hi, I am too going in August to the palma real, can you tell me anything about the room? is it air conditioned? big room? big balcony? what type of electricity plugs do they have in cuba? just unsure if i will need extentions or not. what do you get in the room and is there alot to do around the area of the hotel? thanks and sorry about all the questions. laura
— laura england, July 24, 2005

Plama Real
Thanks for your very beautiful photos of the Cuban hotel Palma Real. We have booked a holiday in the month august. We are looking forward to it! Do you have furhter suggestions?
— Evelyn, June 17, 2005

Important Information, Part 3
If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

The airport tax that travellers are required to pay before boarding their flights will be paid in Cuban convertible pesos beginning on November 8, 2004.
— Rafal K Komierowski, November 2, 2004

Import Information, Part 2
Keep receipts for the traveller's cheques separately. Credit cards will continue to be accepted in major establishments provided they are not issued by an American bank. American Express cards are difficult to use, regardless of country of issuance. Debit cards are not accepted. Visa or MasterCard holders may obtain cash advances (in Cuban convertible pesos or in US dollars) at banks, hotels, or Cadeca exchange houses. If you choose to cash US dollars, you should take into account that they will not be accepted in the country to pay for goods or services. In Havana, ATM machines allowing cash advances of Cuban convertible pesos from Visa cards are located at Hotel Parque Central, Hotel Cohiba, Hotel Nacional, and Miramar Trade Centre. In Varadero, Visa's ATMs are located at Plaza America and at banks. Canadian money transfers are not accepted by Western Union in Cuba.
— Rafal K Komierowski, November 2, 2004

Important Information, Part 1
An entry concerning Cuba (general) was amended. http://www.listserv.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/t/229126/185972/2395/0/

Beginning November 8, 2004, the US dollar will no longer be accepted to purchase goods or services in Cuba. All purchases will have to be made in the Cuban convertible peso (which will still be on a par with the US dollar). It will be possible to exchange US currency, but a 10% fee will be charged to exchange US dollars in cash. It will also be possible to exchange Canadian currency and traveller's cheques at major hotels and banks and at international airports for Cuban convertible pesos without the 10% commission fee.

It will be possible to exchange Cuban convertible pesos back to US dollars at the international airports before leaving the country or to Canadian dollars if available.

We recommend that you change your currency while in Cuba since it is not possible to exchange Cuban convertible pesos outside of Cuba.
— Rafal K Komierowski, November 2, 2004

Hello British Chick :)))
The weather in Varadero in November/December is AWESOME! Beautiful sun, warm (not hot) every day plus 29C [ please -read comments under this picture:http://www.worldisround.com/articles/15846/photo27.html ] and excellent conditions to walk along great beaches. Definitely you going to have a great vacation time plus... demand room 1515-(or 1415, 1315) away from the late evening noise. Try to go to visit Havana! Thank you for your generous and wonderful comments Wish you great vacation time, Rafal

btw..recently I noticed that many people gave me a positive reply to my comments on visited hotels. At the same time also I noticed that these hotels keep their reputation at par!
— Rafal K Komierowski, October 20, 2004

Hi - WONDERFUL page that you've set up!!! I'm booked to stay in the Palma Real (thrilled with your pic's as they make it look GREAT, hope it lives up to it!!) in 3 weeks - I noticed you went in Nov too - what was the weather like? Does it turn cool at night?? Look forward to your reply! (PS - love your stuff on Calgary too, I've been a couple of times now!)
— British chick, October 10, 2004

hi, i've been to palma real last week and had a great time. the photos you took helped me in my decision to go to this hotel. varadero is great!
— virgil spruit, September 12, 2004

searched high and low for pics of this hotel on the web. Thank you so much for posting them, they have been a great help as we are travelling there soon.
— steve mckenny, August 26, 2004

Thank you Micheal for updating information on Palma Real. For Canadians information, if you are planing to go for any All Inclusive vacation , before you go anywhere from Canada, you should always check this site: www.selloffvacations.com. Really great and impressive bargains that nobody can beat their prices, unless you like to pay :))) Good luck in hunting for a good vacation trip!
— Rafal K Komierowski, October 30, 2003

Just came a from a trip at Palma Real hotel. I had a nice time there. The 3rd building is now in use and we had one of the rooms there (No nice view, just the backyard).Judging from the pics I would guess they stocked up the entertainment team, wich has several professional shows now.

@Gina: There are quite some umbrellas, but these are the most popular places.It was no problem to find lot of free ones at the other hotels nextby though.
— Michael, October 24, 2003

Are there palm trees or enough umbrellas on the beach???
— Gina, July 9, 2003

thankyou for taking these wonderfull pictures of Cuba they are beautiful i have been there an stayed at hotel palma real and it was amazing. its a holiday suitable for anyone. Visit the beach and go on exucursions.The local people are wonderfull and very layed back. Visit Cuba Its a lvely place to be!
— sher, June 27, 2003

Thanks for your very beautiful photos of the Cuban hotel scene! They are just terrific!!!!
— ellie robb, June 1, 2003

love the beach
i love the pictures of the beach of the hotel. looks like painting
— Agustinus Wibowo, March 27, 2003