Trip report for Barcelo Marina Palace. Varadero

First of all this place is huge,if you include the Cayo Libertad portion it's close to 2 kilometers long.

Check in, was very easy and quick as we were the only ones checking in, but observing other check in and talking to other people it was very quick for everyone.

Rooms, large and clean,we were in the 1400 block close to the family pool. Our room was on the second floor, we had no problem at all with insects, except for a few mosquitoes the first night. We did hear about some ants from people who were on the first floor. The A/C worked perfectly, in fact we were able to turn it off several times as our room was cool enough without it.The safe worked as it should, the fridge was restocked daily.

Bars, with 2 bars open during the day, the lobby bar and the pool bar,service at the lobby was slow, mostly due to the resort was full. There were hardly any waits at the pool bar. In the evening the bar at the theater was open and was busy during the shows, but the service was good despite the amount of people.

Food, we only ate at the seafood ala carte, which was very good, with buffet style area for appetizers, we both had the grilled lobster, which was excellent. The main buffet was very good, with a large selection and good variety. There were minimal waits for the grill even when it was full.We experienced no waits to get in at any time. The lunch buffet/24 buffet was very good as well, and for being right beside the pool it never seemed very busy. The fried banana's made by Lienad are to die for.

The staff, they are all very friendly and helpful. We never experienced rudeness as others have reported on other sites. A few special people made our stay even better, Elito, the Mojito master, at the Theater bar.

Yilian,Yankelys,and Jesus, in the main and lunch buffets,for exceptional service and friendliness.And last but not least, Yuliesky at family pool, who's enthusiasm and smile kept everyone going.

The beach, very long! Quite a few shells, but very nice. Cleaned every morning. Lots of loungers and palapas,we didn't see loungers reserved and never used.

The pools,the family pool, very nice easy entry.Quite a few reserved loungers and umbrellas that never seemed to be used. We only walked by the adult pool which didn't seem as busy, but still seemed to have alot of reserved chairs. The pools are not heated but are by no means cold.

Entertainment,we went to the shows every night and they were all good.The best is the magic show on Sunday, it shouldn't be missed.

The rest, the resort is still growing, with work going on another pool and bar towards the Cayo Libertad area.The ground are clean and they are working hard to have more vegetation,in a couple of years this place will be even more fabulous. As great as the this resort is there are a few things that need attention.

The water sports center while being in the middle of the resort is a long way from where the majority of people sit close to the lobby, a second center would be good. No beach bar at all, they could use at least 2.While it wasn't a long walk to the pool or lobby bar,who wants to if you don't have to.No snack bar on the beach, again they could use 2. I'm sure as the resort continues to grow these will all be addressed.

All in all I would definitely say this is a 5 star resort and would return without hesitation