Brisas del Caribe Hotel

Brisas de Caribe is a resort that tries to appeal to a range of tastes. Animation teams, a boisterous pool with kids splashing around, and live music give a family-friendly, energetic, fun-in-the-sun vibe. But the quieter southern side, which draws couples and retirees, is far calmer with grassy hammocks, no animation, and a quieter, music-free portion of the beach.

Still, between the two sides, the louder, family-oriented side seems to dominate -- the hotel boasts that since its opening, more than three million kids have visited -- and plenty of features focus on these guests. The resort also draws an international crowd: Canadians, Russians, and Latin Americans on vacation are all part of the mix. But this Cubanaca chain property also brings in more of a local crowd, with Cuban families also spending their vacations here.

Be aware that maintenance issues can crop up at Brisas de Caribe (which is quite common for resorts in the area), and on our visit there were some leaks in the hallway ceilings.

Brisas de Caribe is right on the beachfront of Varadero, consider by many to be some of the loveliest stretches of sand in all of Cuba. The beach here is divided into two portions: a louder one with music, and a quieter one without as much hustle and bustle. But aside from the beach, there’s little here in walking distance, and guests will either need to drive, take a taxi, or use the hop-on-hop-off bus (that stops outside the hotel) to reach attractions outside the resort. The Delfinario, a small aquarium and show with dolphins that’s popular with kids, is two minutes away by car. The shopping arcade Plaza America is a 15-minute drive away. And the town of Varadero, with its restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shopping, is a six-minute drive away. Havana is about a two-hour drive away, and José Martí International Airport is a little farther, at about two hours and 15 minutes away by car.

Rooms are split between the more boisterous northern side of the resort and a quieter southern side. Older guests and couples favor the latter, and these rooms are also a bit bigger. (There’s a difference in price as well.) Decor differs a bit depending on the room, but they all pick up a Caribbean theme. Standard Rooms for example feature stucco walls in tropical colors like shell-pink and sky-blue, mustard-yellow bedspreads, and wicker chairs. In general the look is dated, but not unpleasant, though some of the furnishings show wear and tear. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, and air-conditioning. All rooms have balconies or terraces as well with either pool or tennis court views. Bathrooms sport dark blue tiles and are outfitted with gray vanity sinks, shower/tub combos with fabric curtains, bidets, individual toiletries, and magnifying mirrors. Room categories include Standard Rooms, Junior Suites, and Suites; interconnected rooms are also available. Some rooms on a basement level are sold at lower rates, though guests complain they’re claustrophobic and smell of mildew. 

Plenty of the Brisas del Caribe's features cater to families, including a kids’ club with activities, babysitting on request, extra beds and cribs on request, a full playground with a swing set and slide, and an animation team that specializes in kids’ entertainment. Other activities are all ages, including the games room with ping-pong and pool tables, mini-golf, two tennis courts, and basketball court. Non-motorized water-sports equipment is also available to borrow, including aquatic bikes, kayaks, and paddle boats.

The pool is massive and freeform, surrounded by a sundeck made of no-slip material. Plenty of blue-striped loungers surround the water. Two footbridges connect the two sides to each other. There’s also a kiddy pool with a little mushroom cap providing a waterfall feature, though it was under repair on our visit. Another spot under renovation was the gym, but when in operation, it includes a sauna and small spa. Massage treatments are available by request.

The beach is a long stretch of sand topped with white plastic loungers and palapa umbrellas. It’s divided between an energetic and noisy side, with music and water sports, and a “quiet zone” for peaceful reading and sunbathing.

There are six restaurants in total: a buffet restaurant and five a la carte restaurants that include Italian, seafood, international, and creole cuisine, in addition to a fine-dining restaurant. Overall, the food gets mixed reviews. For beverages and light bites, the resort also has five bars including a lobby bar, a coffee bar, poolside and beachside bars, and a piano bar complete with a pianist. 

On our visit, Wi-Fi was not available, but plans were in place to have it up and running by the end of 2015. In the meantime, guests can make use of an Internet corner with two PC computers. An on-site shop sells local goods like jewelry and wooden beer steins. Luggage rooms and a tour desk in the lobby provide other on-site conveniences.