This was my first trip to Cuba. I have visited both the Dominican republic and Mexico so have some experience in travel. We had heard great things on Trip Advisor about this resort and put trust in the Iberostar reputation but were quite disappointed. Many reviewers on this site repeated say, "Good for Cuba" which requires some translation to those that have not been to the island before. This four star Cuban resort would be equivalent to a Mexican two star. Maybe that's just the way it is as many indicate but full disclosure should be made.

The good:
Hands down, this was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The sand was white and fine, the water was crystal clear and beautiful. It was the highlight of our trip spending 6 hours a day relaxing and enjoying this treasure. Cuban vendors do share the space with you but they were not pushy or intrusive.
The people of Cuba are tremendous. Everyone we met seemed genuinely interested in helping you.
The evening entertainment was fun. Great music and fantastic dancing. The entertainment staff work hard to put on a great show.
The resort grounds are beautifully kept. It was a pleasure strolling the pathways and taking in the landscaping.
The bar next to the pool was this resorts best kept secret. Each evening it would be empty. Most guests favored the noisy lobby bar for some reason. It was to our gain.

The bad:
Food. This was my biggest problem with the resort. Rice and meat. Meat and beans. Dried out unripened fruit. Sadly I was left enjoying bread and butter as a large portion of each meal (when I could find butter). I am a foodie. One of my favorite parts of a vacation is setting aside healthy eating habits and going hog wild on the resort buffets. With limited and repeditive food options I unfortunately did not gain a pound on vacation (I know some would think this is a great thing but those of you that appreciate food can share my pain). Again, some on this site will argue, "that's just Cuba, deal with it." I'm saying my expectations of a four star hotel anywhere in the world is much higher than this resort delivered. The Asian restaurant was a nice break, being better than the main buffet but still far below expectation. The Cuban restaurant was a total wash, wish I would have skipped. Food at the pool side restaurant was again boring and repeditive. Some days favorites like burgers and fries were available, many days they were not. Food service after hours (after 11pm) was a burger or hotdog served with minimal condiments and dried out fruit covered with fruit flies.
Ammenities were not at a four star level. Lack of food and drink service on the beach was a pain. Making the walk the bar shack 8 to 10 times a day was not a pleasure. I would have thankfully paid 1 to 2 Cuc per drink to save those steps. The closest food from the beach was the pool side restaurant, about a 5 minute walk. Due to cleanliness issues I preferred to eat lunch at the buffet (see ugly section).
Smoking guests are everywhere. Very difficult to avoid getting a face full of smoke at every opportunity. More non-smoking areas would be appreciated.
Drinks were very "boozy". Even when asking for just a little alcohol we would get way too much. Selection of available alcohol was also disappointing.

The ugly:
We were disappointed with the condition of the guest rooms. Worn out furniture, soap scum stained shower tiles, thread barren blankets. The room had a very musty odor that was thankfully minimized by a well functioning air conditioning unit. We were going to ask for a new room but after chatting with other guests we realized all rooms were in the same condition. Minibar was only restocked once in the week and bottles of water were only provided every other day. We had to resort to raiding the maid cart when she was cleaning other rooms to get more nessesities. Electrical systems are all 220V. We had been told that 110V north American plugs were available, but that was not accurate. Flowers used for towel art were full of insects which were transplanted onto our bed and onto clean towels. Hair conditioner was not provided by the hotel. It was available for purchase at the gift shop.
Birds in the poolside restaurant are a menace and health hazard. They have made nests on the roofline of the building and no one has bothered to move them. Unacceptable public health risk.

I could go on but this review is getting lengthy. Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions. My advice to the traveller looking for a high end vacation worthy of sharing with family and friends? Skip Tainos. Try a five star or another location.

Just back from a wonderful holiday in Cuba, been twice before but not to this hotel, can't praise it enough.The general manager is a hands on guy , you see him about the hotel often, asking if everything is OK. The staff are always happy and can't do enough for you, especially SANDY in the lobby bar he's always singing, I'd also like to mention Meylang, Beatriz,Orlando,Raimo,and if you have any kind of problem look for Ernesto he's brilliant. Don't know what the negative reviews are about, the food is good lots of choice, we stayed in the main hotel overlooking the pool, the rooms are very large compared to the bungalows, sheets were changed every other day and were of a good quality cotton. Just can't wait to return.

We've just returned home from our second holiday at the Tainos . So pleased we decided to return . The weather was fantastic ! This resort has the best stretch of beach in Varadero imo . We have made so many friends amongst the staff and management . Julio , George and Arlien are great lads who have a wonderful sense of humour , they work at the pool bar and are always ready to greet everybody with a friendly smile . Although they are very busy they always take time to have a chat and a laugh with the holiday crowd . Thank you once again guys .

In fact all of the staff throughout this resort treated us with the greatest of respect , the mangers , receptionists , bar staff , restaurant girls and boys and the gardeners are lovely people who treated us like gold they also took a little time to teach us a little Spanish !

Elvis , Gino and Julio Ceasar , do a fantastic job in entertaining the guests day and night . We also enjoyed the water ballet . Wonderful performance beautiful colouful costumes . Elvis I know you don't like " Scream Peppers " Ha ha !

If you decide to stay at the Iberostar Tainos you won't be disappointed but don't expect a five star posh , snobby resort . This resort is ideal for realistic guests who like to relax and be themselves on holiday . I don't have to mention anything about how good the food and drink is it's all been said in the reviews above .

We will be returning next year that's for sure , Very good value for money , a very well managed lively resort with a friendly atmosphere with excellent maintained gardens and very comfortable beds . All of the staff help to make this resort so special . We can't wait to return ! Hasta manana Tainos . I wish !

Just returned from our second visit to Tainos. We had a great time, mostly just chilling out on the beautiful beach. If you are looking for sophistication or tranquil solitude this hotel is not for you. There are plenty of activities if that's what you want, or you can keep out of the way of the action if you prefer the quiet life.
The staff were wonderful and the evening entertainment was spectacular most nights.
Yes, it is a little bit jaded, but that is part of the charm.
Food was more than adequate, probably as good as it gets in Cuba.
The nice thing about this hotel, apart from the staff, is that it is small enough to get to know other guests, but big enough to avoid people if you want to.