Paradisus Varadero - Any Brides Out There?

[TheFutureMrsRoberts]

Hello everyone!!! Just trying to see if there are any Paradisus Varadero brides or brides-to-be out there? We are getting married in May (2016) and trying to see some recent wedding reviews but not finding much luck

 

My fiancé and I are kind of concerned because it seems like all the reviews coming from Cuba lately are really hit and miss - and more misses. Has something changed over there or are people being extra picky these days?

 

Any info on the resort and especially on weddings there would be so very much appreciated!

 

Fingers crossed!!

[calgarybride2015]

Welcome and congrats

 

I've been to Cuba twice. Once in 2014 and once just two weeks ago! We had no issues whatsoever and to us Cuba seemed no different.

 

That said I have seen the reports and reviews of what you've mentioned but with your resort I think you will be just fine. It's a very highly rated brand and in Cuba a highly rated resort.

 

Some of the issue is that their tourism is up but they can't handle it. We didn't feel this whatsoever. The service and the food were fantastic. We stayed at Melia Varadero which is the same brand as the Paradisus.

 

A lot of the reports lately of people being sick were not in Varadero and mainly with a different resort brand. But it can and does happen everywhere. Just be prepared. I always prepare my gut before we travel and since its your wedding maybe even over prepare (for ours in Mexico I even got an rx for antibiotics just in case and did dukoral) typically I just do lactobacillus and pepto!!

 

If you've never been to Cuba and want some practical pointers let me know

 

I think you've picked one of the best for Varadero and won't be disappointed. Good luck

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited January 23, 2016 by calgarybride2015

[TheFutureMrsRoberts]

Thank you SO much @@calgarybride2015!! That was truly music to our ears.

 

I very much appreciate you taking the time to write. We haven't been to Cuba and could definitely use some pointers!

 

Thank you again!

[calgarybride2015]

You are welcome....

 

Some pointers -

- Cuba can't be compared to places like Mexico. Yes you've booked a fantastic resort but still won't be identical so just remember that. No Starbucks and the like which is what I love about Varadero.

 

- don't bring gifts to tip no matter what people say. It just feeds the black market and scams there!

 

- Cuba's currency is closed so you have to bring your currency and exchange there. I'm Canadian and it was 69 on the dollar

 

- anyone who wants to sell you cigars or drugs is a scam. Only buy cigars from legit stores usually in malls or if your tour guide points one out

 

- like other countries, use bottled water

 

- off resorts you'll be hard pressed to find a toilet seat so be prepared to squat lol. Also they will want you to pay for toilet paper -- I always have Kleenex, wet wipes and hand sani on me to provide myself. Sometimes they try to make you pay to use the bathroom - if you can just walk past them

 

- we did the catamaran, jeep safari, and day trip to Havana with Tropicana show - all fantastic. Catamaran and Havana my faves

 

- a day trip to Varadero is perfect too. You can cab it but there is a double decker bus that runs the peninsula all day hop on/off for $5 cuc a person

 

- night life -- in Varadero the Beatles bar or Calle 62 are fun. There are some actual clubs - like Havana club - but we haven't been

 

Enjoy!! It's a gorgeous country full of fantastic people! Personally I haven't seen whiter sand or more turquoise waters

 

Ohhh and most say you don't go to Cuba for the food. Our first time was meh but could find enough to get by. Our second time was at the same brand resort but a higher rated one and I really loved the food. I went to some a'la cartes twice they were so good.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited January 24, 2016 by calgarybride2015

[TheFutureMrsRoberts]

@@calgarybride2015 again, thank you so so much! This is all fantastic information for us and to pass along to all our guests!! We are planning to do a trip to Havana - as a group trip - but that was when we thought 20 would come. Figuring out the logistics for 50 will be fun We are also hoping to do the catamaran excursion too so I'm glad to hear they were both your favourite!!

 

We booked knowing the food wouldn't be the same as other countries but what got us was the beaches - they look unbelievable!. I'll just tell my Mom and all our Filipino guests to pretend like they are going back home because they are used to bathrooms like you have mentioned haha!!

 

Thank you, thank you!!!!

[calgarybride2015]

Oh look we are both in Calgary how fun!   With weather like today I am sure you are dreaming of the gorgeous Cuban beaches.

 

My biggest piece of advice, like I said above, is realize it's Cuba.... It's not as 'high end' as Mexico or the like, but it's so authentic and beautiful.   I believe you will have a great time. can't wait to hear about it.

 

HAHAHA  I guess some of your family will feel at home. I am soooo glad my girlfriend gave me a heads up on that or I would have been shocked.

 

You could probably almost fill the catamaran yourself with 50 people.  I wonder if there is any way you could contact the company before hand and maybe get something private. Canto Del Sol (I think is the spelling?) did our catamaran trip which we booked thru the hotel. Also with Havana.    I would probably try to speak with your wedding coordinator first or find the companies online to see what they can do for you -- 1 with pricing but 2 to keep you all together

 

Good luck!