Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa

Varadero, Cuba

FAVOURITES HOTEL
These hotels provide exceptionally good value, are in great locations and offer exclusive benefits to Virgin Holidays’ customers.
Buffet Restaurant
Piano Bar Las Nubes
Gran Plaza Hicacos
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite
Lobby Bar
Dips Pool Bar
Royal Suite
Buffet Restaurant
Piano Bar Las Nubes
Gran Plaza Hicacos
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite
Lobby Bar
Dips Pool Bar
Royal Suite

The hotel

Only opening its doors to adult guests, this exclusive oceanfront retreat has maximised on its tropical island setting. And that’s not just down to its boast-worthy spot on Varadero’s finest white sands, which come scattered with palapa parasols and backed by lush gardens. Its lagoon pools have been designed to meander around the resort, only interrupted by thatch-roofed structures, little caves for private swims or sunbathing, water features, and bridges – all adding to the natural tropical vibe. Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa doesn’t just feature the expected (think à la carte dining, non-motorised water sports and entertainment), it also throws in treats like snacks from pizza to pastries, a gelato station, a cool jazz bar and night club and sports like tennis and squash.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Windsurfing
  • Sailing
  • Tennis
  • Restaurant
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkelling
  • Wedding
  • Games Room
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym

Where is it

On a wide stretch of beautiful Varadero Beach, perfect for sunsets. Transfer time from Havana Airport: 3 hours.

Hotel information

404 rooms including 401 Junior Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 2 Royal Suites. Suites all have 1 king-size bed, balcony/patio, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, mini-fridge, safe, amenity kit, iron and board, full-size bath, beach towels, bathrobes and hairdryer. Junior Suites have a balcony or patio and 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 2 adults.

All Inclusive of: breakfast, lunch and dinner, unlimited local-brand drinks, a huge range of sports facilities and entertainment. Guests are entitled to one visit per week to each of the à la carte restaurants.

Junior Suites Diamond Club are as per Junior Suites, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Royal Suites feature a more luxurious bedroom sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Presidential Suites have two separate bedrooms sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Diamond Club Benefits are available in the Junior Suite Diamond Club, Royal Suites or Presidential Suites and include:

  • Exclusive Diamond Club Lounge access (selected premium drinks menu available)
  • Preferred room locations
  • Butler service
  • Daily à la carte breakfast service and special lunch in one à la carte restaurant
  • Exclusive bar and beach area with waiter service
  • Personalised check-in and check-out
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
  • Evening hors d'oeuvres and afternoon snacks, including decadent desserts, in the lounge
  • Upgraded room service menu
  • Pillow menu
  • Luxury amenities in-room
  • Mini-bar (replenished daily)
  • Robes and slippers in-room
  • Diving Plustour (subject to availability)
  • Snorkeling in Cayo Piedra (subject to availability)
  • 15% discount on International Scuba Diving courses

  • Honeymooners: receive express check-in, welcome cocktail, small bottle of sparkling wine in the room on arrival, housekeeping (between 11.00am–3.00pm), honeymoon coordinator, a romantic dinner (booking required), 10% discount on SPA services.

    A marriage certificate with a minimum validity of 6 months must be presented.

  • Free Weddings: conditions apply. More information can be found here

  • Early booking bonus: book by 31 Oct '19 to receive 10% off the accommodation cost for travel between 1 Jan–30 Apr '20. 

     

  • Early booking bonus: book by 30 Apr '20 to receive 15% off the accommodation cost for travel between 1 May–31 Dec '20. 

    Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. 

     

  • 2020 honeymoon offer: honeymooners receive express check-in, welcome cocktail, small bottle of sparkling wine in the room on arrival, housekeeping (between 11:00am-3:00pm), a romantic dinner (booking required) and 10% discount on spa services.

    A marriage certificate with a minimum validity of 6 months must be presented.

Why is this a Virgin Holidays Favourite?

Fantastic beachfront location on the powder-soft sands of Varadero

Relaxing and romantic resort with a good choice of bars and restaurants

Upgrade to the Diamond Club for butler service, unlimited dining options and exclusive benefits

Exclusive Virgin Holidays benefits (applicable to 2019 departures only):

  • Fruit platter in-room upon arrival
  • Bottle of rum on arrival
    • Please note: to be eligible for favourites benefits, a minimum of 10 nights stay is required.

5 dining options: Gourmet Marche (buffet, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner), El Caribe (traditional Caribbean, open for à la carte dinner), The Pearl (International and seafood, open for à la carte dinner), Grill Beach Club Restaurant (grill and seafood, open for à la carte dinner) and Café Bistrot (grill selection, pizzas and 24-hour snacks). Lobby bar, Dips pool bar, Scoops ice cream and Jazz bar.

Daily and nightly entertainment, weekly manager's cocktail party, nightclub until 2:00am, fashion shows, dance and Spanish lessons. Resident band and piano players. Outdoor theatre and nightclub.

3 swimming pools, 4 whirlpools. The Royal Spa*. Fitness centre (air-conditioned) with weight training and exercise equipment, steam room and sauna. 3 floodlit tennis courts, table tennis, squash, pool table, lawn chess and games room. Paddle boats, sailboats, kayaks, windsurfing and snorkelling.

WiFi access* in designated areas of the resort. Beauty salon*.

Good general access for guests who are able to walk short distances and can manage up to six steps. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

3 nights.

* Denotes local charge.

Dress code: smart casual for dinner – trousers and collared shirts for gentlemen.

Please note: this hotel is an adults-only property for guests over the age of 18.

 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (4191)
  • Very good (1669)
  • Average (514)
  • Poor (117)
  • Terrible (56)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Did My Research Before Booking - Wasn’t Disappointed Was Slightly Better 😘

Sep 20, 2019 NickiRob

Lovely holiday 😊was better than expected having done lots of research prior to booking 👍definitely recommend you do this so you know what to expect !!! If you don’t you could be disappointed !!!!We had no problems with our suite yes it is in need of a refurb in most places infact throughout the entire hotel BUT I knew all this.... the Cuban… Read more
Lovely holiday 😊was better than expected having done lots of research prior to booking 👍definitely recommend you do this so you know what to expect !!! If you don’t you could be disappointed !!!!We had no problems with our suite yes it is in need of a refurb in most places infact throughout the entire hotel BUT I knew all this.... the Cuban people are lovely they go above & beyond, food was just ok we’re not real foodies so again we knew this ... I must say we did have some lovely meals & you’ll always find something to eat so again for us it was a pleasant surprise! We have ( & still do 😘) traveled far & wide & stay in some top hotels & resorts around the world & this hotel was fine not outstanding just fine definitely one of the best if not the best adult only hotels in Cuba it’s the one most people want to stay at .... you get what you pay for & remember this is Cuba .... 😘 a little tip check the humidity 😩 we struggled with it ( being oldies 🤣😩) & apparently it doesn’t change throughout the year so there’s no escape ! The younger ones dealt with it no problem 👍 so to sum it up I WOULD definitely recommend this hotel if you take note of the above & don’t expect 5* (its not sold as 5*) those that don’t have a good experience clearly don’t do their research prior to booking & possibly think their a cut above the rest, pretentious kind of people ! Enjoy folks 😘 oh & the beach is breathtakingly beautiful 🥰 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 14th days in Paradise

Sep 17, 2019 ekoruch London, United Kingdom

We had the most amazing two weeks in Cuba last year so when it came to choosing the destination for 2019, Royalton Hicacos in Varadero was the obvious choice for us. We stayed in this Resort before, but we didn’t expect the welcome we received and we certainly didn’t think we are going to be recognised by different members of the Royalton Team.… Read more
We had the most amazing two weeks in Cuba last year so when it came to choosing the destination for 2019, Royalton Hicacos in Varadero was the obvious choice for us. We stayed in this Resort before, but we didn’t expect the welcome we received and we certainly didn’t think we are going to be recognised by different members of the Royalton Team. This made us feel like coming back ‘home’ in a way. We were welcomed by Annie at reception - a true Gem who we have met last year and who took care of the check in smoothly for us so that we could enjoy late supper before buffet closed. There we were looked after by Lisandra, Barbara and Lorenzo who despite of being on their feet probably around 12hours were still smiling… there aren’t many places you are able to receive such a genuine treatment. Roberto and Ronnie from Jazz Club also didn’t disappoint as the drinks they were preparing tasted exactly as we remembered… or even better. Royalton organises Cuban day every Friday from 12:30pm, so you get to enjoy some lovely freshly prepared food and live music. You also have the opportunity to have a free diving lesson every Monday-Wed-Friday after which you are welcome to join the Barracuda Diving Centre Team for free diving experience!!! Were else you get to encounter diving FOC! I have to take the time here to express appreciation to Luis Miguel, Ale and Jorge Lopez - Gents introduced diving to us like nobody else before! This year we got to complete 6 divings with Miguel - his passion and devotion for the work is truly inspiring and knowing that we can trust Miguel made the whole diving the most fascinating experience ever and we will be forever grateful for that. Jorge -The Captain - and Guadier - I wouldn’t be able to climb back to the boat without your helpful hand :0) So there you go - we came back to Cuba not only for the obvious - beach, weather, history but because of the wonderful people we met. We would like to mention few others even though there was an ‘Army’ of customer service specialist looking after us - including landscaping team - especially Gent who was swipping pavements every morning! - Tanya’s grilled sandwiches or Angels BBQ lunched on the beach - Julio’s orange caipirinha in the lobby bar before you hit taxi to a party at Varadero - JB at the Diamond beach bar…………… - Eduardo’s Royalton burger from Bistro after Royalton disco closes at 2am - Betty, Marian and Rene - truly diamond team! - Mayelin - the most energetic cleaning lady ever! - And bring back Anita as an entertainment host please - entertainment was still great but we missed Anita at the stage this year as a welcoming act :0) May the joy be with you All With Gratitude and best wishes to Royalton Team Evelina and Thomas ….. we can’t wait to see you again….. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Cuban dissatisfied

Sep 17, 2019 sally j Lee, United Kingdom

Very disappointing! Having holidayed all over the Caribbean and cruised-many times this is by far the worst place we have stayed in .( we are a Middle aged couple who love salsa dancing and enjoying the authenticity of every country we visit ) The hotel was run down , The a la carte restaurants only allowed a maximum of 10 tables so most of the… Read more
Very disappointing! Having holidayed all over the Caribbean and cruised-many times this is by far the worst place we have stayed in .( we are a Middle aged couple who love salsa dancing and enjoying the authenticity of every country we visit ) The hotel was run down , The a la carte restaurants only allowed a maximum of 10 tables so most of the tables were empty, but when you try to book you are told they are full ! There is NOT an ATM on site which it categorically states on the website that there is !!! and you cannot draw out money on your credit card either anywhere on site in the hotel , so you have to travel to a shopping mall to go the the nearest ATM . TAKE CASH ! There is an exchange bureau on site . The rooms are dated and the hot water is fine before 7 Pm after that it’s hit or miss . Don’t expect a power shower !! The air conditioning is set at a temperature you cannot adjust ! It’s either on or off . You are lucky if you get your room cleaned before 5 pm , I had to request it was done by 4 ! And still we had issues . If you want to have a Siesta forget it ! The maids shout to each other on the 3 floors from 4 till 5 .30pm even after I complained that we like to have a little nap at around 4.30 ! And could they respect some quiet ? No chance ! Take plenty of mosquitos spray they are a nightmare. The Beach is beautiful and it’s well worth the £13 a day for a cabana that’s right on the waters edge with sun beds and easy chairs . The jazz bar is basically a piano bar with extremely dreary music ,The pianist has zero personality and will not play any requests or liven the atmosphere up what so ever! the only positive aspect is that it’s got A/C. All the restaurants except one have A/C The caribe restaurant is unbearable to eat in as there is no air and they shut all the windows if the mosquitoes are bad . Good point ......If you eat in the buffet try to find a lady called Barbara she is an Amazing waitress and will look after you superbly . Giving tips does work wonders to get better service . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Mr. And Mrs Henry Farmer

Sep 15, 2019 nairahenry Montreal, Canada

We spent a beautiful week at this awesome location. The room was perfect for sleeping and relaxing and Dayana put a great effort to take care of things. Our balcony looked out at a well-maintained small garden with a small pool and to go to the beach we crossed a small tropical garden. Food was generally good at the buffet and BBQ prepared by… Read more
We spent a beautiful week at this awesome location. The room was perfect for sleeping and relaxing and Dayana put a great effort to take care of things. Our balcony looked out at a well-maintained small garden with a small pool and to go to the beach we crossed a small tropical garden. Food was generally good at the buffet and BBQ prepared by Carlos was even tastier thanks to his big nice smile. Services provided by Barbara and Lisandra at the buffet went beyond our expectation. We had the best pina colada’s at the bars but Yadira from the bistro could make them even better. We will be back, thank you for the wonderful vacation! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic two weeks at the Royalton Hicacos

Sep 15, 2019 Dougal862 Kilmaurs, United Kingdom

The Royalton is a fantastic hotel, Staff are fantastic, helpful with nothing too much trouble, The rooms are perfect, No seas view but lovely garden quiet views. Restful and relaxed. Trip was made special by Reception Satff Jennifer De Armas, The most helpful person. When butler services were busy she was there to assist, She made sure we had… Read more
The Royalton is a fantastic hotel, Staff are fantastic, helpful with nothing too much trouble, The rooms are perfect, No seas view but lovely garden quiet views. Restful and relaxed. Trip was made special by Reception Satff Jennifer De Armas, The most helpful person. When butler services were busy she was there to assist, She made sure we had almost everything we needed to make this one of our best vacations. The facilities, the restaurants, the bars and snack bars all great with great food and service. Read less