The cost of a stay in Varadero is noticeably higher than elsewhere in Cuba, largely because all-inclusive prevails. The baseline of €110 per person per day corresponds to a decent 4-star all-inclusive stay, excluding flight and extras (excursions, spa).
All-inclusive resort accommodation varies widely by category: 4-star (Memories Varadero, Iberostar Bella Vista, Royalton Hicacos standard) at €70-110 per person per night in high season; 5-star (Meliá Internacional, Royalton Hicacos suite, Iberostar Selection) at €120-200 per person per night; ultra-luxury (Paradisus Varadero royal service, private suites) at €250-400 per person per night. All include meals (3 buffets, à la carte restaurants), drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic, unlimited), entertainment, basic water sports, room. European package deals (flight + 1 week resort) start at €800-1,200 in low season, €1,500-2,500 in high season.
Extras on top of all-inclusive: Havana day trip €60-90, diving €50-80, parasailing €30-40, jet ski €50-70, cabaret night €35-50, spa massage €60-100, tips (service staff rely heavily on tips, budget €5-10/day in various tips).
Outside the resorts, peninsula restaurants (Salsa Suarez, La Vicaria, Albacora) charge €25-40 per person — little reason to visit when all-inclusive is paid. Taxis: €5-15 within the peninsula, €90-110 transfer to Havana, €25-30 to airport. Cash in euros remains useful for tips, off-resort purchases and souvenirs at Plaza América.
Read also
- Cayos and beaches of Cuba — Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo: Cuba's paradise beaches the easy way.
- Cayo Coco — The paradise coral island, more isolated and natural than Varadero.
- Cuba — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Havana — The Cuban capital 140 km away: day trip possible from Varadero.