Varadero Travel Forum

My husband and I are going to Cuba in January 2008 - we have never been to Cuba, so we are looking forward to it!
We have booked two weeks at the Tryp Penn - has anyone stayed there, and if so, have we made a good choice?
Also, we plan to go to Havana for a day or two. Anything I need to know before we go?
We live in Canada, and am wondering if the Canadian Dollar is accepted readily?
Thanks for any suggestions, etc.

You will have to convert your currency to the Cuban Convertible peso. That is NOT the same as the regular Cuban peso, but that won't create a problem for you. Just be aware that you can't convert the convertible peso back to any other currency, except in Cuba - so don't get too many more than you really need! Your hotel will have an eschange office.

Take with you extra shampoo, toothpaste, soap, crayons, paper, pens, pencils - and hard candy treats for the kids (chocolate will melt). Toilet paper, kleenex, sanitary napkins etc. etc., are also welcome. Cuba has a shortage of readily purchasable supplies, so the people DO appreciate these things as tips - or gifts.

Cuba has shortages of all supplies! So while these shortages are usually made transparents to tourists, realize that most Cubans will be lacking simple things that you take for granted - not the way it used to be, just the way it has become.

Nomad

Hi, my advice is to spend a little more time in Havana, maybe a week. Varadero is a 100% tourist places, full with hotels and tourists so U'll never get to know the real Cuba. Canadian dollar is fully accepted, be aware that U must exchange them to CUC (Cuban Convertible peso) in the right places, CADECA is the name of this places where U must exchange your money. Good luck!

Depends on taste& adventure level. Overall you have made a good choice. It is clean,friendly and grounds are nice. Nice beach and activties you can do.. boating etc. fair number of activties you can do off resort.There is quite a selection of food.There is a place to exchage your money in the lobby. No ATM's, not plentiful in Cuba, sometimes at the airport. As far as going into Havana you will have to determine what you would like to see. If I were there for two weeks I would stay the night in the city as it is a exhausting long day if you bus there in the morning play tourist and bus back. Go into veradaro for a afternoon - bus. Go to Dupont Mansion for a drink at golf course overlooking beach Quite spectacular top floor, not phoney bus passes by in american mall, get off walk over. Quite Romantic!! DID I SAY THAT ENJOY!! NEXT Time check out IBAROSTAR veradaro, 2resorts over,nicer,newr went to a wedding there

If you like we can meet up in havana and i can show you around a bit:) I will be in cuba from 6th january-3th march.this will be my 5th time there..you can allways check out my pages. Barbara