Gran Caribe Sunbeach

Sunbeach is unassuming from the get-go. A short red-brick driveway brings guests to the resort's entrance, which has the functional look of a small regional airport from the exterior decorated with a fiberglass sculpture of leaping dolphins. Inside, the lobby is equally modest; despite a stained-glass ceiling and some pretty tile work on the front desk, the space is largely functional. But it is bright, with cobalt-blue columns and tendrils of green ivy giving it color. Wicker armchairs and couches provide seating, and vending machines sit in a corner selling cigarettes and Red Bull. An aquarium off to one side looks cloudy and neglected.  

The resort itself is small and compact with the pool right out back from the lobby. It's a cheerful space, decorated with a fish mural and surrounded by blue-and-white loungers and striped awnings providing a little shade. Thumping Latin music was playing on our visit. A circular kiddy pool gives a spot for children to splash around. But a looping script sign points the way to the real main event -- the beach. The public beach, just across a two-way street, is outfitted with plastic loungers and palapa umbrellas. This beach is in the heart of town, so guests are much more likely to sunbathe with a local crowd here compared to resorts that are more removed.

Guests tend to be international tourists such as young couples, retirees, and some families, along with a few Cubans on vacation as well.

Location is one of Hotel Gran Caribe Sunbeach's biggest selling points. Unlike other resorts that are removed from town, Sunbeach is right in the heart of Varadero, and walking distance to its attractions. Guests are right across the street (a two-minute walk) from the town's biggest artisan market and a vintage taxi stand with cars from the '50s and '60s. Sunbeach is also right by a public beach, which is just across the road. Unlike the beaches farther up the peninsula, this sandy spot gives guests a chance to meet and mingle with locals. Streets surrounding the resort are full of dining and nightlife options. It's a two-hour drive from Havana and 10 minutes farther to José Martí International Airport. 

Guest rooms are the most disappointing aspect of this budget resort, with dated, worn furnishings. White tile floors and stucco walls give a basic backdrop, though the latter are painted bright teal or other Caribbean colors. Old-fashioned sun-and-moon bedspreads cover the beds, which some guests find uncomfortable. Traditional wooden furniture includes Art-Deco style arched headboards and work desks. Walls are adorned with blue-and-yellow abstracts of the sea and trapezoid-shaped mirrors. Amenities are minimal: phones, tube TVs, air-conditioning, safes (for a fee), and minibars, which are on request and cost an additional fee.

Bathrooms are equally worn with rusty fixtures. Moss-green tiles cover the floors, and fabric shower curtains cover the bath/tub combos. Pedestal sinks were outfitted with minimal toiletries -- just bars of soap.

Rooms in the Leonistico building have balconies with pool views or street and town views. Other rooms do not have balconies. (Rooms without balconies can have better views of the sea.) Balconies are simply furnished with white plastic chairs and side tables. 

On our visit, rooms felt a bit humid and stuffy with a musty smell, and some past guests have complained of housekeeping and maintenance issues. 

True to its name, Sunbeach's main attraction is its lovely public beach, located just across the street from the property. Its beautiful white sands are adorned with loungers and palapa umbrellas. Water-sport rentals are available. Kayaks, catamarans, and bicycles are free to borrow. There's also a volleyball net on the beach.

The resort offers its own private spot to sunbathe and splash around -- its large pool with a kiddy pool. Here blue-and-white plastic loungers give seating, and a pool basketball hoop provides a playful activity. 

This small property has a limited number of dining and drinking options. A buffet restaurant (Nautilus), Italian restaurant, and a snack bar provide food. There's also a poolside bar and a beach bar (El Castero) for drinks. The lobby bar, El Pilar, has a Hemingway theme with his portrait on the side of the bar and faux rope holding up a trellis. Guests report the food is mediocre overall.

One unusual feature is the resorts top-floor disco. Unfortunately, the all-inclusive rates doesn't cover admission, but it's worth the extra 5 Cuc to enter. From this point, guests can get 360-degree panoramic views of the beach and the town of Varadero, along with music and drinks. (A free drink is included in the price of admission.)

Other entertainment includes animation programs catering to adults and kids. And there's an outdoor theater with painted murals of ballet dancers that hosts entertainment. Ping-pong and pool tables are also available. For families, cribs and extra beds are available, but no babysitting services are provided. 

A small Internet cafe provides two computer workstations. Cards to access the Internet are sold for 2 Cuc at reception. On our visit, there was no Wi-Fi, though the hotel did have plans to add this by the end of 2016. 

Massage service treatment rooms and a nurse's station are also on-site. Shoppers can buy Cuban cigars, liquor, and other souvenirs at the on-site gift shop. The lobby also has a luggage storage room and phone booth for guests' use.