Varadero, Sol Palmeras

We love this resort. We have been there many times. Going back in October. Can't wait to be with our Cuban family.

We went to Cuba en famile. There were 6 of us in all. We booked standard rooms, but when we saw the rooms they were just very very 'standard', so we decided to upgrade. We chose bungalows, and that was a very good move indeed. For just 15 convertibles more per room (£9) we were moved to these very sweet suite type bungalows. The younger two children (18 and 12) had their own, and our older son and his girlfriend had another. Ours was quite luxurious, with 2 TV's and an outdoor shower room which led out from an inner bathroom. The only hassle was that the loo was in this shower area, so going to the loo during the night was taking the risk of being bitten by mossies, and then also letting them into the bedroom! Our bed was massive! 10 foot by 8. We had a dressing room off the bedroom, and a separate living room with a fridge and coffee machine, and also a day bed. This bungalow could have easily slept a family of 4.

The staff at Sol Palmeras in Varadero were just great. We made friends with so many of them. We gave them most of our things because they just don't have anything. Their salaries are just such a pittance, and they scrape together whatever they can get. Here was one country where we didn't mind tipping generously. My advice to anyone travelling to Cuba is to take everything you will need and more. Sun creams, after-sun stuff, insect repellent, any medication you may require, batteries, a large hat for the sun and a thermos flask or mug. Also, take some travel laundry detergent and wash your own smalls, as the laundry facilities are not that brilliant. We brought most of our washing back. If you have spare space then take stationery items, extra batteries, toiletries (especially soap) to give away as gifts. They really really appreciate it. On a few occasions at the beginning we felt that we had to really persist with some of the staff. When they realized that we were not being difficult, and just expected a slightly better standard, they were extremely helpful.

On the food front, no real complaints there. The dining room is vast and has a huge array of different types of food, although it was more or less the same every day! Breakfast time was the best. Lots of tropical fruit and all the usual breads and croissants, and eggs cooked how you like them. At lunch time there is plenty of fresh fish and seafood and delicious paella. There are several restaurants, all of which you have to book in advance for. This means standing in a queue at 9am and then making a booking for two or three restaurants. The Chinese was okay, but nothing special. The Caribbean one was a complete disaster! The best was the Italian restaurant, and even better than that was when we went into the village of Varadero and had grilled lobster at a place called La Casita!

The journey there was awful because there was a tropical storm that evening, but it all added to the atmosphere of the evening! The trip to Cayo Coco was also unforgettable. Do have the lobster on the boat; it is worth every Peso of your 10 convertibles!

We will definitely be going back to Cuba in the not too distant future.