Melia Internacional

My daughter and I returned yesterday from this beautiful hotel. We’re crazy about Cuba and have made over 40 trips all over the island over last 12 years. Lately we’ve stayed at new Iberostars in Cayo Guillermo and Holguin so wanted to try the Internacional. We were not disappointed and both feel this is likely the best hotel we’ve experienced. Admittedly, we had level service and I think it’s worth the upgrade. We asked only for the a la carte reservations to be made for us but do everything ourselves. Room was oceanview, high tech, gorgeous shower, very clean, beds and pillows comfortable we slept well. The lobby and grounds are beautiful, pool and beach also. Long stretch to walk on either side of the hotel with soft sand without seaweed and rocks..like a carpet. Beach service waiters were great, friendly and fun. Had two days of cold weather but it didn’t dampen our spirits...was fun to walk ten minutes into Varadero. Second day we went to Havana and really enjoyed that. Sunwing rep was really personable and efficient..think it was Orlando and the tour guide Noel was very knowledgeable and interesting. We were surprised to see there is no theatre, we,re so used to nightly shows. However, red bar and blue bars. Entertainment was excellent, especially Bianka and Giancarlo..amazing singers and I left with their CD Cubanissimo...love it!! I saw many people standing up all night for the shows and when we danced it was clear there is not enough space for everyone and we were surely not at full capacity...same for the lobby shows when the weather is bad....gorgeous sofas but not enough space. Food...really appreciated the breakfast and lunch at the restaurant criollo for the level clients, lovely staff like Rosa....it’s very pretty inside and outside tables are great...we had lobster every lunch cooked in a different way daily. We passed by the buffet just to look..I think it’s like most 4 plus hotels in Cuba, some good choices for sure but not a wow factor. We ate at Japanese, Mexican, Cuban and Tex Mex a la cartes. Hacienda was our favourite followed by Japanese, enjoyable food very small portions, but of course you can ask for more. Poor service in the Cuban and didn’t enjoy...maybe we chose the wrong dish! We found most of the staff very pleasant and always felt safe, but this is Cuba! Couple of annoying things like checking out at 2pm, asked to leave the towels in the room and told we can get some at reception..reception directed us to the level....our pick up for airport was at 6pm....we wanted to enjoy the ocean and pool. We were handing out the few pesos we had left in tips and so basically had no cuc left. The level asked us for 20cuc EACH for deposit on towels,,,,we just walked out and dripped dry lol...we do not worry about the small stuff but the towel game in these hotels is a common theme that really annoys clients. We appreciated the internet even though yes it cut a lot!! However we’ve always paid for it and so unlimited free internet from our perspective is a positive, log back on! We also loved meeting people from all over the world and sharing stories, but that’s a personal thing, hearing so much Spanish was wonderful. It’s very international!! Had a great holiday and we want to return with all the family! The positives far outweighed the negatives. Read less

Who ever is complaining about this resort should stay the F... Home. This is the most beautiful resort I have been in Cuba. Food, Service, Beach, Room, Drinks and the staff were all a 5 star+ in my book! And I'm a very fussy person with High Standard when it come to book a resort. Especially in Cuba. So The negative stuff you read on TripAdvisor for this resort, Well it's like they say, you can't believe all of it! 4 couples has already call my wife and book after so believe what you want but I know we will be back for sure. I didn't take the Adult level because to me it wasn't worth the money. Read less

For a visual review, check my YouTube page, Leona Sutherland for great videos! This resort is absolutely amazing and you get everything you pay for, and more! Food - lots of different things to choose from, that will please any palate! Beach - the best stretch of beach in Varadero! Crystal clear waters and it warms up during the day. Mind you, I went in mid January so it will be much warmer during the summer. White sand and service is available on the beach as well. Service - impeccable service to be honest. People are only human, but for the most part, the resort workers try to give you a pleasant experience. Opening doors, pulling out your chairs, etc. I want to should out some names! Kenia - server BeBe - best entertainer ever Elian - Tex Mex server Sade - server Adelise - server Lisandra - server Andiel - beach server Adolfo- amazing dancer Entertainment - throughout the day, there are various forms of entertainment from dancing to live music! Ends early enough so that you can sleep! Cleanliness - very clean and pristine conditions on this resort. The rooms are cleaned everyday. They mop, line up your shoes, etc. Safety - Varadero is a very safe peninsula and we were able to walk the streets at all times in peace! The locals are very pleasant people! OVERALL: 5/5 If anyone has anything bad to say about this resort, it was probably just an isolated incident. I truly had an amazing time and will definitely be returning! I love Mélia! P.S. I am not being paid for this review. Read less