Royalton Hicacos Resort And Spa

Its was great in every sense. Beach, food, cleanliness,staff, restaurants were great and most important the beach best one the strip of varadero. I did almost all the hotels and this spot is the best. Dont rely on people that say shortages and none of this or that. Granted they had no sprite big deal but everything else was amazing i rate it a 10 and will definitely go back. [Details]

Way over priced for what we received. pumps in pools and filters did not work. there was suntan scum lines around the pool and garbage floating around in Jacuzzi tub. Lights out and some hanging around walkways to room. No butler service. No mix for drinks such as orange or cranberry juice and no tequila and other hard liquors. No diet pop or meals that could accommodate people with diabetes. Buffet very limited. No snacks such as chips. chocolate even to buy. There was a very strong smell of sewer gas around pool and buffet. Not enough cabanas. Last 2 days of vacation they ran out of napkins and set up the tables using 2 sheets of toilet paper.
Overall Cuba is not prepared to provide basic essentials for travelers especially at the price we paid. 19 years going to Cuba and this is the worst Ive ever seen it. Always came back for the beach, weather and the people, but having experienced the lack of basic supplies, I wouldn't come back to Cuba for a long time, if at all, which is very disappointing. [Details]

Our stay at the Royalton Hicacos was fabulous. Wonderful staff, nice property, good food and drinks, and an absolutely beautiful beach. We heard many complaints from other travellers at nearby resorts about shortages, etc, but we had none of the issues they were having. If you are planning a trip to Varadero, I would definitely recommend this resort. Special shout out to the Entertainment Staff - Juvi, Veronica, Gustavo, Yarima, Victor, and Jimmy who were absolutely amazing! [Details]

Overall it was a nice experience. Understanding we were in Cuba and they were still recovering from the pandemic travel restrictions it was not an exceptional experience overall for the price we paid but was nice.

The majority of food was not good. Buffet did not have any decent selections. The Pearl and the Italian restaurants were the best we tried there.

Service in certain areas was great and in other areas not so good. Not sure why but felt we were ignored in some areas.

The resort needs to be refreshed, but they are doing the best they can.

The Diamond Club which we purchased for extra $$ is not really any extra from what we experienced and observed. Supposed to have a nicer room but didn't get it. We had a butler but really didn't need them? Drinks and rest of services were the same as non Diamond Club members. We chatted with some non Diamond Club guests and what they told us they got was not much different than what we got.

The resort needs more rinse off stations as the main pool was sandy from people coming in from the beach.

One pool was also out of service when we were there.

Speaking of the beach, that was the best. Beautiful sand, shells and sunsets, plenty of chairs and covered areas and great beach bar. The beach restaurant was unsafe and non operational unfortunately. They did provide some service at picnic tables on the beach.

You will need bug spray with deet in the early mornings or at dusk as the bugs are bad and there are no see ums… [Details]

This was my second time at the Royalton Hicacos, after my first wonderful visit just before the pandemic... I was extremely happy to return and once again enjoy the Royalton life to the fullest for a couple week. And my high expectations were certainly met again. Each and every day felt special and precious, thanks to the beautiful setting and amenities of this resort, the very professional and friendly staff, and we even lucked out weather-wise!
Here's my personal perfect Royalton day, that I in fact lived every day:
6:30 am: wake-up
6:45 am: running (alternating along autopista to the south, along autopista to the north, and along beach) - perfect to experience sunrise!
7:30 am: clean-up and getting ready for the beach day; dropping towels off at beach spot for day
8:00 am: breakfast at the beach (a personal favourite - thanks particularly to Pedro!)
8:45 am: espresso at the bar; quick wifi check)
9:30 am: yoga at the clubhouse - the professional yoga instructor Rozelle from Canada (NRG2GO program) was amazing! Where else do you get such excellent yoga led by the best in a picture-perfect setting? Rozelle leads with immense knowledge, talent, a big heart and smile! Making me feel great for the rest of the day!
10:30 am: stretching at the beach - new this year I believe - and again with Rozelle who makes it so much fun (NRG2GO)! Amazing bonus or complimentary session to the yoga! With music and overlooking the sea. Both the yoga and beach stretching are highly recommended for everyone!
11:00 am: beach day starts with first swim, walk, reading (and of course drinks etc)
1 pm: beach bun, paella at beach, and occasionally buffet for lunch (for days I felt unexpectedly hungry...)
1:45 pm: swim, refresh drinks, another walk, reading etc (beach life continues!)
2:45 pm: espresso at bar and/or ice cream at ice-cream place next to bistro (another personal favourite - best freshly made waffle cones!)
3:15-5:15 pm: beach life continued most days, although I tried aqua bike session with Veronica at the pool which was fun! Golden hour from 5 pm on at beach - even for non-romantics!
5:45 pm: clean-up for evening
From 6pm on: lots of dinner options! And all are great in my opinion, so best to mix it up. But personal favourites are seafood dinner at beach (be there right at 6 pm for first seating to enjoy sunset), Caribbean/Cuban and Italian restaurants! Although I personally also appreciate the many good food choices and surprisingly nice ambiance at the buffet.
From 7:30 on: quick wifi check at bar continued by socializing, drinks and great music. Unbelievable musicianship by many artists, especially the trumpet and saxophone players!
9:30 pm: daily entertainment - my favourite is the Saturday classic rock show!
Good night Royalton - slept like an angel to ready ready for next day in Royalton paradise!
Thank you to all the extremely friendly, professional and hard working resort staff, including at the beach, entertainment (hooray Veronica and Yarima), buffet, bar, reception etc.
I hope to come back soon and can highly recommend this resort and experience for anyone interested in Cuba and the Varadero peninsula! The best! [Details]

We had an relaxing and restorative 2 weeks (Feb 4- 18) at this exceptional resort.
Perfect beach, lovely staff and a well-maintained property, make this my favorite Cuban resort.
We started each day with a beach-side breakfast - a gorgeous “breakfast board” and eggs, hot coffee, all a few feet from the water. Then we enjoyed a daily yoga class and later a stretch on the beach, all led by a Canadian instructor.
The food is great- lots of fresh veggies for big salads and the desserts are endless. I will miss my daily gelato - with a freshly made waffle cone!
Lots of entertainment options and great live music.
Check out the Cuevas Ambrosio - a 10 minute walk from the resort for a short, inexpensive excursion. [Details]

I don't know where to start about all the extras this hotel has. We got diamond club and loved afternoon drinks chatting with best bartenders Yosvany & Roberto. TOP NOTCH SERVICE!

We were overly surprised they had pro instructors from Canada for aqua Zumba and yoga! Both gals, Cheryl & Kathy did amazing job and great to chat too.

Yanirs in buffet...so funny! Bar staff Yuni, Barbara, Julio, Juan Carlos....dont miss the lobby bar. They are the best.

Front desk,,,Jennifer. Yuliza, Annie...all smiling and fast service!

Ice cream bar....stop at it. You won't regret it. BEACH...best we have been to!!

We plan to return this year! [Details]

We had a great week and wished we had booked longer. The food was amazing. The odd shortage in minor things but did not bother us because the staff is the best.

We LOVED daily yoga with Cdn instructor Kathy and aqua with Cheryl. Love they bring in pro instructors because usually just entertainment staff who do fine but its not professional like we are used to in Canada.

SHOUT OUT to lobby staff who don't stop and always serve drinks with a smile..Barbara, Yuni, Yenepher...love you gals.

We are planning to return in October as long there continue to be professional yoga classes as that is what we look for when we travel.

See you all soon! [Details]

There are many good things about this Royalton property but there are also a lot of things that could make it better. Upon check in which was slow and difficult we were left waiting for access to the hospitality suite as our rooms were not yet ready. When finally given access there was water all over the floor, no handles on the bathroom stalls so you were stuck in there unless someone let you out and there was no toilet paper. We changed and made our way to the cafe to eat lunch and relax. The club sandwich arrived and had no chicken or bacon but a fried egg, shredded cabbage and some very not appealing ham slices. It was not what was on the menu and was inedible at best. The french fries were rock hard and cold. Not a great introduction to the stay. When we went back to reception we were handed over to a butler Yaineu (spelling may be incorrect), who escorted us to our rooms. The first room was not what we had reserved. When we spoke to Yaineu she was dismissive, stated that was what we reserved, that we were incorrect and then turned around to escort us to the second room on the reservation. We stopped her and asked her to fix the room as it was not what was paid for. She acted as if it was a great inconvenience and went to the phone, called someone and then told us that we would be moved to another room but it was not ready yet. No problem, when will it be ready, she had no idea. We continued on to the second room on the reservation. It was fine. The others of our group followed her back to the lobby to find out about the new room. it took over an hour to get an answer and then they had lost the luggage in the room switch. It took three hours to find their luggage and get it to the new room.
Definitely not they way to start a vacation but it did get much better after that. The rest of the staff, including our other butler Toton were great! Very attentive and remembering your drink order from day to day. The food was very hit and miss. I wasn't expecting a lot as I have been to Cuba several times and understand their supply chain issues. But some of the things they didn't have were very odd. Only had starfruit, watermelon and papaya. Not a single banana or melon all week. No orange juice, bacon. Lots of pork options. Great grilled seafood at lunch. Unless you arrive at 545pm for the a la cartes you are not getting in, this needs to be addressed. There is plenty of room for more tables and the wait for food in excessive. Also no drinks except wine and sometimes soda available at the a la cartes, very odd. Given the price paid I'd say not worth it, but definitely could be improved very quickly and easily. Not up to the Royalton standard. [Details]

We have travelled to Mexican and Cuban resorts previously so we went with realistic expectation that Cuban 5 star is more like Mexican 3.5-4 star. With this in mind...this resort was perfect for what we wanted! The most beautiful beach, sunshine, rest and relaxation. The resort is showing some age, but it is CLEAN and well taken care of. Yes, there are some limitations on the food, but we never went hungry! Go with an open mind and willingness to try something different. [Details]

Just spent 9 days in Varadero, Cuba and the Royalton Hicacos. What an amazing trip!! Staff is just absolutely amazing, caring and kind. Hermes and Yanira from the buffet; Yuni, Eduardo, Christian, Barbara, Julito, Laura, Jennifer and many others from the lobby bar; Yuniel from the bistro; José from the beach; ALL the entertainment/show staff, the scubadiving instructors and finaly, Yosvany, Elieser and all the others from the beach bar are just some of the people that made my trip worth it, by their kindness and joy. I am definitely missing some, everyone I spoke to was simply great and friendly. All smiles and laughter troughout the week. I will definitely be coming back I was also surprised and happy to see that canadian, Cheryl Ponee. Her fitness classes help keep me fit during my vacay mode. She is so energetic and her classes are always fun. Looking forward to my next new years trip, and may it be just as good as this one was! [Details]

We had a great trip with no complaints. Front desk ladies are AMAZING & will help you with anything you need! The lobby bar staff don't stop day & night and always pleasant. Tip them please!!

MANY BIG THANKS to Cheryl from NS, Canada who taught zumba/aqua. We have never been to a resort where a fellow CDN was teaching so this was a great surprise. Her classes were so full of energy even my hubby joined in! She is a great PR person for the hotel as she has been there many times and raves about it!

Buffet was fabulous. Shrimp, lobstres, pasta, shushi...I can go on. We only tried the Italian and had a great meal.

We will return in fall 2023!! [Details]

We are already planning to go back in the spring. We especially want to thank all the amazing staff and most importantly Cheryl from Canada - the fitness instructor there during our stay!

She made every class so fun with all her energy and she stated she has been going to this resort for many years. Good job Royalton adding to your entertainment team!

Diamond club beach staff Yosvany/Roberto...many thanks! Reception ladies...Yuliza, Annie, Jennifer....big HUGE thanks to always smiling and being helpful.

See you soon! [Details]

We had a great trip with friends again for New Years. We found no shortages and no issues with food. Lobby bar staff as always the best - Barbara, Laura & Yuni!!

We loved the fact this year they had a Canadian Instructor there - Cheryl. She taught aqua Zumba and at foam parties and was the best! She provided so much energy to the foam party on New Years eve the pool was packed! Their entertainment staff is great but having an experienced instructor makes a HUGE difference!! Hands down!

We ate at Italian twice and had amazing meals. buffet was excellent with lots of variety and Hermes is the best waiter! We all love him.

The trip went by way too fast but we will be back for sure! [Details]

We had a great trip with friends again for New Years. We found no shortages and no issues with food. Lobby bar staff as always the best - Barbara, Laura & Yuni!!

We loved the fact this year they had a Canadian Instructor there - Cheryl. She taught aqua Zumba and at foam parties and was the best! She provided so much energy to the foam party on New Years eve the pool was packed! Their entertainment staff is great but having an experienced instructor makes a HUGE difference!! Hands down!

We ate at Italian twice and had amazing meals. buffet was excellent with lots of variety and Hermes is the best waiter! We all love him.

The trip went by way too fast but we will be back for sure! [Details]

The hotel was lovely and clean. The beach was beautiful. The staff were amazing and accommodating. The evening entertainment was top-notch! The MC (Binga Binga guy) was annoying. The food was the best at the buffet. The restaurants were hit or miss. [Details]

The best hotel in Varadero! [Details]

Had little expectations from previous Cuba visit. This place blew my mind! The property is beautiful. The staff was outstanding. The restaurants were great service and great food. Compare this resort with previous best vacations. [Details]

Always very good. 4th time at this resort. I'll definitely be back. [Details]

We had a great experience at the Royalton as always with every Cuba visit we enjoyed the beautiful beach and the kind Cuban people. [Details]

It was our second time a 2 couples.. great experience. All great the variety of the drinks .. the service.. my favorite restaurant was the Beach Grill .. the food very testy .. in general is great place to relax .. as a tip try to get room near to the lobby.. [Details]

This was my first time at Royalton Hicacos. My husband and me enjoyed every day in the resort. The food is fine, we are not demanding, the Caribbean restaurant is very good, we loved the restaurant by the beach for breakfast and lunch and of course at night because they have lobster in the menu.
Rooms are fine, with a small living room, bedroom and a big bathroom.
Thank you Albis and Jenifer at the lobby bar for the best piña colada ever.
Thanks to my butler David for been so nice with us.
If you are looking for the perfect beach trip just decide to spend your holidays at Royalton Hicacos. Highly recommend [Details]

This was our first trip to Cuba and this resort in a few years and we were blown away by our time there. The food, amenities, staff, beach and resort were all top notch.

Despite supply chain issues affecting other resorts on Cuba, you never felt any issues here. The food was amazing, fresh and offered a wide range for every palate.

The rooms were well kept, as well as the other buildings and beach area. We met the GM Jose Martin the first night and he was so kind and friendly. We would meet him every night for drinks and he always had a smile on his face. He was always great with guests and staff alike, and his passion for the job and resort is evident everywhere.

We were with the diamond club and our butler Betty was phenomenal. She would always go above and beyond to make sure our every need was met.

We cannot say enough good this about this resort and look forward to our next visit! [Details]

Very friendly ,good food ,everything great five times their. [Details]

Our experience was tremendous. We were treated like Royalty. Every person working here went above and beyond to make our stay an experience to remember. We will definitely be coming back to the Royalton Hicacos. We had a few tiny glitches that were taken care of on the spot. Wherever you are from in the world the staff try their best to speak in your language. [Details]

This facility is a run down dump! Much of the construction is in wood with much it in deteriorating conditioning. Railings are in some cases about to completely fall off. Walkways are irregular and get ready to handle way too many stairs!

The tub and showers are unsafe because they are hard to enter and slippery.

There are three floors and no elevators. My safe did not work and neither did the air conditioning which they eventually got to run after four try's including banging around at 2 in the morning.

The beach is excellent and so are the staff but the buildings and facilities are not 5 stars, not 4 stars not even 3 stars but barely 2 stars! [Details]

The rooms were very comfortable and clean. The pools and resort quite beautiful. The water was clear and turquoise blue. A great beach for walking, swimming and sunbathing.. Be aware that the bank and hotel exchange rate is a rip-off. You can get 4x more from businesses on the street. Another problem was that you cannot charge your electronics in the room as they don't have conversion plugs. You have to charge with your butler or at the front desk. [Details]

Just returned with a group! We had the BEST time ever. Beach and weather were perfect. WE loved the food..beach grill for lunch and buffet at dinner were are favs. We also loved the Mexican.

Lobby bar staff was beyond good. drinks never empty...thank you Yosvany, Yusy, Barbara, Julio, Guillermor & Eduardo!

We attended aqua and Zumba classes hosted by pro instructor from Canada - Cheryl. We can honestly say this was a HUGE bonus to have this at a resort. Keep this up Royalton

We are returning in May and October. This should say how much we love this. We will coordinate our trips around when Cheryl from Canada is teaching!!! [Details]

The Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa is a superb facility. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and found pretty much everything to be beyond our expectations, especially in Cuba during a period of particular austerity. [Details]

Ordinary would be the best way to describe the Royalton. It should be stated up front the people in the service positions were generally warm and a delight to interact with while the managerial level were at best breathing.
I booked the Diamond Club expecting better then average service and ended up with no service starting with arrival. I requested a twin when I booked and on arrival told they did not receive the request. The receptionist suggested that since the room came with a large king size bed, that I should share it with my brother. It was also pointed out that there was no difference other then the location from one room to another. It should be noted that the property is very large and spread out so location is everything so at least the Diamond Club rooms were centrally located. We spent the first night in a room with 2 beds then were moved to a ‘Diamond Club' room. A rollaway bed was placed in the sitting area with the furniture pushed aside. The room needed refurbishing and a good paint job.
Butler? What butler service? I was booked for an orientation at the Diamond club lounge for 9:45 am the first day. I arrived and the door was locked and no one showed up, finally Alex the concierge? Butler? Showed up, did not apologize and was annoyed when I would not commit to making dinner reservations in the specialty restaurants at once. The best word to describe Alex was arrogant and dismissive. No orientation was scheduled so for the most part we bumped along never quite knowing what events were taking place or what services were available. From my experience, the Diamond Club doesn't offer any value to make the expense worthwhile.
You don't go to Cuba for the food. In the end, the buffet was the best option. The specialty restaurants ranged from awful to terrible. Inevitably, we ended up at the buffet for cheese and fruit.
The internet is only in the main bar and restaurant pavilion and times out in 32 minute blocks. You cannot do back to back sessions so be sure to plan exactly what you want to do when on-line particularly if you have to fill out the return forms for your gov't.
If you have never experienced a 5 star resort or hotel then this would probably be better then the average stay particularly in Cuba. Have no expectations and this could be a good experience but the advertising of the Diamond Club and listed amenities nowhere meets the brochures promises!
In conclusion, regardless of what anyone tells you, take U.S. dollars. Plenty of 1$ bills. I took 100 in ones and ended up with many happy staff. For those servicing you daily, tell them you will take care of them at the end of the trip and give them one tip in an envelope. Make sure you know which day they are off so it's not on your leaving day. They need everything so leave behind anything you do not need. Lotions, meds etc. they are most grateful. Do not buy pesos! No one what's them.
The beaches and country as a whole are lovely. But not ready for prime time or lux holidays. [Details]