Hi, me and my girlfriend just got back from Cuba on Friday. It was our first time in the country so we didn't know what to expect. The resort we went to was Varadero which is perfect for someone who just likes sunbathing. We travelled with Thomas Cook and it was for 10 days All inclusive, which cost £595 each for 2 adults staying in the 4 Star hotel Sol Palmeras. This hotel on first impressions was a little run down but seemed ok once you had settle in and ventured out to the hotel grounds. I'd probably rate this hotel a good 3 star to be honest but I suppose people in Cuba would think that this hotel was luxurious compared to the houses that they live in.

Cuba in itself is a very poor country with the average wage in this area of Cuba to be around £200-£250 per month. So tips are very welcome by locals and you find them coming upto to you when in the streets of Havana walking you across the road or drawing quick sketches of you trying to get money out of you.

Havana is about 2 hours away and is a very cultural city and you must visit it for a day at least to see their way of life, its very eye opening. The cars they drive are amazing, families have old American cars passed down through generations and really look after them. Police cars are old Ladas from the Eighties which is quite funny to see!!! Horse and cart is still used to taxi people around short distances.

Nightlife is a little scarce in Varadero so if you you like to go out clubbing and drinking in bars then this isn't your sort of place. All in all Cuba was a lovely holiday for us but wouldn't return as we like to go different places each time but hold Cuba holds fond memories for us and are pleased to have experienced something a little different to the hustle and bustle of a touristy destination.

I hope this peice of information helps in your decision about Cuba, as for the other two destinations i'm not sure but I heard people holidaying in Cuba prefered Mexico because it was a whole lot livelier and lots to do rather than chilling out all day.

If anyone needs anymore information or tips on Cuba or Sol Palmeras hotel just let me know.

Marc and Sam

Hi Marc and Sam

I'd be grateful if you'd post a review HERE as we have no recent reviews. Thank you

Pippy

Hi, I have been to Cuba and Margarita. Not tried Dom Rep.Went to both around February. both good weather day and evening. Cuba the sea and pools were very cold. Margarita they were nice and warm.
Margarita the sea was rough, you could not really swim but it was great fun jumping the waves, where as Cuba was alot calmer.

The standard of hotel I think was better in Cuba. 4* in Margarita adequate but not luxurious. Food good in both. Margarita Laguna Mar hotel no balconies or opening windows in rooms.

Out and about. Cuba Stayed in Varadero, not much out and about, did do a 1 daytrip to Havana which was quite nice and there is an open top bus that runs the length of Varadero. There is a nice park with a bar and restaurant in it but not many shops.

Margarita, Not advised to go out after dark. We did get a taxi to the market and did not feel intimidated. The person on guest services in the hotel called his friend who had modern car (some are old bangers, death traps) who took us where ever we wanted to go for roughly £5 an hour even came round the shops with us carrying bags.

If I had to choose between the 2 to re visit I would choose Margarita on the fact of the pool and sea being warm. If it was a different time of year I would probably choose Cuba for the more comfort in hotels.

Hope this helps, which ever you choose I am sure you will have a good holiday.

Karen

I've also been to Cuba & Margarita. Twice to each/

First trip to Cuba was Varadero in Nov/Dec. Pool was far too cold, but the sea was warm and beautiful. Food wasn't great in our hotel (Palma Real) but this was is 2002 so things may have changed. Loads of excursions to do & loads of bars in town.

Margarita the first time round (Nov 2003) we stayed at Costa Caribe. We had the BEST holiday. Met a great bunch of people. Food was OK, it's worth going just for the overnight Angel Falls trip. The only downside to this was illness. Loads of people were quite sick and I caught it on the last day. On my return home I ended up in hospital. It did put me off Margarita but we did go back again eventually in 2005.
This time round we stayed at Laguna Mar. Totally different hotel, much bigger and we were the only people round the pool on most days. The casino is great fun. We played the slots and only spent about £2 per night. Again, the food was OK and only 1 restaurant was open so there wasn't much choice. We also spent a couple of nights in Los Roques, (the maldives of the caribbean). a few tiny islands, no roads, clear skies, clear blue sea, lovely.

Finally, went back to Cuba in November 2007. We stayed in Guadalavaca this time at Playa Pesquero. A BRILLIANT hotel. Much better time than the first trip. This are of Cuba is much different to Varadero but there isn't anything much outside of the hotel. They did have a 24 bar though, loads of restaurants & champagne (cava) is included. The staff were lovely & food was fab.

So, in my opinion, I would go to Margarita for the Angel Falls/Orinoco Delta trip & Los Roques. Cuba was better for the beaches, PLaya Pesquero in particular as an overall holiday.