Hotel Solymar is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Varadero, Cuba with 525 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Buffet Dining and Swim-Up Bar. Travelers rate it 3.4/5 across 2,692 Google reviews.
Things to Know
Before you book in Cuba
Cuba's tourism sector is in crisis: most hotels are closed, every international chain pulled out in 2026, and no credit card of any nationality works anywhere in the country.Read what actually changed →Amenities
Quick answers
- Is Hotel Solymar adults only?
- No — Hotel Solymar is a family-friendly resort that accepts children of all ages.
- Where is Hotel Solymar?
- Hotel Solymar is in Varadero, Cuba. Its address is 5Q45+P5C, Varadero, Cuba.
- How many rooms does Hotel Solymar have?
- Hotel Solymar has 525 rooms.
- Is Hotel Solymar all-inclusive?
- Yes — Hotel Solymar is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.
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 historically sat within a shared Barcelo complex alongside Occidental Arenas Blancas, but that neighbor has been closed for months amid Cuba's tourism collapse, leaving Solymar operating on its own. The whole place still has that easy-going, unpretentious atmosphere that longtime Cuba travelers love, and 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 travelers looking for a beach-forward trip at a price point that's hard to argue with. One thing to know before booking: Barcelo announced in June 2026 that it will not renew its Cuban management contracts when they expire in 2027, so Solymar's days under international management are numbered - for now it remains one of the few chain-run options left in Varadero, alongside Melia Internacional and Iberostar Selection, after most foreign operators exited Cuba in mid-2026. 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
- +One of the last international chain-managed hotels still operating in Varadero - Barcelo continues to run Solymar even as most foreign chains exited Cuba in 2026
- +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
- −Barcelo announced in June 2026 that it will not renew its Cuba management contracts when they expire in 2027 - Solymar operates under Barcelo for now, but the brand's standards here have a known end date
- −The neighboring sister property Occidental Arenas Blancas has been closed for months amid Cuba's tourism collapse, so the shared-complex facilities that were once a selling point are no longer available
- −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
Common Questions
How does Barcelo Solymar compare to other Varadero resorts?
Is Barcelo leaving Cuba - will this still be a Barcelo resort?
Is the food good at Barcelo Solymar?
What's the beach like at Barcelo Solymar?
Can Americans stay at Barcelo Solymar?
What happened to the shared complex with Arenas Blancas?
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...”