Hotel Sol Palmeras is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Varadero, Cuba with 608 rooms. Amenities include Babysitting, Beach, Buffet Dining, Diving and Gym. Travelers rate it 4.4/5 across 3,209 Google reviews.
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Amenities
Traveler Insights(7 discussions)
Sol Palmeras reopened on July 1, 2026 after four months of Meliá-led repairs, and the early signs are encouraging: a retiled main pool, a second pool with underwater lighting, a restored lobby dome, remodeled rooms, and — crucially for Cuba in 2026 — backup generators installed in the bungalow area. Perhaps the strongest endorsement is what Meliá didn't do: when the chain exited 15 of its Cuban hotels in June 2026, Sol Palmeras was one of the few it kept. On one of the world's most photogenic stretches of white sand, that makes it a sensible mid-tier pick for a Varadero beach week.
The first detailed post-reopening account is more positive than the Cuban norm. Rooms came back 'clean, comfortable, and more modern than expected,' and the buffet was described as unusually varied for Cuba — shrimp, multiple beef dishes, and kids' pizza and pasta always available. That said, the evidence base is one detailed guest report plus official information, so keep expectations measured; Cuba's supply situation can shift quickly. One clear miss: the kids' mini-club was still not operational after the reopening, which matters at a property that courts families. The beach and sunshine remain what you're really paying for, and on those metrics Sol Palmeras competes well.
This resort works best for travelers who've either been to Cuba before and know what to expect, or budget-minded first-timers who want the famous Varadero beach without spending Mexico prices — with eyes open to the island-wide realities: Visa and Mastercard have been rejected across Cuba since June 6, 2026 (bring cash), all Canadian airlines have suspended Cuba service, and blackouts continue nationwide. The adults-only Sol Varadero section next door provides an easy upgrade in atmosphere if you want more energy. At the right price, the freshly repaired Sol Palmeras is genuinely good value for a Cuban getaway focused on beach relaxation.
Pros
- +Reopened July 1, 2026 after four months of Meliá-led repairs — remodeled rooms that an early post-reopening guest called 'clean, comfortable, and more modern than expected'
- +The renovation went beyond paint: retiled main pool, a second pool with underwater lighting, and a restored lobby dome
- +Backup generators installed in the bungalow area in 2026 — a meaningful buffer against Cuba's ongoing blackouts that most Varadero properties lack
- +One of the few hotels Meliá chose to keep in Cuba when it exited 15 other properties in June 2026 — a real vote of confidence in this specific resort
- +Post-reopening buffet reported as unusually varied for Cuba — shrimp, multiple beef dishes, and kids' pizza and pasta always available
- +Beautiful beach — Varadero's stunning white sand strip is the main draw and Sol Palmeras delivers good beach access
- +Adults-only section (Sol Varadero) available if you want a livelier experience while staying in the same complex
- +Manageable size — not an overwhelming mega-resort, which makes navigation easier especially for first-timers
Cons
- −Kids' mini-club was still not operational after the July 2026 reopening — a real gap for a family-oriented property
- −Cuba-wide payment crisis: Visa and Mastercard have been universally rejected on the island since June 6, 2026 — plan for a cash-only trip
- −All Canadian airlines have suspended service to Cuba, making the trip significantly harder to book for the resort's biggest traditional market
- −Nationwide blackouts continue across Cuba — the new generators cover the bungalow area, but island-wide infrastructure remains strained
- −Food variety, while praised post-reopening, is still subject to Cuba's supply chain shortages — conditions can change week to week
- −The Sol Varadero adults-only section is described as potentially having 'blasting techno music' — not for the quiet-seekers
- −Post-reopening evidence is thin — one detailed guest account plus official Meliá information, so take early impressions with some caution
- −Not a premium experience — this is a mid-tier Cuban resort and should be booked with those expectations
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Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Third visit. Excellent ! Beach of course is amazing. No issues with loungers, plentiful, and the resort was busy. Staff inside and out work diligently to assure cleanliness. I have yet to see an unwanted insect anywhere on the inside. Buffet offers...”
“Hidden gem!!! We had an absolutely amazing stay at this resort in Cuba. I know many people worry about mosquitos and food when visiting Cuba, but I can honestly say there were no issues at all here. What truly stood out was how much the staff go abo...”
“This was our second visit to Melia Sol Palmeras this year. We absolutely love it here, the staff in the buffet, the staff in the al la carts are amazing and so welcoming. The food.....well you definitely do not go hungry. We eat more when we are ther...”