It’s not easy to avoid the big hotels when you’re staying in the Varadero hotel zone, but the La Ocean Varadero El Patriarca is by far one of the smallest (with 420 rooms) in the whole area.
Not a high-rise like its neighbours, the resort has easy access to the white sandy beach. Named after a giant 500-year old cactus El Patriarca, which is difficult to avoid when you’re in the gardens that surround the resort, there is a selection of rooms to choose from.
The spacious pool and garden rooms either come with a balcony or terrace and can accommodate a family of four. These comfortable and elegant en-suite rooms have a double or twin bed, sofa bed, A/C, television, safe, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
Couples who prefer a bit more privacy there are the Adult rooms, which are slightly larger and come with privileged amenities like an adult-only pool and designated private areas.
The resort has five restaurants serving a variety of Caribbean, Italian and Creole cuisine, as well as a coffee shop and three bars.