Hotel Club Kawama holiday, Varadero, Cuba, 2012 vacation, grounds tour. 

Thanks Karin. In all my videos of this resort I mention that there are problems with the oldest resort in Varadero. But I try to show movies of the food to give people a better idea what they can expect as that is what many of the complaints on tripadvisor.com mention. As one of my videos from this year says, "I'm not a 5 star kind of guy". I don't mind self serve at the buffet and don't like a waiter hovering over my table at my beck and call.

@@DownMichael your videos are well done. It was my first time at Kawama early November. Basic room, clean, no mold, bathroom clean, no mold. A/C worked when I needed it. My view was the street and canal. At the very end west of the lobby bldg. Very private, had my own beach. Loved it. Its Cuba after all. I have all the comforts at home. Don't mind roughing it for a week or two. Plus I returned to Canada with a good buddy, a Cuban dog I rescued.

@@DownMichael I am happy to report that I came back to Kawama, a 3rd time. All was great despite food shortages. Still the best place as far as I am concerned.

@@chowmikki I got home last Sunday with Covid as I was hugging and kissing 50 people. I'll be more careful next trip.

Thanks Scott. We were getting decent steaks this year at the Italian and International a la carte's. The food improves each year in Cuba and at Kawama. I used to eat out quite often but have found the food as good at the a la carte restaurants. Now I eat out just occasionally while touring Varadero. As you know, they do have problems being the oldest resort but as a repeater you learn you can always get a hot shower at the gym or some friends room if your room is out for a few hours. Going again next week!

+travel si I appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

Langtry613 is reposting his negative comments. What a wingnut!

You're very welcome. I hope it helps them get the most out of their vacation.

+love cuba Thankyou very much. I thought I'd try to undo some of the damage that whiners or people who have paid too much say about Kawama. Where are you staying?

People have to understand, the Kawama is an older resort, They can pay the extra and stay at a five star but some people enjoy the simple hotels, This hotel is right downtown which is great, I have stayed at hotels that I have to take a bus in to get into town, Your always going to get the people who are very picky, my advice to them is pay the extra grand and stay somewhere else, I know of people who stay at mar del sur in varadero, I am not a fan of that hotel but they love the simpleness of that hotel.

+love cuba Yes, a golfing friend of mine spends a month or two at Mar Del Sur every winter. I tried it for a week before moving to a week at Kawama 5 years ago. For the difference of the room, food and other benefits I've had as a repeater the extra value I get at Kawama is well worth the extra $160 each for two weeks I'm paying at Kawama versus Mar Del Sur. I enjoyed Mar Del Sur and find the cheaper the resort the more fun and friendly the guests. As we know as repeat Cuban tourists there are some groups of tourists who are a bit more rude than others. I've learned to ignore that, just as I've learned to ignore the hard beds, thin pillows, occasional lack of hot water and the many little things which don't really make a lot of difference in my having a good time (unless I let them). The food has continued to improve every year but again I don't go there for the food. I eat out a lot in Canada and am a bit of a gourmet cook myself but I don't need to eat every meal with expectations of that . Again, I am curious where you stay?

Hey Stu; Honestly, there are plenty of problems with the old rooms but my video wasn't an expose of those. I could list a half dozen things wrong with my room but the truth is, for what I pay for it, I don't think I can get a better deal anywhere and I pray I get the same room this January. Thanks for the time you took to reply. Mike

Michael Down I have been to quite a few of the hotels. Everything from Riu Varadero 5 star to Palma Real nearest to the start of downtown which is a 3.5 star and several 4 and 4.5 star hotels like Breezes and PlayaDoro and Melia Varadero. I have been to the Palma Real twice now and find that for the money it is very enjoyable. Some rooms in need of TLC and NOT right on the beach but they do have a beach and beachbar a block down the street. (3 min walk) and if I am going to the beach it is for a few hours anyway.. no need to be ON the beach .. and with the money I save , I can dine in some fantastic restaurants downtown a few nights of the week. You might check it out. Also nice to be downtown and close to Beatles Bar and Calle 62 Latin club ( both within 2 -3 block walking distance) for the nightlife.

stu867 Hi Stu; I have been told about Palma Real by a golf buddy who goes to Varadero. He has ended up staying February and March at Mar Del Sur the past few years because it has kitchenettes and is inexpensive. I tried it a few years ago. The last two weeks of January at Kawama are still $958 out of Toronto. Kawama is much nicer than Mar Del Sur.

I got a pretty good exchange rate at the bank by Kawama this trip. I'd recommend the airport bank outside of arrivals though as they're fastest. Take your passport.

My new advice is don't change your money except with locals on the black market. Just about anybody on the resort of street will give you 3 times more than the banks.

Thank you Bernadette. Wife and I just got home from two weeks there of perfect weather and will be going home from two more the day of your arrival. Enjoy!

The room is 702 which is our favourite even though the roof drips a bit when it rains. It hardly ever rains.

@@DownMichael I was in the Infantry for 10 years so a little drip is no bother to me LOL rocks for pillows and stars for blankets have made me appreciate everything haha thanks for the info. booking soon

The first time I googled Kawama a copy of a court judgement came up from an American court ruling about the government having illegally confiscating this private property. I had been told building 45 was closed because an engineer said the foundation was unsafe but then I saw it used as a staff building last February when I was there.

I've never had a problem with my phone charger in their plugs. They're 110. The resort has some changes since this video but it is still mostly accurate. Love Cuba and it will love you back.

+Petr Kvyatkovskiy ?

702 but it was closed this past winter for roof leak repairs. They move slowly in the tropics and Cuba is having finance problems because of Trump's additional sanctions Biden hasn't removed and loss of tourism due to Covid.

@@DownMichael thank you for this info you showed a room on oceanside with also a beautiful covered balcony looked like it was above dining room or something

@@sharonmay8914 In this video of another?

@@DownMichael we go to cuba every year for 14 days but 1st time to kawama watched all your videos and learned alot about bringing things is there hair dryers in the room

@@DownMichael another with your wife