Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa

We spent a week at Royalton Hicacos and had a fantastic time. The resort is beautiful, with a stunning beach and plenty of space to just unwind. The adults-only vibe made everything feel extra calm and relaxing. We chose the Diamond Club option and honestly, it was worth it. Having access to a private beach area was amazing. No stress finding a spot, and the beach service was great. The butler service was helpful without being over the top. They took care of reservations and made sure we had everything we needed. The staff throughout the resort were friendly and welcoming, and the à la carte restaurants were a big step up from typical all-inclusive food. The drinks were also really good. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and always spotless. The evening entertainment was fun but never too loud, which suited us perfectly. Overall, it was a peaceful, easy-going holiday with just the right amount of luxury. We’d definitely go back.

We just came back from a 7 day trip. This was our 3rd year in a row staying at this hotel. All three stays were at the end of Mid to end of June. The process from the airport to the hotel was quick even though we made a few stops at other hotels along the way. The check in process was very quick as usual. It is always good to see familiar faces when we arrive and Abel was there once again to help get our bags to our room. He represents the hotel very well as he is always smiling and very welcoming. We arrived at our usual room. It was just as clean as it always is. The air conditioning was working perfectly. The pillows and the beds are by far the most comfortable than anywhere we have ever stayed. No change again this year. We discovered that the safe was not working properly and called the front desk. Even though it was after 10:00 pm we had a technician in our room to fix it within 10 minutes. We were travelling with other family members celebrating a birthday. I requested to have a "Happy Birthday" sign on their door. Guest services went beyond just the sign. They also left a bottle of champagne with glasses and hearts all over the bed. It was a nice touch. Unfortunately the Air conditioning broke down in that room. It was a difficult first night for them. A new room was given given to them the next day. When the manager Julien heard about the issues he arranged with the staff to have their service upgraded to Diamond club for their troubles of having to move rooms . He also gave upgraded our room service since we were travelling together and suggested they try the Royalton for the first time. This was a welcoming gesture and will end up going a long way for future bookings. The upkeep on the resort is always incredible. All the groundskeepers and entire staff are always saying hello with a smile. We could not wait to go say hello to our favorite people in the buffet. Immediately we were recognized by Tania, Hermes, and Lionis. Their welcoming personality is a very big reason we keep coming to Royalton We do not have the words to properly express how welcoming they make you feel. The food in the buffet is really good. The reputation that Cuba has about the food is not warranted, at least not at this resort. We tried a few of the restaurants during our stay and they all had something good to offer however the Caribe was the best in our opinion. If you are very picky about food maybe Cuba is not the place for you, however we had better food here than in a previous stays in other countries. We come for the weather, the people and the music. The local musicians that make their rounds in the restaurants and can be heard in the 24 hour bar area are another big reason we love coming here. Everyone one of them are amazing. We did not get all their names but Junior has been there every year we have been there with his team of musicians. Its a highlight to hear them play the local Cuban music. We are on the beach from sunrise to late afternoon and this beech is stunning. We made friends with a few of the lifeguards and they also recognize us right away. Such good people everywhere. The bar BBQ lunch on the beach for Diamond club was among my favorite meals of the day. Chicken , Fish, Squash, Burgers, Fries , rice .All perfectly cooked over a wood fire The view from the beach bar makes you want to park your self on a stool , have a few cold drinks and stare at the ocean. We spent a little time around the pool area in the late afternoons. It is hard not to as the pool area is something out of a dream with lush palms and waterfalls. We even had a few drinks at one of the quiet pools for the first time. The hotel is amazing although we can see there were some changes since last year. So far there is nothing that would prevent us from coming back They work really hard at keeping people happy at this place with the limitations that Cuba has. They do a great job here. We do have one complaint. Although there is no obligation to tip, we just hate to see people regularly ignore this in the dining rooms, bar and at the beach. The Cuban people are wonderful people and they have every right to complain about their situation but yet they are always smiling. We wish we could do more to help them.

This is a real 5 star resort in Varadero. Very clean spacious rooms, the room service was great specially Anise. We had one of the best buttlers' in the resort "Diosdado", he was great, he made our stay comfortable, anything we requested in the resort he was able to get for us fast. Thank you Diosdado. There was lots and plenty of food, We didn't see or feel any lack of food. The open buffet had lobster and crabs... nothing more to say. The grounds were well maintained. The beach was amazing. We have enjoyed our trip.

Me and my fiance had a very good time at the resort this week, and would definitely recommend this Resort despite what some people are saying. Food: Even taking into account the situation in this country at the time, there wasn’t a day where we felt that something was missing, or lacking in flavor. Dishes at the restaurants are well prepared, and there’s plenty of variety at the buffet ( even though you’ll find the same things everyday, there’s always the seasonal veggies&fruits that change: Service at the buffet was also very friendly, and at no point we felt that they were fishing for tips, and even though we know they’re greatly appreciated, at no point we felt that they were being forced on us. All the other restaurants had very attentive staff as well! We stayed in one of the renovated rooms close to the entrance and felt that it had the desired amenities, from a mini bar which is stocked daily, wine and bottles of water. The AC did the job and was working great, keeping the room cool. The only minor complaint is the shower head, that is stuck to the wall, but that’s personal preference. The staff was very friendly no matter where we went, so I can’t understand how some complain that they are not. Wifi is available everywhere albeit with slower speeds the further you are from the lobby. We had wifi in our rooms, at the beach and in all restaurants. Sometimes you disconnect, sometimes it’s slower but taking into account how wifi is in cuba, it worked well! Kayak, Pedal Boats, Catamaran are included, with snorkeling and scuba diving being charged. Diamond Club members have a trip to Cayo Blanco included in the price, which i highly recommend. It’s a day trip from 8am to 4PM but you’d be at the beach in a more remote island, with even warmer / more turquoise water. Lunch is also included in this boat trip, as well as swimming with dolphins ( charged separately ). Overall we’d recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a very good resort in Cuba, that rarely if ever has something amiss.

This resort changed everything I thought I knew about Cuba. From the first step off of the transfer bus we were greeted with smiles and such happiness from the staff. We decided to do the Diamond Club and we were so happy that we did! Betty and Bryan the butlers were attentive, thorough, helpful, kind and such amazing people!!! I had a bit of an upset stomach one day and I mentioned it to Raul (one of the buffet wait staff who was also one of the most positive and wonderful humans). Within a few hours Betty and Bryan were at my room to check in on me and see what they could offer. The food at this resort was absolutely stellar! Abundant and plentiful, so many options whether it was at the a la carte or the buffet. You will have so much to choose from! We went into Veradaro one evening for dinner at a local restaurant called La Fiesta del Carbon. The portions were outstanding and the staff were so sweet. Come to Cuba, stay at the Royalton!! You will love every moment!!