Numerous. There are a variety of hotels, motels and guest houses - along with many elegant all-inclusive resorts - that line the beach from end-to-end. Smaller places can be found in and around the main town of Varadero.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
The 'Tropicana'. This dazzling Havana nightclub has been entertaining citizens and visitors alike since 1939. A musical extravaganza that out-Vegases Vegas - with colorful costumes rivalling Brazil's Carnival - with more than 200 performers and musicians dazzling diners with the rhythms of Salsa and Merengue. Expensive, but worth the price of admission. The dinner show is available to those who have taken the day trip into Havana from the beach resorts. (About a two hour drive). Do visit Hemingway's Hacienda en route. There is also a smaller Tropicana-style show (recorded music replaces a live orchestra) in The International Hotel in Varadero.
ACCESS TO BEACH:
Literally miles and miles of sandy beach available to one and all with open access everywhere. There are numerous hotels from many different international hotel chains that literally line this enormously oong beach. Any open areas that remain have a resort either in the process of being built or there are plans to develop the site. The most popular local beach is in the town of Varadero with access next to The Quatro Palmas Hotel.
QUALITY OF BEACH:
This exquisite sandy beach stretches for more than 7 miles. The main town of Varadero is situated a stoneΓÇÖs throw from the strand. The shallow waters are bathtub warm in many places. The finest portion of beach is in front of the Tuxpan Hotel. The beach at the Sol Palmeras Hotel offers a secluded cove framed by coral outcroppings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Varadero is actually a narrow island called the Hicacos peninsula, joined to the mainland of Cuba by a short bridge; most people, however, will actually pass over the bridge and never notice they have left the mainland island. Once you have explored the miles of Varadero sand, do take a sidetrip to Havana. The 'Old City' is steeped in history and rivals the historic charm of the other Caribbean colonial cities built by the Spanish: Santo Domingo, Cartagena and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is 130 miles, as the crow flies, from Key West, Florida.
