.Matanzas, located in the western part of Cuba, has a unique landscape due to the fact that its growth has taken place on waving hills and river valleys bordering a wide harbour.

From la Loma de Monserrate (Monserrate Hill), only one kilometer from downtown, the whole city can be admired, crossed by its two silver ribbons, the abundant and rippling San Juan River and the gentle and peaceful Yumurí, famous for its echo, which constitute a chosen spot for romance and love, and a source of inspiration for its poets and musicians throughout its history. These rivers are crossed by el Puente de la Concordia, the first bridge built in the country, which also is linked to 4 more bridges. That is why Matanzas is also known as la Ciudad de los Puentes (the City of the Bridges) besides other names, such as, la Ciudad de los Ríos (the City of the Rivers), la Atenas de Cuba (the Athens of Cuba), la Venecia Cubana (the Cuban Venice) and la Nápoles de América (the Naples of America).

Towards the East, and outside the city, the old Canímar River flows into the Bay, which banks and wooded fields have a unique beauty. In the city itself there are some outstanding places; the Sauto Theater, the Pharmaceutical Museum, the Junco Palace and the industrial area.

Matanzas has caves in las Lomas de Simpson (Simpson Hills) and in Canímar, but the Bellamar Caves, discovered in 1861, constitute one of the most picturesque tourist attractions of its type in the country. Nevertheless, the jewel of Matanzas, after its bay, is Varadero Beach, located in the north coast of the city.

In the fifties, Americans considered Varadero as the most beautiful beach of the world. Since then, Varadero has been developed very fast. We are talking about an area of 20 km of sand and water and another with water and rock. It has the virtue po possessing a fringe of clean, pure, very white and fine sands, and transparent waters. The sea depths are equally nice and not very deep. In fact, that is the characteristic that gave its name to Varadero, since a time, some ships accidentally ran aground, or because in certain moment that place was used to anchor and repair the ships, taking advantage of its deep waters.

In Varadero there are three, four and five stars hotels, the majority of them with high comfort and levels and excellent services. A dozen of foreign hotel companies associated with the Cuban companies administer the facilities. In this wonderful beach visitors can enjoy an impressive group of entertaiment centers, nightclubs and water sport facilities.

The Mansión Xanadú, a formery residence of the multimillionaire Dupont, the Varadero Varadero Golf Club, the Conventions Center Plaza the las Américas, the Delfinario and Marinas are our suggestions to visit.

POSSIBLE HOTELS

Meliá Varadero Hotel:***** This beachside hotel has direct access to the sea. It is just eight kilometers (five miles) from Varadero downtown and 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Varadero International Airport. Recommended for conventions, business meetings, incentive trips, and groups. This hotel has 483 double rooms and seven suites, all with air conditioning, terraces overlooking the sea and gardens, telephone with international service, minibar, satellite TV and closed-circuit hotel channel (with remote control if requested), radio, safe deposit box, and private bathroom with tub and hairdryer. Electric current of 220 V/60 Hz.
Buffet restaurant “La Habana” specializing in international cuisine, à la carte restaurant “Fuerteventura” specializing in international cuisine, restaurant “Trinidad” specializing in international and Cuban Creole cuisine, beach grill “Varadero” specializing in meats and seafood, cafeteria “Guantanamera Café”, four bars, three fresh- water swimming pools for adults and children, scuba diving preparation area, hosted entertainment, childcare service, sports (ping-pong, hard court tennis, golf, motorcycles, horseback riding), water sports (windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, pétanque), game room, gym, massage, jacuzzi, car rental, medical service, unisex beauty parlor, boutique, souvenir shop and bookstore, supermarket, minimarket, shops, jewelry, fax service, safe deposit box at the reception desk, currency exchange, laundry, telephone with international service, shop, room service, postal service, parking, tourist information bureau, and seven conference halls with excellent service.

Meliá Las Américas Hotel:***** This beachside hotel of Varadero beach is located near an 18-hole golf course. It is 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Varadero International Airport and seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from downtown. Recommended for groups and incentive trips. Of its 340 rooms, 220 are double, 12 duplex, 90 junior suites, 14 regular suites, and four large suites. They all include air conditioning, terrace, fully-equipped bathroom, hairdryer, telephone with international service, remote control satellite TV, refrigerator, and safe deposit box. Duplex rooms and grand suites have jacuzzi. Electric current of 220 V/60 Hz.
Restaurant “La Terraza” with buffet service, à la carte restaurant “La Arcada”, three bars, grill “La Robleza”, cafeteria, 24-hour room service, six fresh-water swimming pools (two for children), jacuzzi, sauna, massage, gym, shows with mater of ceremonies, childcare service, currency exchange, conference room with capacity for 180 persons, medical service, boutique, souvenir shop and bookstore, shops, supermarket, grocery, beauty parlor, parking, car rental, taxis, laundry, tourist information bureau, cabaret, postal service, shuttle bus service, hard court tennis with lighting, game room with ping-pong and billiards, minigolf, beach volleyball, moped and bike rental, and water sports (windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, pedalos, aquatic motorcycles). Domestic animals are allowed in the bungalows.

Tryp Península: *****At the famous beach of Varadero, in the Punta de Hicacos Natural Park, and next to Lake Mangón, stands Tryp Península Varadero, about 14 km away. The International Airport is 45 km distant and the capital, Havana, 145 km. The hotel provides a total of 591 superior rooms, including 5 specially adapted for the physically challenged as well as 5 Suites, located in 20 small bungalows designed in colonial style with a maximum of 3 floors. All rooms and suites have a full bathroom with hair-dryer, changing room, direct dial telephone, satellite interactive TV with radio channel and remote control, fridge, safe and PC and Internet connections (with supplementary charge). The hotel has a buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Creole and Italian restaurants, BBQ beach bar. Snack-bar, lobby bar and aquabar. Baby and Mini-Club, playground. Swimming pool for adults and two pools for kids, set in terraces and gardens. Sunbed and towel service by pool and on beach. Fitness Center with sauna, hydromassage, Turkish bath and gym. A wide range of sports and leisure facilities: trips to the lagoon, snorkelling, windsurfing (and classes), sailing (and classes), catamarans, diving classes for beginners, canoes, banana boat, beach volleyball, waterpolo, jogging track, multi-purpose sports court, archery, shooting range, French bowls, aerobics, cycling, ping pong, pool table, 2 tennis courts.
Other services (with supplementary charge): hairdresser, boutique, massage, beauty salon, photo services, multi-function room for events. Aqua bar. Baby and Mini-Club, playground. Swimming pool for adults and two pools for kids set in terraces and gardens. Fitness Center with sauna, hydro massage, Turkish bath and gym. A wide range of sports and leisure facilities: trips to the lagoon, snorkelling, windsurfing (and classes), sailing (and classes), catamarans, diving classes for beginners, canoes, banana boat, beach volleyball, water polo, jogging track, multi-purpose sports court, archery, shooting range, French bowls, aerobics, cycling, ping pong, pool table, 2 tennis courts. Other services (with supplementary charge): hairdresser, boutique, massage, beauty salon, multi-function room for events.

Paradisus Varadero:*****This hotel is an Ultra-all Inclusive, integrated in the natural surroundings of beautiful beaches of the French-end, Varadero.
Colorful gardens centre pieced with swimming pools. Its suites have terrace views of the gardens, bay or ocean.

Sol Club Palmeras:**** Located on one of the best stretches of Varadero beach, in Las Américas resort complex. Direct access to the beach and surrounded by exotic vegetation. It has 407 bedrooms, 200 bungalows, three swimming pools, childcare service, activities for children, miniclub, dance classes, shows, opportunities to try different water sports.
Arenas Blancas Hotel:***** This hotel has 372 rooms and four suites with telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning, safe deposit box, and private room. Restaurants, bar, cafeteria, lobby bar, aqua bar, swimming pool, nightclub, water sports, shops, conference hall, medical service, beauty parlor, postal service, fax service, currency exchange, and other services.

Sol Club Coral Hotel:**** This hotel has 260 air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, satellite TV, telephone with international service, minibar, and safe deposit box. Restaurant, room service, grill, snack bar, cafeteria, five bars, swimming pool for both children and adults, hard court tennis, unisex beauty parlor, conference room, shop, dry-cleaning, water sports, bike and motorcycle rental, billiards, postal service, car rental, taxis, parking, and tourist information bureau.

Acuazul Hotel:*** This hotel has 78 air-conditioned rooms with telephone, satellite TV, safe deposit box, and private bathroom. Two restaurants, four bars, cafeteria, nighttime entertainment, currency exchange, central safe deposit box, tourist information bureau, shop, pharmacy, formal dining room, swimming pool for adults and children, taxis, water sports, hard court tennis, and medical service.

International Hotel:**** This hotel has 163 rooms and two suites with air conditioning, private bathroom, safe deposit box, minibar, telephone with international service, and satellite TV. Five bars, two grills, two restaurants, cafeteria, swimming pool, cabaret, hard court tennis, unisex hairdresser, sauna and massage, childcare service, postal service, water sports, motorcycle and bike rental, laundry, medical service, currency exchange, car rental, taxis, and tourist information bureau.

Arenas Doradas Hotel:***** With 316 rooms (292 double and 24 suites), Arenas Doradas is uniquely integrated into a beautiful natural setting near the beach about 10 kilometers (six miles) out the Hicacos Peninsula between the BARRACUDA CLUB/CHAPELIN MARINA and the MARINA. All rooms have air conditioning, telephone, radio, safe deposit box, satellite TV, minibar, and private bathroom with hairdryer. Specialized restaurant, buffet, cafeteria, bar, snack bar, hard court tennis, swimming pool for both adults and children, jacuzzi, water sports, parking, car rental, taxis, currency exchange, central safe deposit box, postal service, fax service, laundry, tourist information bureau, and art gallery. Also offers dance and Spanish language classes.
Barlovento Hotel:**** This beachside hotel is located near the Acuaclub/Dársena Marina in a central zone of restaurants and tourist centers. It has 273 rooms with balconies, private bath, TV, and telephone. Specialized restaurant, buffet, lobby bar, snack bar, cafeteria, swimming pool for both adults and children, medical service, massage, shop, childcare service, hosted entertainment, beauty parlor, currency exchange, tourist information bureau, parking, car rental, taxis, fax service, postal service, laundry, hard court tennis, and water sports.
The Copey Resort:*** Located south of the area of Varadero hotels. It has two hotels of 179 air-conditioned rooms, private bath, radio, TV, and telephone. Three restaurants (two buffets and a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine), three bars, disco, shop, unisex hairdresser, swimming pool for both adults and children, massage, steam bath, sauna, medical service, hard court tennis, electronic game room, moped and bike rental, currency exchange, safe deposit boxes, tourist information bureau, car rental, taxis, parking, post-office and telegraph service. This resort operates on the “all inclusive” plan.

Bungalows Sol y Mar:***** Located on the north coast of Matanzas province, along Varadero beach. Recognized for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. It has a total of 439 air-conditioned rooms (358 in the hotel and 81 in bungalows) with private bath, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safe deposit box, minibar, and refrigerator. À la carte restaurant “Sol y Arena”, buffet restaurant “Jardines”, snack bar, bar, aqua bar, cafeteria, water sports, minigolf, hard court tennis, swimming pool, disco, karaoke, medical service, gym, massage room, shop, parking, car and motorcycle rental, taxis, currency exchange, postal service, beauty parlor, tourist information bureau, conference room, laundry, and childcare service.

Bella Costa Hotel:**** Only 10 meters from the sea, this hotel offers facilities for the physically disabled. Among nearby places of interest, a golf course and “Las Américas” restaurant can be found. Recommended for families and just married couples. The hotel has a total of 382 air-conditioned rooms (306 in the hotel and 76 in the village) overlooking the sea and gardens with telephone, satellite TV, minibar, safe deposit box, private bath, and radio. Four restaurants, four bars, freshwater swimming pool for both adults and children, scuba diving preparation area, night and day hosted entertainment, club for children, disco, Habano cigar smoker’s room (only for guests in the “all inclusive” plan), beach club, water sports (scuba diving, catamaran, kayaks, aquatic bicycles, water-ski, snorkeling, water polo, sailing), hard courts for volleyball and basketball, game room, medical service, car and bike rental, barbershop, hairdresser, fax service, safe deposit box, currency exchange, laundry, telephone with international service, shop, room service, postal service, conference rooms for clients, and tourist information bureau.
Cuatro Palmas Hotel:**** This beachside hotel located at the center of Varadero beach hotel area is famous for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. Located 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Varadero International Airport, this hotel has 312 rooms - 305 double rooms and seven suites, all with air conditioning, private bath, radio, telephone with international service, safe deposit box, minibar, and satellite TV. “Las Palmas” buffet, “Las Olas” grill, which offers various dishes of the Cuban Creole and international cuisine, restaurant “1946” specializing in French cuisine, cafeteria, lobby bar, and hut bar “Cuatro Palmas”. There is also a shop, swimming pool, medical service, massage room, hosted entertainment, parking, car rental, taxis, currency exchange, central safe deposit box, postal service, fax service, laundry, tourist information bureau, and art gallery.

Coral Hotel:**** Located in Varadero, one of the most important tourist areas of Cuba, this hotel has 260 air-conditioned rooms with private bath, satellite TV, telephone with international service, minibar, and safe deposit box. Restaurant, room service, grill, snack bar, cafeteria, five bars, swimming pool for both adults and children, hard court tennis, unisex beauty parlor, conference hall, shop, dry-cleaning, water sports, moped and bike rental, billiards, postal service, car rental, taxis, parking, and tourist information bureau.

Kawama Hotel and Villas:**** This luxurious hotel is located in Varadero 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from the international airport and one kilometer (0.62 miles) from downtown. It has 204 double rooms, eight suites, 24 junior suites, 162 one-bedroom bungalows, and 16 two-bedroom bungalows. They all include terrace, telephone, radio, air conditioning, TV, and safe deposit box. Restaurants, bar, cafeteria, two swimming pools (one of them for both adults and children), hairdresser, boutique, bookshop, hard court tennis, water sports, cabaret, karaoke, medical services, massage, shop, hosted entertainment, currency exchange, postal service, fax service, tourist information bureau, car and moped rental, taxis, golf course 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) away, and parking. Operates on the “all inclusive” plan.

Villa Punta Blanca:**** This is one of the most exclusive villages of Varadero, located 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) from the international airport and one kilometer (0.62 miles) from downtown. Formed by a group of buildings providing comfortable accommodation a few meters from the beach. It has 268 air-conditioned rooms with telephone, radio, TV, and balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. Swimming pool, specialized restaurant, buffet, water sports, disco, medical service, gym, currency exchange, à la carte restaurant, beach hut, cafeteria, snack bar, bar, two swimming pools for adults and children, karaoke, massage room, solarium, shop, postal service, tourist information bureau, hard court tennis, car rental, taxis, parking, beauty parlor, and activities with master of ceremonies. Operates on the “all inclusive” plan.

Sol Club Las Sirenas Hotel:**** This hotel has 248 double rooms and 12 suites, all with air conditioning, fully-equipped bathroom, telephone with direct international service, terraces overlooking the sea and the hotel’s gardens, remote control satellite TV, and safe deposit box. There is one room with facilities for the physically disabled. Electric current of 220 V/60 Hz. Buffet restaurant “Timonel”, grill restaurant “El Proel”, snack bar-cafeteria “Grumete”, pizzeria “La Goleta”, three bars, freshwater swimming pool for both adults and children, currency exchange, two conference halls with capacity for 80 persons, boutique, shop of souvenirs, jacuzzi, sauna, massage, fitness center, parking, medical service, car and moped rental, two hard court tennis, table games, multisport track, water sports, beach volleyball area, activities for children (miniclub, baby club), and hosted entertainment. Operates on the “all inclusive” plan.

Tuxpán Hotel:**** Fifty meters from the beach and five kilometers (3.1 miles) from Varadero downtown, this hotel has air-conditioned rooms overlooking the sea and the hotel’s gardens with telephone, satellite TV and closed-circuit hotel channel, minibar, safe deposit box, radio, and private bath with tub. Minibar service is offered if requested by guests. Buffet restaurant specializing in German and French cuisine, à la carte restaurant “Rancho” specializing in international and Cuban Creole cuisine, four bars, disco “La Bamba”, freshwater swimming pool for both adults and children, scuba diving preparation area, hosted entertainment, sports (badminton, pétanque, croquet), game room, jacuzzi, car rental, medical service, unisex beauty parlor, massage, fax service, currency exchange, laundry, telephone with international service, shop, postal service, and tourist information bureau. Operates on the EP, CP, MAP, and AP plans.

Club Tropical Hotel:*** This hotel has 120 rooms in the hotel, 53 in apartments, and six in luxury houses. They all include air conditioning, private or share bath, radio, satellite TV, and telephone. Two restaurants, three bars, two snack bars, cafeteria, shop, unisex hairdresser, swimming pool, 100-seat multipurpose sports facility, recreation hall, moped and bike rental, currency exchange, safe deposit box, tourist information bureau, car rental, taxis, postal service, and medical service. Operates on the “all inclusive” plan.
Sotavento Hotel:*** This hotel has 24 houses with two to seven bedrooms with telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning, safe deposit box, and private bath. Two restaurants, bar, swimming pool, pharmacy, multipurpose sports facility, tennis, and medical service.
Villa Caleta:*** This village has 34 air-conditioned rooms with private bath. It has four eight-bedroom residential houses with international telephone service, satellite TV, minibar, and individual safe deposit box. Room service, restaurant, grill, bar-cafeteria, swimming pool for both adults and children, entertainment hall, shop, water sports, moped and bike rental, car rental, taxis, parking, and tourist information bureau.
Bellamar Hotel:*** This hotel has 284 air-conditioned rooms with private bath, satellite TV, telephone, radio, minibar if requested, and safe deposit box. Currency exchange, swimming pool for both adults and children, cafeteria, three bars, disco, conference room, medical service, facilities for the physically disabled, four restaurants (a buffet restaurant, a restaurant specializing in Cuban Creole cuisine, a restaurant specializing in roast beef, and a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine), nighttime entertainment, shop, hairdresser and barbershop, two swimming pools, bike and moped rental, tourist information bureau, taxis, car washing, parking, and postal service.

Mar del Sur Hotel:** Very appropriate for families, this hotel has 48 two-bedroom and 98 one-bedroom apartments, 42 studios, and 130 rooms. Restaurant, two bars, snack bar, cafeteria, swimming pool for both adults and children, shop, safe deposit box, currency exchange, tourist information bureau, taxis, and parking.

Playa Girón Hotel:** This hotel located at the Gran Parque Natural Montemar has a diving center and offers this activity from its own coastal area with no need for boats as the diving sites are no more than 80 meters away. It has 292 rooms in air-conditioning cabins with refrigerator and TV. Four restaurants, grill, two bars, swimming pool, medical service, shop, motorcycle and bike rental, hard court tennis, parking, tourist information bureau, car rental, and taxis.
Playa Larga Hotel:** Located in Matanzas at the Gran Parque Natural Montemar. This hotel has 57 rooms in single-story cabins with air conditioning, TV, and private or shared bath. Three restaurants, grill, three bars, shops, safe deposit box, currency exchange, tourist information bureau, motorcycle rental, hard court tennis, parking, bird watching observatory, and water sports. Located near a fine-sand and warm-water beach where it is possible to practice scuba diving, especially along the coralline wall. The wall edge is near the coast and has fabulous colonies of gorgonians, sponges and corals such as black coral. There are underwater caverns up to 70 meters deep that are home to the so-called blindfish. In the park visitors can come into close contact with nature and watch the beautiful birds endemic to Cuba.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THESE HOTELS PLEASE CONTACT US HERE