Melia Internacional Varadero
Family-friendly resort in Varadero. Trendy, Modern.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(390 discussions)
Melia Internacional Varadero is consistently one of the most recommended resorts for first-time Cuba visitors, and for good reason. It occupies a sweet spot in the Cuban market: modern enough to feel well-maintained, small enough (163 rooms) to feel personal, and located at the accessible Varadero end of the peninsula so you can actually walk to town. The Level adults-only section in Building 9 is the standout upgrade - you get a separate pool, private restaurant, dedicated check-in, and an infinity pool on the 11th floor that gives you sweeping views over the whole peninsula. For Canadian travelers in particular, this is a go-to recommendation when Cuba is on the table.
The food is the biggest differentiator versus other Cuban resorts. The a la carte restaurants here get genuinely strong praise, with specific dishes remembered and discussed by returning travelers. Cuba's supply challenges are real at every resort on the island, but Melia Internacional manages them better than most - travelers report fewer shortages and a more reliable dining experience than they expected going in. The early restaurant closing times (around 9pm) and lack of 24-hour dining options are the main food-related frustrations. On the drinks side, while better than the Cuban average, it doesn't match what you'd find at a comparable Mexican property.
This resort is best for couples and Canadian travelers who want to experience Cuba without completely sacrificing comfort, and who are willing to accept that Cuba as a destination means occasional supply variability and limited connectivity. It's priced above budget Cuban options but delivers a clearly better experience. Compared to Royalton Hicacos (newer, slightly more modern) and Iberostar Selection Varadero (larger complex with more amenities), Melia Internacional sits in the middle - more intimate than Iberostar, better value than Royalton on most pricing. Nearby Varadero town is walkable, and the peninsula beaches, while narrower than Cuba's cay resorts, are well-maintained.
Pros
- +The Level adults-only section (Building 9) is a genuinely elevated experience with private check-in, private pool, dedicated restaurant, and an infinity pool on the 11th floor spa
- +Consistently rated among the top resorts in Varadero - often appearing in the top 3 alongside Iberostar Selection and Royalton Hicacos
- +A la carte restaurants described as the best in Cuba, with travelers coming back specifically for the garlic mashed potatoes and other standout dishes
- +Located right at the start of the Varadero peninsula, walkable to the town for anyone wanting to explore local life, shops, and nightlife
- +One of the few Cuban resorts where supply shortages are less of an issue - travelers report the resort manages its stock better than most on the island
- +Modern, trendy rooms that feel well-maintained and current compared to the aging infrastructure at many other Cuban all-inclusives
- +163-room boutique-ish size means it never feels as overwhelmingly crowded as the large Iberostar or Melia Varadero complexes
- +Strong ratings from Canadian travelers specifically, who represent the majority of visitors and know the Cuban market well
Cons
- −Cuba's ongoing supply challenges affect even this resort - orange juice and some spirits can be unavailable for stretches, and you can't count on everything on the menu being available
- −Restaurant closing times are early (around 9pm) which frustrates travelers used to late-evening dining options at Mexican or Dominican resorts
- −Some travelers report inconsistent food quality depending on the day and which station you hit - one traveler's family member had a notably worse experience than what others describe
- −The all-inclusive drinks selection, while better than most Cuban resorts, doesn't match what you'd find at a comparable Mexican property
- −Limited excursion infrastructure compared to Mexico or the Dominican Republic - day trips require more planning and there's less variety
- −Higher price point for Cuba than many alternatives, meaning if you're choosing Cuba purely for value, there are cheaper options
- −Internet and connectivity are limited as with all Cuban resorts - this is a national infrastructure issue, not resort-specific
- −Beach is narrower and less dramatic than some competitor properties in Cayo Santa Maria or Cayo Coco
Common Questions
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Google Reviews
“Starting from the moment we arrived at the resort to the moment we left, everything was incredible! My wife and I booked the adults only section for our honeymoon, so once we arrived we were immediately redirected to a shuttle that took us to the adu...”
“Best resort in varadero, and perhaps in all of Cuba! Facility is new and staff are very on top of making sure everything is clean. The staff are definitely the highlight, they are all super sweet and will always greet you with a warm smile. The hospi...”
“My honest review, I wasn’t asked to write this. I loooooved our stay at this hotel!! The beach is right there, clean, beautiful water. The staff super attentive and kind. Food is okay, definitely not true that there’s nothing to eat. We stayed at adu...”