Barcelo Comfort Varadero

Stayed for a week in the middle of June and here is my review. CHECK IN Arrived about 2245 and check in was nice and easy and the guy checking us in was pleasant. Was given a map with our room block highlighted and explained where all the facilities were, pools, restaurant, snack bar, gym etc You need to pay for the safe and its operated by your room key. As we arrived after dinner service had finished, they provide a late dinner service for guests who arrive late. It was a mixture of hot and cold foods, with the soft drink machine available as well. More than enough to have a small plate of food before heading to bed. ROOM As they are suites, they are a good size. Decent bedroom with plenty of storage, bathroom was shower only and then a living area with a small kitchen space. The only utensils that were there were some plates, 2 glasses and cutlery, there was no kettle, pots or pans, so if your looking to make some food yourself, then not sure if you ask they might provide more cooking utensils, or if that’s all you get. Beds weren’t the best, creaked if you moved around though, so maybe some need replacing. Aircon is in the living area only with only a fan in the bedroom, so you might need to leave the bedroom door open when you’re there to let it cool down. Balcony was a good size with small table and chairs. As others have mentioned, there are a few simple things that could smarten the rooms up. For example, some of the wall sockets are coming off the wall, cupboard doors in the kitchen not straight etc. I know it was only a few weeks after Servatur took over the running of the Hotel from Barcelo, so hopefully over time they will address these small things. HOUSEKEEPING On the whole, no issues with the staff, always pleasant and quick. Not sure what their policy is with changing the sheets and towels, but in the week we were there, they weren’t changed at all, whereas most hotels we have been to before, they are changed every 3 or 4 days. Apart from that, the only other issue was dust on the wall above the bed, but apart from that, all seemed clean. RESTAURANT The food was quite good, tasty and for a change for hotel buffet restaurants, it was generally hot, so plus points here. There was a good choice and it seemed to be of a good quality. All the usual stuff you’d expect along with the various themed nights as well. The first few days it was relatively quiet so you could wander round to see what was on offer before selecting what you wanted to eat and it was generally nice and peaceful. The last 4 days it was much busier and there were people wandering all ways and the noise level ramped up as well. We were half board plus, so water, soft drinks, beer and wine are included with your meal. The first few days you had to go to a pop up bar area to get these served to you, but after that it was self service. Although, I think things are changing for HB+ and AI guests. We’re not sure that if you now want a glass of wine with your dinner, if you now need to pay for it, even if your AI. When we were there, there was a pamphlet on all the tables with prices for a bottle of house wine. I asked one of the waiters, and if I under stood him correctly, then it looks like you might need to buy a bottle of wine now, even if your AI. So not sure if you can still get a glass of wine via the self service. Maybe the hotel can confirm this if they reply back to my review, just so others are aware if that is now the case. (if you access the Servatur app, it does state a price next to their glass of wines for both HB+ and AI customers under the drinks menu) All the staff were pleasant and friendly. The only name I can remember was Carlos, he was always asking if things were ok, hello and bye etc and seemed helpful to all guests. POOL AREAS 3 areas of pools, the bottom one tends to have kids and families around it, whereas the top pool was mainly adults and quieter of the 3. We were in block C, so outside there were were loads of unused sunbeds, so if you’re not bothered about being right next to the pool, then that might be the better choice. AREA/LOCATION Plays de La Arena is a relatively quiet resort, the Isora is a little bit out of the main area, but 20 – 25 mins walk takes you into the centre with more restaurants and bars. There are 2 restaurants/bars across the road and 1 just slightly down from the hotel along with a HyperDino as well, though their prices tended to be a little dearer that the supermarkets in the main part of the resort. All bars we went into were friendly and welcoming. Further along, you come to the marina, but it can be quite a walk, so if your not up for a long trek up and down hills, then maybe a taxi might be a better idea if you want to head to the marina. If you head left from the hotel, there is a nice path along the coast that takes you into the neighbouring resort, with some seating areas that you can just sit and relax. WIFI Non existent when we were there. It did work for the odd 2 minutes here and there, but when we asked reception about it, we were told there were issues transferring the internet over to Servatur from Barcelo, so it wasn’t operational. As that was 3 weeks ago, I’d assume that it would be up and running by now. However, if you need internet, eg your kids etc, then I’d suggest ensuring you have enough data usage just in case OVERALL It was a good enough holiday, plenty of sun, plenty of places for us to walk to. Good food, nice drinks, lovely views and overall, had a chilled relaxing time. If we came back to this area, then we would definitely consider the Isora Suites again.

Servatur Isora Suites (formally Allegro Isora) Just arrived home from a 10 night stay at the above hotel. It hasn’t long changed owner and I think things are being implemented slowly. Signs have gone up to say 2 drinks per person at the bar, this morning at breakfast there was a stop sign at the door so the queue was going through reception when there were plenty of tables you could have found yourself. Signs have gone up by the orange juice to advise of a cost unless you are AI+. There was also lots of complaints about wine not being included for AI customers only AI+ which goes against what’s advertised with Jet2. I have attached the bar menu for drinks. The self service beer pump in the snack bar disappeared whilst we were there. There were coffee machines in the main dining area and in snack bar and evening bar but if you look at the menus then unless you are AI+ hot drinks are at a charge so that may be something that comes in as time goes on. Hotel was nice, it’s in need of a freshen up and I think the new owners are starting to improve that, they were painting and replacing tiles whilst we were there. The rooms could do with updating, the shower comes with 2 heads but one of ours didn’t work so only used the smaller head which was fine. The rooms have a kitchen area with a couple of glasses, plates and some cutlery. There is also a fridge. No kettle, we knew this so took our own with us. Beds were comfortable ours were on wheels so sometimes decided to move about. My son was on the sofa bed which wasn’t that comfortable but I’d read reviews before I went so took a mattress topper with me for him. Balcony area is a good size. 2 chairs and a small table. Food was nice, plenty of choice at breakfast your usual bacon etc, omelette station, pancakes, waffles, churros. Meats and cheeses, breads, fruit, yoghurts and there was cava on offer! Lunch time we tended to use the snack bar which has pizza, ham and cheese toasties, chips, nuggets, hotdogs, salads, fruits and ice cream. Evening meal had a good selection, they did state themed evenings but not sure how accurate they are 🤣 there was a shot at the door before every meal which was nice and the hotel has a mr whippy machine! Meal times: Breakfast: 8:00 - 10.30 Lunch: 13:00 - 15:00 Dinner: 19:00 - 22:00 There were plenty of sunbeds and not your usual sunbed wars, still spaces at 9am but it helps that there are 3 pools! The advert mentions fresh water pools but there is definitely a saltiness to the water so whether it’s the chemicals they use or they are just advertise wrong not sure. The evening entertainment area was behind the hotel as a separate area, we never ventured over there but our room was near so could see stuff going on. Plenty of staff there and they all worked hard and were pleasant. The areas were tidy. There are a couple of shops down the road to get water etc from and a black sand beach about 10 mins away.

It’s getting done up and that will help. Our first room was terrible though second is great. The food is without doubt the best all inclusive food we’ve ever had and the waiters are all great. Drinks are the usual. It’s actually very very good value for money all in, def recommend