.3 mi
Matanzas
45 min drive · 26 mi
Cárdenas
25 min drive · 13 mi
Mansión Xanadú
5 min drive · 1.9 mi
Cueva de Ambrosio
11 min drive · 6.6 mi
Cueva de Saturno
30 min drive · 16 mi

More things to do (23)

Catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco · excursion8 min drive · 4.4 mi
Museo de Varadero · museum4 min drive · 1.4 mi
Parque Josone · nature5 min drive · 1.7 mi
Marina Chapelín · marina8 min drive · 4.4 mi
Varadero Golf Club · golf9 min drive · 2.2 mi
Marina Dársena de Varadero · marina10 min drive · 4.9 mi
Varahicacos Ecological Reserve · nature10 min drive · 6.0 mi
Varadero Skydiving Centre · adventure park12 min drive · 5.5 mi
Varadero West Beach · beach14 min drive · 6.2 mi
Marina Gaviota Varadero · marina15 min drive · 8.1 mi
Museo Oscar María de Rojas, Cárdenas · museum25 min drive · 13 mi
Museo Batalla de Ideas, Cárdenas · museum25 min drive · 13 mi
Playa Coral · beach30 min drive · 16 mi
Museo Central Azucarero José Smith Comas · museum35 min drive · 20 mi
Museo Memorial El Morrillo · historic site35 min drive · 21 mi
Teatro Sauto · historic site45 min drive · 26 mi
Museo Farmacéutico, Matanzas · museum45 min drive · 26 mi
Cuevas de Bellamar · nature45 min drive · 25 mi
Ermita de Monserrate · viewpoint50 min drive · 28 mi
Yumurí Valley viewpoint · viewpoint50 min drive · 28 mi
Castillo de San Severino (Slave Route Museum) · historic site50 min drive · 28 mi
Yumurí Valley viewpoint · viewpoint55 min drive · 30 mi
Bacunayagua Bridge viewpoint · viewpoint60 min drive · 38 mi

Amenities

Mini Golf

Babysitting

Kids Club

Snorkeling

Water Sports Rentals

Nightly Entertainment

Buffet Dining

Gym

Show 1 more amenities

Beach

Style & Rooms

Atmosphere

BusinessMid-Range

Room upgrades

Family Suite

Seaweed & sargassum

Varadero gets sargassum, typically worst May through August, in heavy bloom years.See the month-by-month guide →

Every all-inclusive in Varadero →

Google Reviews★ 4.6 · 1,521 reviews

Jennifer H.

a week ago

“Glenda Y Rosio excellent service, toujours souriantes et un acceuil génial. Perfect beach (picture 1) I can't think about my trip to the hotel a few days ago without thinking about Jessica at the buffet. This woman is incredibly kind, welcoming, and...”

Adam W.

a week ago

“It's our last night at sol caribe, we had an amazing time the beach was beautiful the pools were always clean! Food was good and the staff were amazing every truly cared about guest experience! A special shout out to Glenda and Rosio who greeting us...”

Nataliya S.

3 weeks ago

“The accommodations at Sol Caribe Beach Resort met our expectations and provided a relaxing stay. The staff demonstrated excellent customer service—polite, attentive, and efficient. Every request we made was handled promptly. Overall, the combination...”