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Anyone writing about Cuba cannot avoid the Peninsula de Hicacos — better known as Varadero — if only because its 20 kilometers of beaches attract one of every four tourists to the island.
As elsewhere in the name of a religion, the Spanish conquistadores chased out the indigenous Siboney tribes who had been here for centuries. In the Ambrosio cave wall drawings describe these massacres (matanzas); in the Los Musulmanes grotto, it is said bones were found which were dated to the year 500 of our era. It was on December 5th 1887 that the nearby Cardenas city council gave Varadero the status of burrough where fishermen already lived and which developed eventually into a bourgeois neighbourhood with large wooden houses, some of which remain, built by the founding families known as "los decenviros". These casas particulares (top of page) were rented to tourists and Habaneros; ie, the first casas in Cuba rented were here in Varadero where today it is illegal to do so in order to protect the hotel industry. SELLING THE FARM The rich owners (rhum distilleries, coffee plantations, sugar mills) had been living here since 1828 and had settled in a community by purchasing the land tracts of Finca Varadero from its owner Don Bernardo García Carrillo located today between (calles) 30 and 49 streets. With the exploitation of the local salt reserves (found in Magon lake), workers started populating the peninsula. The name Varadero refers to the movement of fishing boats on the sand, a natural sanding process while hicacos (Chrysobalanus Icaco) is a fruit which grows on the chonta palm tree which grew abundantly on local land. As the regional roads were not yet solid and the peninsula was separated from the island (the bridge was not yet built), the only access to Varadero was by a daily steamboat, the Caridad, which left from Cardenas. The next major event was the building of a private compound by the Iturrioz family in 1910 — the space is today called Parque Josone. After the first local hotel was built in 1931 (La Torre), the Cuban bourgeoisie stopped traveling to Europe because of the second world war (1939-1945) : these two events starting the (beach) ball rolling. A DOZEN IN 48 More than a dozen (private) hotels in the area were in operation by 1948, about the time when Varadero was officially designated a tourist zone, the first in Cuba. Although the mafia ran the casinos in Havana, there were none here but many were planned in the late Fifties, just before the Revolucion kicked the gangsters out. It was only in 1976 that Varadero became a municipality. Four years later, the government built the first two hotels of the Revolucion, the Siboney and the Atabey. Since June 2009, with the opening of yet another 400-bedroom luxury hotel, Varadero boasts 17,430 bedrooms spread over 50 hotel properties of which 87% are rated 4 or 5 stars. The three Cuban hotel chains which own and run these hotels are Gran Caribe (with 33% of rooms), Gaviota (32%) and Cubanacán (28%). Ecology-wise, about 54% of the Hicacos land mass is now man-made and close to 20% still made up of protected areas. JOINT VENTURES Helping develop the hospitality industry are the Spanish Sol Meliá, Barceló and Iberostar chains, the French Accor group and the Jamaïcan Superclub and Sandals properties which are all involved in joint ventures with the Cuban hotel chains, whether in co-property or management of some 30 of the peninsula's resorts. The airport is 23 km west and, since January 2009, Cuban authorities have begun an expansion program which aims to eventually double the number of the aeropuerto's users. Today, some 22 international airlines bring in about 50 flights each week. The airport is far from an attraction as its passengers spend on average about 18 minutes on its premises.
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SCUBA DIVING Besides offering harbor to the dozens of pleausre boats from numerous countries, the local marinas also serve as Centros de Buceo (Scuba Diving Centers) where equipment rentals, basic or specialized lessons are given and where trips are made to offshore reefs. No need to go far to see the beauty as some 40 types of coral and 70 of mollusks. but who's counting ? Best is the Barracuda Centro de Buceo (40cuc per dive) using three dive boats. Centro de Buceo Acua on avenida Kawama is a good alternative. TRANSPORTATION Viazul Bus with three departures to La Habana. Leaves at 08h, 11:40 and 18:00. Returns to Varadero at 08h, noon and 18:00; figure on a 3-hour ride. One-way, 11cuc. Excursion suggestion : One day in Trinidad, leave at 7h30, spend 6 hours and return here at 14:30; 22cuc pp. one way. The Viazul station is on Calle 36, corner Autopista del Sur. Our bus page here. AIRPORT Aeropuerto Juan Gualberto Gomez about 18km (11 miles) west, towards Matanzas. Taxi fare : 20-30cuc. Tel. (45) 61-3036 TAXIS Cubataxi (45) 61-3674, Transgaviota (45) 61-2620, Transtur (45) 61-2133 Cultural and otherwise interesting night & day spots : Biblioteca Municipal (local library) Casa del Ron (rhum house renovated in Dec. 2008) Casa Cultura Los Corales (shows, theater, local) Cabaret Mediterráneo (specialized in rumba), Casa de la Musica de la Egrem (shows, tourist crowd) Ciné-Teatro Hicacos (local movie house) Galeria de Arte Sol y Mar (local art gallery) Libreria Sol de Biran (local book shop) La Taberna de la Cerveza (previously named La Sangría) "The Beer Tavern", where many international brands are served.  |
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| BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 45 for Varadero). • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone # preceded by 45 for Varadero). |
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You won't find any (legal) casas particulares in Varadero, so rent a legal one from those in nearby Matanzas 36 km west or some located in Cardenas 12 km nearby. There are affordable hotel rooms to be had locally; below, three of our hotel recommendations. Comments & suggestions webmaster @cubacasas.net
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HOTEL DOS MARES - 34 bedrooms Calle 53, entre Avenida Primera and the playa, neighbour of the Pullman and about 90 m from the beach. (45) 61-27-02 (same as Pullman)  Really not your typical seaside resort. Au contraire, painted yellow and white, it looks like a huge casa on the Aegean sea. Bedrooms are small and there's a cosy bar in the semi-basement. Rates : 50-60cuc for a double room. Web page here. Rough Guides says : " Atypically for Varadero, this agreeable little hotel feels more like those found in provincial colonial towns. What it lacks in facilities it makes up for with plenty of character and a pleasant intimacy. " |
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| crystalicious says : This hotel is a jewel. Seems to be newly renovated, and the only place of the three hotels I stayed in Cuba that had hot water. Room was small but freshly renovated with new windows, paint, super clean and fresh bedding, and new ac. It cost me 80 Canadian for 3 nights!! No extra charges at all. The location is in the heart of things. If you are seeking an inexpensive super clean place that is not all inclusive pick this one. Supposedly they had a great complimentary breakfast but I never woke up in time :) from crystalicious tripadvisor, feb 2010 |
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HOTEL PULLMAN - 16 bedrooms Avenida 1, entre 49 et 50. Tel. (45) 61-27-02 (same as Dos Mares) Some say its tower gives it a toy-like look and its atmosphere is more city-like than sea-like. It is rather modern with a nice patina and its exterior with recognizable arches; located downtown, it's only a few meters walk from the sea. The staff shows a welcoming hospitality and exudes calm and respect. Relaxed service. Air-conditioned bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, satellite TVand telephone. Other features : restaurant, bar, snack-bar, currency exchange, jacuzzi, parking and taxis at the door. Rates : 50-60cuc for a double room. Web page here. The larger bedrooms are well worth the extra 10 cuc per night, according to Nigel Hunt of CHB. |
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| Very cute and comfortable hotel " After reading the previous review from the other travelers, I did not know what to expect. However, when I saw it with my own eyes, I found this hotel perfect for most people. It's clean, safe, centrally-located with good service : cozy and comfortable. The hotel is only CAD $70 or (CUC$40) per night. " greentree10 de Vancouver on tripadvisor, 280309 |
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VILLA SOTAVENTO - 107 bedrooms Avenida Primera entre 13 et 14, in the Acuazul group of buildings. Tel. (45) 66-71-32  The Sotavento is made up of an ensemble of 6 buildings including about 25 casas located on one or two-floor buildings located seaside. Each unit has its own private bathroom, satellite TV, telephone, air-conditioning and wall safe, beach chairs. On the premises, guests can find a minimart, tennis courts, foreign exchange, travel info, taxis and a hairdressing salon. Restaurant services are shared with the Acuazul, the 78-bedroom hotel which is part of this complex; also, Aparthotel Varazul with 69 apartements. The Islazul hotel chain (previously named Horizontes) runs the place. Web page here. |
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| Rough Guides says : " These charming, mock-colonial, story-book-style houses are divided into apartments with dining rooms but no kitchens. The reception desk is in Acuazul, just over the other side of Avenida 1ra, whose facilities are also available to guests. 60-80CUC " |
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HOTEL ESCUELA TURQUINO Avenida 3 (Tres), e/ 33 y 34 or Calle 34 entre 3 y Autopista Sur (33), whatever. Tel (45) 61-3796 This school hotel is but two blocks from the Viazul bus station (ditto from the playa) and has another advantage for budget-conscious travellers : some a/c efficiency units (ie with fridge and microwave) including a mini living area. Service is kind and attentive but you have to be patient and understanding 'cause the staff is all in a training process even if, as in the USA, they are not wearing the "Trainee" tag. Rates : 15 sglb - 30cuc dblb for a double room; 39cuc for the mini apart; meals are quite inexpensive, starting at 2cuc. |
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VILLA LA MAR - 260 rooms Avenida Playa, e/ 28 y 30 Tel (45) 61-4517 Close to the Tuquino (above) this small property is also a bargain, very basic with a dining room/snack bar. Problem might be the Cuban clients who unfortunately tend to demand (and always get) noisy music up to the wee hours and the buffet is awful; luckily, nearby restaurants are much better : Lai-Lai, El Toro. But the swimming pool is nice and management is renovating all rooms as of Spring 2010. Web page here. (mouseover pix at right is new bedroom). Detailed report here |
 © protrade46, trip advisor |
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HOTEL LEDO (or Lido, whatever) Avenida Playa, e/ 43 y 44 Tel (45) 61-3206. According to Rough Guides : "A tiny, slightly cramped but likeable hotel over the road from the beach. It has only the bare minimum of facilities, but it's one of the cheapest spots in Varadero and a good choice if you want to avoid the larger, uglier, dated hotels in the same price category. Rates : 50-60cuc" Others say the Ledo rents apartments which rent for $35 per night. *also spelled Lido |
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| RESTAURANTS IN VARADERO Pizza Caribe – Italiano & International - Marina Darsena Casa del Deportista - Italiano – 1 Ave e/ Calle 6 y 7 – Tel: (45) 614115 La Taberna de la Cerveza – Cuban & International – 1 Ave e/ Calle 8 y 9 Tel: (45) 612025 Castel Nuovo – Italiano – 1 Ave y Calle 11 – Tel: (45) 667786 Mi Casita – Cuban & International – Camino del Mar e/ Calle 11 y 12 – Tel: (45) 613787 Arrecife – Seafood – Playa Ave e/ Calle 12 y 13 – Tel: (45) 612007 Casa del Chef – Cuban, Italiano & Chinese – 1 Ave y Calle 12 – Tel: (45) 613606 El Criollo – Cuban – 1 Ave y Calle 18 – Tel: (45) 614794 Lai Lai – Chinese – 1 Ave y Calle 18 – Tel: (45) 667793 El Toro – Steak House & International – 1 Ave y Calle 25 – Tel: (45) 667145 Casa de la Miel – International – 1 Ave e/ Calle 25 y 26 – Tel: (45) 667736 Guamaire – Cuban, Seafood & Exotico – 1 Ave e/ Calle 26 y 27 – Tel: (45) 611893 Casa del Tabaco – Cuban & International – Playa Ave y Calle 31 – Tel: (45) 611430 Esquina Cuba – Cuban – 1 Ave y Calle 36 – Tel: (45) 614019 La Vicaria – Cuban – 1 Ave y Calle 38 – Tel: (45) 614721 Bodegon Criollo – Cuban – Playa Ave y Calle 40 – Tel: (45) 667784 La Campana – Cuban – Parque Josone (1 Ave e/Calle 56 y 59) - Tel: (45) 667228 El Retiro – International – Parque Josone – Tel: (45) 667228 Dante – Italiano – Parque Josone – Tel: (45) 667228 Rancho Josone – International – Parque Josone – Tel: (45) 667228 Barracuda – Italiano – 1 Ave y Calle 59 – Tel: (45) 668991 Antiguedades – International – 1 Ave y Calle 59 – Tel: (45) 667329 Albacora – Cuban & International – Playa Ave. y Calle 59 – Tel: (45) 613650 Mallorca – Spanish & International – 1 Ave y Calle 62 – Tel: (45) 667746 La Barbacoa – Steakhouse – 1 Ave y Calle 64 – Tel: (45) 667795 Casa del Queso Cubano – Cheese specialities - 1 Ave e/ Calle 62 y 64 – Tel: (45) 667747 Meson del Quijote – Spanish & International – Ave Las Americas, Reparto La Torre – Tel: (45) 667796 Guantanamera – Cuban – Plaza Americas y Autopista Sur Km 11 Tel: (45) 668181 Chez Plaza – International – Plaza Americas y Autopista Sur Km 11 Tel: (45) 668181 Pizza Nova – Pizza & Italiano - Plaza Americas y Autopista Sur Km 11 Tel: (45) 668181 La Taberna – Cuban - Playa Ave e/ Calle 13 y 14 - Restaurante Calle 13 - Cuban - 1 Avenida y Calle 13 |
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Content © sogestour  Updated |
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