Roc Arenas Doradas

It was a nice start, but some things, could improve. People and beaches are amazing !! [Details]

Great beach, even better mojitos! [Details]

good morning, start by saying that after a while I decided to take a vacation in varadero because of its beach and the fun people, but not at all what I experienced, the rooms are clean but they all get wet from the rain, the staff is very nice but the girl Noremi constantly harasses you to braid your hair, almost impossible to get rid of, on the beach there are no activities and it is impossible for them to be done because the entertainer spends all the time talking or texting on his phone, the only thing that saves him is the animation in the afternoon that the other guys do and the shows that they do at night, the dinners in the buffet restaurant are good but I could hardly reach meat because the Cubans take it all. My experience was bad and I do not recommend visiting. [Details]

I checked in with my family in 2 rooms. The rooms were old and bad condition. The buffet dinner was rich in rice, potatoes, beans and fried bananas but the meat and dish very scarce and people where queuing up to get a piece of chicken or fish. It was the case for all open buffet restaurants for lunch and dinner.
When I complained next day to front desk, they “upgraded” my rooms to the renovated blocks (block 3&4) and booked us for menu dinner restaurants every evening of the week, so we don't have to queue up the way we had to do. I have to say, all the guests were disappointed with the buffet service.
They give you a towel per person and inform you that it is “your responsibility” to bring it back at the end of stay, otherwise you will be charged $10 per lost towel. I checked out on a Friday, the Wednesday before, there was a family that had 2 towels taken from the resort beach seating area, right where we were sitting. Security came and did their rounds and obviously nothing happened because it's a towel and the same type and color as all others.
On Friday we were leaving, I was sitting in the same area which is the designated area by the resort, I went for lunch and when I came back the towel was taken. No big deal, I went to reception who called customer service manager to “handle my situation” and I explained him that the towel was taken from me in the facility of the hotel. I would have been happy to pay the $10 if I had lost it due to negligence but out of principle I refused to pay the $10 for their security incompetence. He wanted to call his director and have the security look around and I had a plane to catch! In addition to waiting with him at the reception with sweat dripping all over. It's only when I told him that if the hotel will hold me responsible for having the towel stolen from me in their hotel, I wanted the police to come and open a report, he let me go… such a waste of time and ruin of vacation mode. This “manager” is one of the likes that run the hotel and make it a disgrace. [Details]

We had a great vacation, the hotel staff were friendly and polite. Although the hotel is not one of the newer ones in the area, the rooms, dining areas, bars, lobby, entertainment areas and grounds were kept very clean and tidy. The Roc Plus rooms (renovated) that we stayed in were nice. The hotel was not overly busy or still had low occupancy, so that made for less wait times and more personalized service. [Details]

The experience that my husband and I had at this resort was first rate. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. Anything we needed, they tried their best to provide it.
The grounds were immaculate and very well kept. This is the first resort I have been to that had lots of green grass everywhere! The pool and beach were 5 star in my opinion. We were in Building 3, which was situated central to the pool and beach. It was perfect.
The rooms were very clean and fairly recently renovated with new mini-splits in each room. The beds were comfy as well.
Our cleaning lady was a sweetheart and did her best to make our stay even more comfortable.
I would return there again tomorrow if I could. [Details]

One week is never enough. As a frequent visitor to the Island, my expectations are low. As always Cuba surprises. And staying at this resort
exceeded all my expectations. The service was above par. The staff always friendly and accommodating. Hats off to the Pool bar and snack bar staff.
Even complete jerks were treated with a smile. WE were warned of shortages of food and drink - Never the case. The resort was well stocked and we and the several hundred locals ate and drank to our hearts content.
Side note: I am really not a resort person and love to venture offsite and visit local bars and restaurants. Varadero has been hard hit. Many closures of favorite haunts and local restaurants. Shops are empty.
No canned or bottle beer. When the famous Kiki Club can't service its fabulous lobster pizza due to shortages / Calle 62 has no beer - It really hits home. They are experiencing extreme economic conditions, I have not seen since the late 80's.
Their spirit will not be broken. They still meet everyday with a smile. they all echo the same message. " today is just a step to a better economy tomorrow"
Tip well my fellow travelers and lets show this incredible place some well deserved love. [Details]

The positive reviews I read prior to my trip are all justified. I traveled in early December 2021, a traditional low season for Varadero, and with the Covid pandemic still making the rounds, there were few tourists at the ROC. I checked in around 14:30h but the room was only available after 16:00h. So it was a good idea to pack a change of clothes in my hand luggage and change into something cooler. I used the hour to walk around the hotel and get something to eat at the snack place close to the pool. Every amenity is close by never mind where you are. My room was in building one, two minutes walk to the lobby, buffet, and restaurants. The beach was maybe five minutes away. Everything is clean and well maintained. My room was kind of dated because it had a bathtub and the mattress was kind of old, but this is not unusual for Cuba. Because of Covid hygiene protocol, everything is put on the plate for you which leads to lineups. During the high season, this will be problematic. The food was good for Cuban standards, but you have heard this a thousand times before. I would recommend bringing your spices with you. I even had to ask for Salt & Pepper. What I particularly appreciated was the free and well-functioning WiFi. There is also a free hotel shuttle to Varadero. Check the schedule at...More [Details]

We really enjoyed our stay at this resort... The updated rooms deserve a 5 star and also the housekeeping service. The International Restaurant was amazing and the service was 5 star. The grounds were kept very nice and they seem to be doing lots of upgrades. The beach, the pool and the snack bar was very nice. all in all a very nice place to stay.... [Details]

Overall great experience. The room upgrades very nice and the cleaning staff was great. The grounds very well kept and most of the staff were very friendly throughout the resort. Our only bad experience with dining was at the Steak House the staff was very slow and not friendly at all! Purchased the Roc plus and didn't have the beach or buffet service stated would receive. Hard to get wine at the bars was a bit of a problem for me as I am a wine drinker but I managed ok. [Details]

Clean hotel , friendly staff [Details]

Great experience. Rooms, service, food, entertainment, beach were all excellent. Our first time in Cuba and glad we picked this hotel. [Details]

excellent to forget about the outside world [Details]

After a complete disaster with our airline, we arrived at 8 PM in Cuba. We travelled with 2 neurodiverse children ages 12 and 14 years. Cuba airport staff (women) were arrogant and rude. The airline rep at the Cuban airport was helpful...but run off his feet. We were not on the passenger list so waited an hour for that to be cleared up. Hotel reception was not welcoming and no welcome drink or smile received. The currency rate is absurd. Prices are ridiculous. Our room did not accommodate our family and the room keys were not functional and we had to switch rooms the next day. Both rooms had grungy bathrooms, dirty tubs and shower curtains, walls, bidet, bedspreads, doors and mirrors, and patio set all grungy. Store staff are rude and stand around gossiping and keep you waiting. No hello, no smile and no gratitude. [Details]

The hotel was nicely laid out and easy to find things. Pool centrally located to majority of units. The rooms could use a little updating, but the cleaning staff made sure your room was comfortable and clean.
Did not expect the 1.5 hours bus ride from the airport.
Food not bad, good assortment but very bland.
Hotel staff generally very friendly and pleasant. A few crabby one's
Entertainment staff very motivating [Details]

Had a wonderful trip. Been to many places in Cuba and can't beat Varadero for its beach. [Details]

We were there from October 11th to October 17th/19 and had an amazing time. Many folks from Germany and Russia who spent 3 or more weeks every year who picked up some english so it was nice chatting with them. The girls in the buffet always welcomed us each and every morning and evening. Very chatty with us and could communicate in English. Al-a-carts were very pleasing and very friendly staff who soon recognized us after just a couple of days!!! [Details]

We love this resort. We have been to Cuba many times and the Arenas Dorados 3 times. It is our favourite place to stay. The staff are amazing, the grounds are beautiful and we feel very much at home. [Details]

I traveled with my husband and two small kids. I read so many amazing reviews but I still didn't expect much. We were there during the Cuban holidays (which we loved) but the service was awful. People were pushing to get food and drinks. Most staff looked unhappy and overheated. We were treated like we were locals, since we could look Cuban ourselves. Tips didn't work either...Still the worst part was the main buffet restaurant had no air conditioning in the heat of the summer...mixed with flies, mosquitoes, and large crowds, made it very unpleasant to eat there. You had to fight for plates, cups, and food. Apart from that the rooms are old but clean. Beds are comfortable. The pool is hot and not refreshing. Drinks are not great. NO good Cuban Music playing anywhere, they're playing American rock and reggaeton by the pool. This place is not good for young, old, and in between (especially families with small children) they looked at my kids like we were a nuisance. I think this place is only good for repeat customers as they supposedly bend over backwards for the repeat customers from Canada but don't make an effort to make new ones, especially new customers that don't resemble the "typical Canadian stereotype look". Our last night had to be the worst as we were barred from going into an a la carte that we had reservations to, all because they'd lost the guest list. They demanded we give them the reservation paper (which we never had to all week) Angry and overheated we were, My husband went back to the room to look for this tiny little paper while my toddler and 8 year old sat in a humid lobby waiting and not knowing if we have to head to the hot buffet to eat instead. We did find it and finally got in but this ruined our last night. Evening shows looked so boring! I've gone to 3 star hotels with much more life and much more talented warm staff. The beach is absolutely stunning! The vegetation is beautiful! This place has potential if the management changes and they learn to respect all types of tourists ! VIva Cuba ! [Details]

I went with my 2 young adult kids and a friend. We all had a very good experience! This was our first time to Cuba. Cuba is fun and safe. And very friendly! The weather was perfection, with a few rainstorms that were short lived. The food was better than I expected. The entertainment was good. Loved the coffee bar! And really enjoyed the diversity of travellers! There were lots of Canadian, but from all over canada. As well from Germany Russia China and even met some from south America. We went for the beach. And it was amazing! There was always someone to help find you a chair. We met many return customers. They said their experience elsewhere in Veradero was good but the price and quality is what brings them back to Roc Arenas Doradas. We feel the same. Looking forward to returning [Details]

Nice and clean. Located close to pool and beach. [Details]

First time in Cuba so I understand the expectations for certain things but as for the hotel I will not return
Staff was friendly but no real feeling of vacation oriented.......our friends had issues with no water or working fridge(3 days later it worked) in their room
Both our rooms should have been set up before we got there not the next day.... [Details]

another great trip to the ROC … thanks to the great staff for making it that way ...hope to be returning again next winter [Details]

We arrived very early in the morning and were greeted with the biggest smiles from the staff in the front end and lobby bar. Communication was easy as they know english very well so check in was a breeze. We were then shuttled to our room in a golf cart by a very helpful staff member who pointed out the main areas of the resort on our way to the room.

Our room was spotless and clean, had a small issue with the safe key that was instantly addressed and fixed by the front reception, excellent service at 4:30 am in the morning. We had no other issues with the room at all the entire week and would come back to a clean room with fresh sheets every day if we requested it, otherwise they would make the bed and fold the blankets into a swan or a heart, ect. Was always a pleasure returning to our room.

The resort is very clean and the groundskeepers are amazing! On our 3rd day one of them saw me on my balcony just before sunrise and brought over a bouquet of flowers for my wife, they truly go above and beyond to create a wonderful experience. All the eating areas were clean and had many choices of food, the breads were so good I already miss them. My favorite place to eat was the Beach BBQ, the chicken off the grill was amazing. The pool is massive and clean, the swim up bar staff always greeted you with a smile and very prompt service.

The beach is one of the nicest in the entire world, and was groomed every morning. The beach staff would get a lounger and pull it over when we arrived, excellent service at the beach bar and again there were those smiles all around.

We had a wonderful time, all the staff were informative and helpful, the food was great, the pool and beach were relaxing and our room was very nice. We are already planning to return Feb 2020 and bringing a few friends with us, it was really that enjoyable! Loved every moment at Roc Arenas Doradas, see you next year! [Details]

Below average. Our cleaning lady (Nancy) was the best. We were supposed to get minimum 3 a la carte dinners and only got 1. Buffet- hot food was cold and cold food was warm. No variety, same food every day. The 1 a la carte was very good. [Details]

I dont know where to start. I guess by saying this is a small piece of heaven. My 20 year old son and I went on this getaway together. We had never traveled before so I did as much research as I could. I was so nervous. But right from the time we stepped off the bus and entered the beautiful building I knew we picked the right spot. We made so many friends alot of canadians where there. Staff felt like family by the time I left. You would think a mother and her 20 year old son would not have much in common on a trip but we did. He made amazing friends and went parting all over including the priate cave just walking distance. Very cool club on Monday nights. During the day we walked 15 minutes to the dolphins and swam with them. We even took the bus into the village and picked up some fun gifts. The beach was beautiful and clean. I just cant say enough about this hotel. Nightly entertainment, beautiful pool the only bad thing is I had to go home. If you want a beautiful safe place to be I totally recommend. Ps bring a big big bubba cup everyone has one and it saves having to keep going for drinks. [Details]

This was my 22nd time to this hotel. People are always asking why do I choose the same spot everytime for my vacation and the answer is simple. It is home to many! I cannot express enough how much I love everyone at this resort. As soon as I walk into the front lobby here it is the most overwhelmingly beautiful reunion I experience every single time. When I have to leave I always leave a piece of my heart for next time. Yoly in customer service goes above and beyond to secure great rooms for myself and guests always. Yoly also has our dinners set up so we are worry free when we arrive. Her beautiful smile and kind soul is so welcomed. Bertica is also very helpful and has a wonderful smile. Front desk staff mareyls and Zoya to name a couple are always very helpful and again pleasant to see. There are currently 3 bars. Lobby, pool and beach there you will find George Daniel Roly Miladys Jorito Pepe Lisandra Daysi Raulito Dayana. Osmany at the beach. A la carte restaurant service you have Amaury Yahony Karennia Leo Daniel Rosana Anniel. Buffet restaurant Julianna Andy Roberto Adalys Milena to name a few. Snack bar Arelys jesus And block 11 house service our sweet Aliina. Coffee bar Nuirys and Maria. And of course your entertainment staff Yas Yeneibys Noremys Danilo Eddie Laz. Iam certain to be missing so many more wonderful people from the hotel but I'm just thinking off the top. Please get to know everyone and show up with an open mind and heart. Every single one of them work extra hard to accomodate and to ensure the most wonderful experience I enjoy everytime I go. Roc arenas Doradas is a very quaint and very clean hotel. The food is great and you will always find variety in the restaurants. Drinks are cold and the beach is incredible! I will continue to support and recommend to anyone. [Details]

I have been with my family at the Roc Arenas Doradas Hotel for 7th time now. I love the service, people and employees at this wonderful place that I call my second house.
All the staff are so professional and hard working people, I love them and I'm looking forward to my 8th time next year [Details]

This place is a joke. Upon arrival you're greeted by no less than 3 security guards in the lobby, which you'd think would give off a good feeling of safety, until you realize that their main purpose is to ensure the employees don't pocket the tips that they recieve. Having to ring a bell everytime a tip comes in makes the rent-a-cops job that much easier. All the employees seem unhappy and mostly stare at the ground. Our sink in the room was torn apart and we had no water. The food is what you'd expect for Cuba. They charge for services that are usually included in other decent resorts. (Safe, etc) oh and the 'safe' is actually just a mag strip key card that's printed at the front desk. Not really that safe considering THEY DONT EVEN TRUST THEIR OWN EMPLOYEES. This place attracts a younger crowd, and tho we are a young couple ourselves, we found it very dissapointing and paid an extra 250$ to switch resorts after a couple days. It was the best decision we made all week. I recommend spending the few extra dollars and avoiding this place and you will be more likely to recieve the service and experience that generally comes with Cuba. [Details]

It was our very first all inclusive experience and we really enjoyed it. We had us as a couple and our 10 yr old son in our room.
It was not perfect but we knew Cuba's limitations before coming so had tempered expectations. We also budget travel a lot so compared to other places it was good. Our son is cealiac and while they didn't know what gluten free is, because the food is so unprocessed he ate fine. [Details]