Hotel Club Kawama holiday, Varadero, Cuba, 2012 vacation, grounds tour.

[@cherl2289]

Man, I love the architecture of Cuba

[@harlibroad]

Hey Michael. There's something about that "stinky" room. You aaalways go back to it. Lol. The view is Mucho Magnifico!!!

[@scotthull8377]

Thank you for your video,great job.was there first week april 17 and loved it in section 41 west end.going again march 31 this year video is awesome

[@DownMichael]

Thanks Scott. We were getting decent steaks this year at the Italian and International a la carte's. The food improves each year in Cuba and at Kawama. I used to eat out quite often but have found the food as good at the a la carte restaurants. Now I eat out just occasionally while touring Varadero. As you know, they do have problems being the oldest resort but as a repeater you learn you can always get a hot shower at the gym or some friends room if your room is out for a few hours. Going again next week!

[@ryankproductions7943]

great vid, I love these types of resorts.

[@DownMichael]

+travel si I appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

[@kellyspooner9481]

Michael, thanks for the video:) My husband and daughter (Robert and Jasmyn) are heading there this weekend, so it is nice for me to see what it looks like.

[@DownMichael]

You're very welcome. I hope it helps them get the most out of their vacation.

[@chowmikki]

I have stayed at better, newer, cleaner, better kept resorts. But found Kawama interesting. I travelled solo and the week was too short to explore all the various buildings. I didn't know whether to walk around some buildings as I noticed they were occupied by Cubans. I didn't want to invade on their privacy. I will be back as I like the location. I have Cuban friends across the canal in Santa Marta. Very interesting resort. Love the architecture. Thanks for the video. I have sent the links to friends who are thinking of staying there.

[@DownMichael]

Thanks Karin. In all my videos of this resort I mention that there are problems with the oldest resort in Varadero. But I try to show movies of the food to give people a better idea what they can expect as that is what many of the complaints on tripadvisor.com mention. As one of my videos from this year says, "I'm not a 5 star kind of guy". I don't mind self serve at the buffet and don't like a waiter hovering over my table at my beck and call.

[@chowmikki]

@@DownMichael your videos are well done. It was my first time at Kawama early November. Basic room, clean, no mold, bathroom clean, no mold. A/C worked when I needed it. My view was the street and canal. At the very end west of the lobby bldg. Very private, had my own beach. Loved it. Its Cuba after all. I have all the comforts at home. Don't mind roughing it for a week or two. Plus I returned to Canada with a good buddy, a Cuban dog I rescued.

[@chowmikki]

@@DownMichael I am happy to report that I came back to Kawama, a 3rd time. All was great despite food shortages. Still the best place as far as I am concerned.

[@DownMichael]

@@chowmikki I got home last Sunday with Covid as I was hugging and kissing 50 people. I'll be more careful next trip.

[@stu867]

Mike .. nice video .. viewers should appreciate the effort on your part to show the grounds BEFORE they book a trip here... seems like a nice place .. I have been to many resorts in Varadero over the past 10 years and this seems nice for the budget minded vacationer .. thanks for sharing ..

[@DownMichael]

Hey Stu; Honestly, there are plenty of problems with the old rooms but my video wasn't an expose of those. I could list a half dozen things wrong with my room but the truth is, for what I pay for it, I don't think I can get a better deal anywhere and I pray I get the same room this January. Thanks for the time you took to reply. Mike

[@stu867]

Michael Down I have been to quite a few of the hotels. Everything from Riu Varadero 5 star to Palma Real nearest to the start of downtown which is a 3.5 star and several 4 and 4.5 star hotels like Breezes and PlayaDoro and Melia Varadero. I have been to the Palma Real twice now and find that for the money it is very enjoyable. Some rooms in need of TLC and NOT right on the beach but they do have a beach and beachbar a block down the street. (3 min walk) and if I am going to the beach it is for a few hours anyway.. no need to be ON the beach .. and with the money I save , I can dine in some fantastic restaurants downtown a few nights of the week. You might check it out. Also nice to be downtown and close to Beatles Bar and Calle 62 Latin club ( both within 2 -3 block walking distance) for the nightlife.

[@DownMichael]

stu867 Hi Stu; I have been told about Palma Real by a golf buddy who goes to Varadero. He has ended up staying February and March at Mar Del Sur the past few years because it has kitchenettes and is inexpensive. I tried it a few years ago. The last two weeks of January at Kawama are still $958 out of Toronto. Kawama is much nicer than Mar Del Sur.

[@theresalong22]

nice video......thanks for posting!

[@purecanadian7792]

Thanks for the video, I am heading to Cuba for Christmas, never stayed at this resort but usually drop in when I am walking by,

[@DownMichael]

+love cuba Thankyou very much. I thought I'd try to undo some of the damage that whiners or people who have paid too much say about Kawama. Where are you staying?

[@purecanadian7792]

People have to understand, the Kawama is an older resort, They can pay the extra and stay at a five star but some people enjoy the simple hotels, This hotel is right downtown which is great, I have stayed at hotels that I have to take a bus in to get into town, Your always going to get the people who are very picky, my advice to them is pay the extra grand and stay somewhere else, I know of people who stay at mar del sur in varadero, I am not a fan of that hotel but they love the simpleness of that hotel.

[@DownMichael]

+love cuba Yes, a golfing friend of mine spends a month or two at Mar Del Sur every winter. I tried it for a week before moving to a week at Kawama 5 years ago. For the difference of the room, food and other benefits I've had as a repeater the extra value I get at Kawama is well worth the extra $160 each for two weeks I'm paying at Kawama versus Mar Del Sur. I enjoyed Mar Del Sur and find the cheaper the resort the more fun and friendly the guests. As we know as repeat Cuban tourists there are some groups of tourists who are a bit more rude than others. I've learned to ignore that, just as I've learned to ignore the hard beds, thin pillows, occasional lack of hot water and the many little things which don't really make a lot of difference in my having a good time (unless I let them). The food has continued to improve every year but again I don't go there for the food. I eat out a lot in Canada and am a bit of a gourmet cook myself but I don't need to eat every meal with expectations of that . Again, I am curious where you stay?

[@scotthull8377]

Looking forward to video of your 2018 trip.Trust the weather and everything went well

[@kevswick]

Fantastic video, Micheal! Very informative. I appreciate the effort you've put into it and your extensive knowledge of the resort. Thank you. How many times have you been there?

[@harlibroad]

Langtry613: glad we won't be having you back. Carry on your travels elsewhere. Don't need your negativity bringing down those of us that find the history & people DELIGHTFUL! As the Kawama anthem states "we don't need your drama at Kawama!" CHEERS Club Kawama friends!!!

[@DownMichael]

Langtry613 is reposting his negative comments. What a wingnut!

[@DownMichael]

The east end of the resort where I have spent my vacations is under repairs until early winter.

[@DownMichael]

This is still probably the number 1 video you should watch before going to Hotel Club Kawama, Varadero, Cuba. It should give you a feeling of what to expect and where you are, what it looks like, before you get there See you there.

[@DownMichael]

This 2012 Video is still current in most respects. There have been many little improvements and the food has improved each of the 12 years since we started going there.

[@bernadettehildebrand3703]

michael love your videos, hubby and I are returning to Kawama for 2nd time, in March, will you be there March 21 ?

[@DownMichael]

Thank you Bernadette. Wife and I just got home from two weeks there of perfect weather and will be going home from two more the day of your arrival. Enjoy!

[@DownMichael]

For people wondering about watching a 2012 video. Nothing has changed except the food has improved. And the staff are a little older.

[@ill-fatedgamer]

bring a nice scented candle for the room? what room number and building is that ? seemed like it was just a few feet to the beach.

[@DownMichael]

The room is 702 which is our favourite even though the roof drips a bit when it rains. It hardly ever rains.

[@ill-fatedgamer]

@@DownMichael I was in the Infantry for 10 years so a little drip is no bother to me LOL rocks for pillows and stars for blankets have made me appreciate everything haha thanks for the info. booking soon

[@DownMichael]

I meant that the east end is still closed, perhaps till January 1, 2016 but I'll update this info if I hear anything sooner.

[@DownMichael]

In this movie I recommend the bank on the south edge of Kawama. It now is a money exchange and you should go to the banks downtown at 32 and 36th streets to save on changing large amounts.

[@DownMichael]

I got a pretty good exchange rate at the bank by Kawama this trip. I'd recommend the airport bank outside of arrivals though as they're fastest. Take your passport.

[@DownMichael]

My new advice is don't change your money except with locals on the black market. Just about anybody on the resort of street will give you 3 times more than the banks.

[@DownMichael]

Main lobby at east end opening today I hear. Main buffet still at west end El Brocal for a while longer. Whew Huu

[@DownMichael]

I see a couple of dislikes. I would appreciate feedback on how to make a better video if you would. I can take criticism. I'm sure I need it. Thanks in advance.

[@MrRon1507]

I'm going there in 2 weeks . Does anyone know if the voltage is 110 v or 220 v ?

[@DownMichael]

I've never had a problem with my phone charger in their plugs. They're 110. The resort has some changes since this video but it is still mostly accurate. Love Cuba and it will love you back.

[@DownMichael]

Last update from another repeater is that the west end will be closed until January 1 2016.

[@DownMichael]

That's a little younger Gustavo at 15:10

[@DownMichael]

Don't change your money at the airport or on the bus or at the hotel front desk. Change it with staff or on the street. It's 18 Cuban pesos to $1 Canadian from officials and 60 to 1 from everyday Cubans you meet.

[@DownMichael]

My neighbour just got back from staying in the same room and he says the roof still leaks in the rain but he didn't let it bother him.

[@DownMichael]

In answer to kevswick, I've been to Kawama 7 or 8 times. I'm losing track.

[@sharonmay8914]

what room is this would love it

[@DownMichael]

702 but it was closed this past winter for roof leak repairs. They move slowly in the tropics and Cuba is having finance problems because of Trump's additional sanctions Biden hasn't removed and loss of tourism due to Covid.

[@sharonmay8914]

@@DownMichael thank you for this info you showed a room on oceanside with also a beautiful covered balcony looked like it was above dining room or something

[@DownMichael]

@@sharonmay8914 In this video of another?

[@sharonmay8914]

@@DownMichael we go to cuba every year for 14 days but 1st time to kawama watched all your videos and learned alot about bringing things is there hair dryers in the room

[@sharonmay8914]

@@DownMichael another with your wife

[@LaHabana41]

Building 45 is the home of the Montoro family,stolen of course, only to be padlocked. It was never a "bar". RIght next to Kawama was a large home owned by my uncly, torn down like so many other homes only to see abandoned lots.

[@DownMichael]

The first time I googled Kawama a copy of a court judgement came up from an American court ruling about the government having illegally confiscating this private property. I had been told building 45 was closed because an engineer said the foundation was unsafe but then I saw it used as a staff building last February when I was there.

[@DownMichael]

Kawama is open for business again after cleaning up from Hurricane Irma

[@marioherrera8395]

Mario Herrera 1 second ago don't even try going there, this place is a nightmare, it is scheduled for demolition somewhere in 2020, I was there last week, the worse experience of my live, do not believe what this video shows is totally a difference story, some people said that they do not go there when Cubans goes (which is stupid to say), but doesn't matter who goes the please is a waste of your money and time, smell, no hot water, bad food, flies everywhere, door locks do not work , most of the door have cracks and hard to close, too many things to put here. BE CAREFUL

[@mauriciovaldiviegil1866]

hey guys dont get me wrong i know that is not the best but again you get what you pay for , pretty sure if you go to Melia America or Melia Marina things gonna b way different so yeah if you want be picky go to good resort and live yor comet as well . FUCKING TIRED OF PEOPLE THAT WANTS TO STAY IN A CASTLE 2 WEEKS FOR 200$

[@petrkvyatkovskiy502]

It is true HORROR

[@DownMichael]

+Petr Kvyatkovskiy ?

[@DownMichael]

Do not change your money at a place taking a big cut. Walk away.