Rating:
"My fourth time at this hotel. The hotel is under new ownership. I did notice the number of staff have been cut back in various areas (front desk, beach bar, grounds) and this did make a difference in service. Also, there was not enough chairs at beach; was the first time I had to rent one from another hotel! Overall stay was good, food ok, weather great, staff great! I will definitely go back again. "
Reviewer: reviewer7322
Date: Mar. 26, 2012

Rating:
"We had a great experience at the Bellevue Palma Real. I would recommend this resort for a fun good time. That being said, the food is not the greatest but was edible and I would go back. The staff at the resort was also wonderful."
Reviewer: reviewer5030
Date: Mar. 16, 2012

Rating:
"Although a ways from the beach , the hotel sit in a nice area of town close to everything, the service way also ok, this would be it with the positive. One lady at the front desk to check in a whole bus, unable to get a safe until the next day???, unable to get beach towels until the second day, don't ask about trying to get fresh ones, the beach has nowhere near enough chair where as the 2 hotel on either side (Cuatro Palmas, Arenas Blancas) had all kinds, the room are very simple at best fairly clean but in need of repairs, the food was not very good, the coffee at the buffet was also terrible, the bars and the Italian restaurant had good coffee and good espresso. Ther's one more positive it was cheap. Varadero is a beautiful location, if the weather cooperate, I would advise to pick another hotel. I will be back but not at the Palma Real."
Reviewer: SD
Date: Jan. 28, 2012

Rating:
"This was our fifth stay at this hotel...it has definitely gone downhill here. Things are falling apart and some are beyond repair. It has been sadly neglected! The food was absolutely horrible and lots of people couldn't wait to leave! It was a busy time as it was spring break for some! Lots of things going on at the pool....I don't think I would swim there or sit on any lawn chairs as they were so drunk it was unbelieveable...sex in the pool, sex on the chairs, sex on the pool deck...yes in broad daylight! There was a fight one afternoon at the pool as well...lots of blood everywhere...not cleaned up...just washed into the pool! Sad that this is going down hill.....might be beyond repair! The staff really do try their hardest with what they have though...I have to commend them! Trip to Havana was awesome!"
Reviewer: patricia
Date: Feb. 22, 2011

Rating:
"We just returned from an amazing stay at the Palma Real.Before going we read some other reviews,some good and some not so good.My husband and I decided not to let that influence us in any way,we went with 0 expectations.This being our first vacation and all.We were impressed with everything despite the fact that a bunch of young adults from Montreal were constantly causing problems damaging property being rude to guests and staff,but I guess you can find that anywhere even here in Canada.The food was great we enjoyed it very much(we are both very picky).The rooms are comfortable and clean.The staff are very helpful and occasionally you may have to wait in a line at the desk but when your dealing with a few hundred people one should expect to wait sometimes.There is a short walk to the beach,but when you get there your taken back by the wonderful view.I would recommend the hotel it is well worth the money, Just remember to leave any high expectations you have at home and go with an open mind."
Reviewer: kimnjohn
Date: Feb. 03, 2011

Rating:
"We can't say enough good things about the Palma Real. The rooms were spacious, good beds, with a balcony and excellent chambermaid service. Buffet and 2 "24 hr." snack bars all provided a good variety of food for everyone's taste. Lobby bar was excellent as was the eveing entertainers. Again, all the staff were excellent and provided very personalized service even to remembering how you like your coffee or your favourite drink. Registration/departure rquirements at the front desk were handled very quickly and accurately and the staff was extremely helpful in answering questions or handling your money exchanges - the later of which we found the rates to be better than other hotels or even 2 of the local banks. Speaking of finances - be aware - Cuban businesses will NOT take any credit card that is connected or based in the USA nor will they accept local Credit Union cards.

All in all, our week was excellent but far too short."
Reviewer: reviewer8679
Date: Feb. 03, 2010

Rating:
"This was our second time at this hotel (Feb 11-18/09)and will definitely go back again. My husband and I went with our 11 year old son, who also can't wait to go back next year. Hotel in great location, central to everything, flea markets, restaurants. Walk to beach is just across the road, no problem. Beach is fabulous as was the weather. Food is fine at buffet, do NOT worry, and my son couldn't get enough of the pizza!! Front staff was friendly as was ALL staff. Rooms were a little tired looking but clean. Entertainment needs more variety and could start a little earlier as the sun really tires you out. I would highly recommend this hotel.

What was really disappointing was how the tourists left their litter all over. When waking up in the morning and looking out the patio, it was embarassing to see all the cups and straws all over the lawn and pool area. Please remember, we are guests in another country and should show our respect and throw our litter in the many garbage cans provided."
Reviewer: jd107777
Date: Apr. 05, 2009

Rating:
"I would never recommend this hotel!!! My husband and I recently returned from Varadero and stayed at this hotel, but only for one night.... after checking in and spending a few hours and a couple meals here we knew we needed to find another hotel before our week was ruined! We were very disappointed with the hotel on a whole. Check in was very disorganized and the front desk staff VERY rude. Once we finally got into our room (#1314) it was horrible. It was down a dark hallway with lights burned out. Once in the room-- we had 2 twin beds and had requested a king bed, the toilet had a sanitary strip over the seat and when I lifted the lid, found a seat sprayed with urine, the air conditioner was dripping water and the door frame bowed so much it looked like the room had once been broken into. Then we went down for dinner which was horrible!! We have eaten at plenty of all-inclusive buffets but this one was awful. My husband ate a spoonful of the black beans and the were full of tiny pebbles. At first I was sure it was probably undercooked beans, but once we took a closer look it was black rocks. We left the buffet and went to the pizza restaurant and it was not any better. We ordered a margarita pizza and beer. The beer came in white wine glasses and the pizza was a crust with brown mystery sauce and 3 shreds of cheese!! We headed back to the lobby and just caught the Air Transat rep and had her transfer us to another hotel. In my opinion, no matter what the deal is on this hotel--it's not worth it!! The Air Transat rep was fantastic and had us at another resort within hours--which was fantastic and the next 6 days of our trip were wonderful!!"
Reviewer: cheryl
Date: Mar. 06, 2009