We stayed in the same resort as you. As far as I remember your hotel looked fantastic (I've always wanted to go to a sandals resort!).
We enjoyed ourselves but you need to make sure you go expecting to see poverty. Our hotel was in the centre of Varadero - all inclusive, beautiful pool, as much of everything as you could possibly want. Not far away were tiny flats where whole families lived. And the shops seem really strange as everything is rationed for the locals. They queue up to get what they need. Some clothes shops have everything that they sell locked away in glass cabinets. People were begging for the clothes we were wearing. It made me realise just how much we take things for granted over here.
Havana is lovely, a gorgeous city which is being renovated. I'd definitely recommend going there, you can do 2-day trips which looked good. I remember it being a long journey for jsut one day (though going back to your hotel would be a good incentive!).
The locals were lovely, very very friendly. Some of them sing a song that will become very familiar to you by the end of your trip. It's great. Be wary of women dressed in 'traditional' clothes who try to get you to pay them to be photographed with you.
You can get transported around by horse and cart (negotiate your rate!) and by these yellow things, I can't remember the names of them. We loved the yellow things - though they were scary too... They're like little bugs - a driver's at the front and there's room for two in the back. My description is terrible. But I've also since seen holiday programmes where they've recommended you don't use them because loads of tourists are hurt in them. They are good fun though!
You can also get a tourist bus which would be useful from where you're staying to get into the main town. It does a circular route.
If I was to go back, I'd take some clothes - either old ones or some from a supermarket - to give to the locals if they wanted them. Something that would cost £5 here would be £20 or more there - and it's rationed.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. I think I'd better stop waffling now!
Have a lovely time!
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