Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort Map (Most Up-To-Date)
Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort is a compact, vertical 11+ property with a central main building enclosing courtyard pools behind a protected dune and boardwalked beach. Key decisions revolve around Club top floor versus standard rooms, quieter garden facing east wing versus livelier ocean side, and how close you prefer to be to the central lobby, pools, and rocky entry shoreline.
| Area / Zone | Best For | Key Tip | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Building and Lobby Axis | Quick access to buffet, lobby bar, and central elevators | Pick mid level floors to balance views with easy elevator access | Lobby and arrival noise can carry to lower rooms at busy times |
| West Wing Ocean Side | Panoramic sea views and fast access to infinity and activity pools | Higher floors clear vegetation, maximizing horizon views and reducing pool noise | Closer to lively pool animation and daytime music around Profundo bar |
| East Wing Garden Side | Quieter stays with morning sun and softer evening noise levels | Request upper floors facing inward for pool glimpses without highway exposure | South facing lower floors can pick up highway and service traffic |
| Central Pool Courtyard | Social days around both pools with very close bar and grill access | Use shaded loungers near Maple grill for quick snacks and mid day breaks | Loudest zone during animation blocks, challenging for napping or quiet reading |
| Beach and Dune Boardwalk Zone | Direct beach time with easy drink refills from Saoco bar nearby | Follow wooden boardwalks to protect dunes and reduce slogging through deep sand | Soft upper beach sand and rocky water entry challenge wheelchairs and tender feet |
| Unique Club Top Floors and Lounge | Premium views, quieter hallways, and lounge access with upgraded drinks and snacks | Book Club Ocean View to secure top floor rooms over central coastline | Upgrade price adds cost, and Club floors still share spaces with teens |
| Oasis Sector Entrance and Motor Lobby | Fast taxi, tour bus, and hop on hop off bus access | Use entrance zone as meeting point for excursions and airport transfers | Area lacks walkable nightlife or shops, most outings need paid transport |
2025 Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort Map + Printable PDF (Official 2024 Edition)
Grand Aston Varadero currently operates as a compact, vertical resort, with almost everything stacked around the lobby to pools to beach axis. Guests move along paved, lit paths from the central building down to the courtyard pools, then over boardwalks across the dune to the palapa lined beach. The same layout underpins Club floors on the upper levels and the split between ocean and garden facing wings.
2025 Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort Map Guide
Using the map starts with three axes, floor height, wing orientation, and proximity to the pools and beach. Higher Club floors and north facing rooms prioritize views, while garden side east wing rooms trade panorama for calmer nights. The main lobby to pool to beach spine structures most movement, so decide whether you want to be closest to elevators, daytime activity at Profundo, or quieter corners near the garden restaurants.
How is Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort laid out, including its main building zones and beach-facing areas?
Grand Aston is a vertical U shaped complex, with a central lobby hub, wings around courtyard pools, and boardwalks crossing dunes to the beach.
The resort layout centers on a tall main building that acts as the hub, with the grand lobby, reception, Fonseca lobby bar, and Marea buffet on the lower level. From this core, residential wings extend east and west, creating a U shaped or H shaped perimeter. North facing rooms look toward the pools and ocean, while south facing rooms look toward gardens and the Vía Blanca highway.
Inside the U shape, the central leisure courtyard holds the two main pools, terrace seating, and Maple grill and bar areas. Paved walkways run in a straight axis from Lobby to Pools to Beach Bar to Beach. Beyond the pool deck, a protected dune buffer sits between the resort and sea, and wooden boardwalks cross this vegetation to reach the palapa lined upper beach and rocky shoreline.
Which room locations at Grand Aston Varadero are most desirable, and does the Unique Club upgrade improve location?
Best locations are high floor ocean views or quiet east wing rooms, and Unique Club guarantees top floors with the strongest views.
Most guests who care about views target north facing Ocean View rooms on higher floors, especially near the central block that looks straight out over the pools and sea. For lighter sleepers, east wing garden view rooms on mid floors balance quieter nights with some internal resort views while staying away from highway exposure on the south side. Mobility focused guests do best on ground floor rooms near the central hub.
Unique Club rooms sit almost exclusively on the top floors, so the upgrade effectively buys height, reduced noise from the pools and road, and the best sightlines. Booking Club Ocean View combines that top floor guarantee with a preferred view corridor.
How far is Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort from Varadero Airport (VRA), and what is the typical transfer time?
Grand Aston Varadero is about 22-25 km from Varadero Airport, with taxis taking around 20-25 minutes and shared buses 35-45 minutes.
The resort sits near the entrance of the Hicacos Peninsula, about 22-25 km by road from Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport along the main Autopista Sur. A private taxi or prebooked car typically covers this distance in roughly 20-25 minutes, thanks to light highway traffic and the hotel’s gateway location. Shared tour buses usually run 35-45 minutes, but Grand Aston is often the first or second drop, so you avoid the long end-of-peninsula loop.
Where are the restaurants, bars, and U-Spa located within Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort?
Most dining, bars and the U Spa cluster around the main building and central pools, with a few themed venues in the garden zone.
Most food and drink spots sit along the lobby to pools to beach axis, with a few pushed into quieter garden pockets.
- Marea buffet – On the lower level of the main building, just below the lobby and close to central elevators.
- 1887 (gourmet) – Inside the main building, near the lobby core, handy for pre or post drink stops at Fonseca bar.
- Nakamura (Asian fusion) – Also in the main building zone, reached from interior corridors off the lobby level.
- Azzurro (Italian) – In the garden area, a short walk off the central paths, slightly removed from pool noise.
- Portales (Cuban) – Another garden area venue, signed from the main paths, good for an evening stroll to dinner.
- Maple grill – On or beside the pool deck, linking outdoor lunches with the daytime activity pool scene.
- Profundo pool bar – Right at the pool complex, serving both deck loungers and swim up guests.
- Saoco beach bar – Near the dune line at the end of the main path, convenient for beach loungers and palapas.
- Fonseca lobby bar – In the lobby, functioning as the arrival hub and main evening indoor bar.
- U Spa and gym – In a quieter area set back from the busiest pools, reached via signed internal corridors or paths.
How do the layout and amenities of Grand Aston Varadero compare with Melia Internacional Varadero?
Grand Aston is compact, vertical, 11 plus and modern, while Melia Internacional is larger, busier and built around a superior classic Varadero beach.
Grand Aston and Melia Internacional differ mainly in size, feel, and beach quality, which changes how you move and spend time on each map.
| Feature | Grand Aston Varadero | Melia Internacional Varadero | Map / layout takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale & layout | 531 rooms in a vertical U shape around central pools | 900+ rooms spread over a mega resort footprint | Grand Aston is quicker to cross, Melia involves longer walks between hubs |
| Beach interface | Narrower beach with rocky water entry needing water shoes | Wide, powder soft classic Varadero beach with smooth entry | Beach purists and long beach walkers map better to Melia’s shoreline |
| Guest mix & policy | 11+ policy, teen friendly, quieter, modern minimalist vibe | Full family spectrum, from infants to seniors, higher energy | Grand Aston corridors and pools feel calmer, Melia’s map stays busy everywhere |
| Movement on property | Compact, no internal shuttles, simple lobby to pool to beach axis | Multiple wings and zones, more dispersed restaurants and pools | At Grand Aston you orient once along one spine, Melia requires more wayfinding |
| Tech and rooms | Newer build, strong room hardware, integrated outlets and Wi Fi | Also modern, but some stock is slightly older by comparison | Both map to modern rooms, Grand Aston leans a bit more “brand new” overall |
| Best fit | Guests wanting manageable scale and a chill environment | Guests prioritizing top tier beach and big resort energy | Choose Grand Aston for ease and calm, Melia for standout sand and variety |
Which areas of Grand Aston Varadero are best for families, including kids’ club, playgrounds, and family-friendly pools?
Families with teens gravitate to the activity pool, infinity pool, and Teen Club, since the 11 plus policy means no classic kids club or playground.
Grand Aston is tuned to adults and teens, so family friendly zones center on pools and shared social spaces rather than little kids’ areas.
- Activity pool courtyard is best for social teens, with games, music, and quick access to Profundo bar and Maple grill lunches.
- Infinity pool zone suits mixed age families with older kids who want a calmer swim but still stay close to the main action.
- Teen Club area gives 11 to 17 year olds a dedicated hangout with games and social space away from the bars.
- Lobby and Fonseca bar seating work for card games or Wi Fi time together, especially in the early evening before nightlife ramps up.
- Garden restaurant cluster is practical for family dinners, with short walks from most wings and quieter paths than the pool deck.
How do guests get around Grand Aston Varadero, including main walking routes, safe night paths, and any internal shuttles?
Guests walk everywhere on flat, paved paths along the lobby pools beach spine, with good lighting at night and no need for internal shuttles.
Movement inside the resort is almost entirely on foot because the site is compact and flat. The main route runs in a straight line from the motor lobby and reception, through the central pool courtyard, to the beach bar and boardwalks. From this spine, short side paths branch to garden restaurants, the spa, and the room wings. Even the furthest rooms are usually only a 5 to 7 minute walk from the lobby, so golf cart style shuttles are not provided.
At night, low level LED lighting and the enclosed U shaped building create a secure, easy to navigate environment. Key intersections, stairs, and ramps are lit, and 24 hour security controls the vehicle entrance near the motor lobby. Elevators and ramps connect public levels, so most guests can use the same main paths day and night without detours.
What are the wheelchair-accessible routes, ramps, and elevators at Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort?
Most common areas link by flat ramps and elevators, with accessible rooms near central lifts, though beach sand remains the main barrier.
The resort is largely step free in its main circulation, with a few key routes and facilities to know.
- Main entrance and lobby sit on a flat, curb free forecourt, with automatic doors into reception and the Fonseca lobby bar.
- Ramps connect the lobby level down to the Marea buffet and onward to the central pool deck, avoiding stairs on the main guest spine.
- Multiple elevator banks in the main building serve all upper floors, with wide doors, tactile buttons and audible floor indicators.
- Eight dedicated accessible rooms have wider doorways, roll in showers and grab bars, and must be specifically requested at booking.
- U Spa, gym and most specialty restaurants are reachable via the same ramp and elevator network from the lobby and central corridors.
- Wooden boardwalks reach from pool terraces to the dune line, but the final stretch to the water is soft sand, difficult for independent wheelchairs.
Which tourist attractions are near Grand Aston Varadero, and how far are they from the resort?
Key nearby spots include downtown Varadero, Varadero Golf Club and Ambrosio Cave within a short peninsula ride, plus Matanzas city farther west.
Several well known attractions sit within easy reach of the resort along the peninsula and on the mainland.
- Downtown Varadero – About 6 km east, with markets, bars like Beatles Bar and Josone Park, reached by taxi or the Varadero Beach Tour bus.
- Varadero Golf Club – Around 8 km east along the strip, an 18 hole par 72 course accessible by taxi or hop on hop off bus.
- Ambrosio Cave – In the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve near Km 13, a short taxi or bus ride away for cave art and bat viewing.
- Matanzas City – Roughly 25 km west on the mainland, a larger cultural and historical city best visited by taxi or organized excursion.
Where are the beach access points and sunbed or palapa areas at Grand Aston Varadero?
Beach access follows boardwalks from the central pools to a palapa lined strand, with a quieter Club area and standard loungers along the dune.
Beach use is organized along the main lobby to pools to beach spine, then spread left and right along the dune.
- Primary access follows the central paved path past the pools to Saoco beach bar, then down a wooden boardwalk over the dune to the sand.
- Secondary boardwalks branch off the main axis, giving a few alternate entry points so guests can spread out along the shoreline.
- Standard loungers and palapas line the upper beach behind the dune, closest to Saoco for short drink walks.
- A designated Club section usually sits to one side, marked by upgraded loungers, more spacing between rows and closer waiter service.
- Soft upper sand and a rocky seabed mean the last stretch and water entry suit confident walkers best, ideally with water shoes.
How does Grand Aston Varadero compare with Iberostar Selection Varadero for couples seeking a romantic stay?
Grand Aston suits couples who like sleek modern spaces and calm pools, while Iberostar Selection fits those wanting lush gardens and classic charm.
| Aspect | Grand Aston Varadero | Iberostar Selection Varadero | Romantic map takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Miami modern, glass and white tones around vertical pools and decks | Colonial Caribbean, low rise blocks in mature tropical gardens | Choose Grand Aston for a polished, contemporary hotel vibe, Iberostar for postcard style greenery |
| Romantic setting | Modern romance, infinity pools, sunset cocktails and teen free style dining zones | Traditional romance, garden paths, shaded corners and classic resort rituals | Grand Aston frames photos around water and skyline, Iberostar around trees and quiet walks |
| Atmosphere | Chill, structured around an 11 plus policy and calm central courtyard pools | Warm, classic Caribbean feel with long established service patterns | Grand Aston suits couples wanting order and calm, Iberostar those wanting softer, nostalgic energy |
| Service style | Efficient and hardware focused, newer build with modern systems | High touch “Iberostar standard” with more traditional personal touches | Pick Grand Aston if room product matters most, Iberostar if service rituals matter more |
Couples prioritizing sleek rooms, a compact layout, and modern photo backdrops tend to align with Grand Aston’s map. Those who imagine evening strolls through lush gardens and a more traditional resort atmosphere lean toward Iberostar Selection Varadero.
How do the all-inclusive packages at Grand Aston Varadero compare with those at Royalton Hicacos?
Grand Aston uses a tiered all inclusive with Club for top perks, while Royalton Hicacos wraps more premium items into its base plan.
Grand Aston and Royalton differ mainly in how inclusive the “all inclusive” really is and who each plan targets.
| Feature | Grand Aston Varadero AI | Royalton Hicacos AI | Map / decision note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age policy | 11+ guests, teens allowed | 18+ only, fully adults focused | Royalton suits couples who want zero children anywhere on the map |
| Liquor tiering | Standard bars island wide, premium brands concentrated in Unique Club lounge | Premium international brands more widely standard | At Grand Aston you upgrade location and liquor via Club, at Royalton it is built in |
| Service level | Solid four to five star feel, Club adds lounge, concierge, better buffer against shortages | Ultra luxury with butler service as a core inclusion | Royalton’s package suits guests who want butler backed, hands off logistics |
| Dining mechanics | A la cartes likely need reservations, eased by Club concierge support | A la cartes often run on more flexible, no reservation systems | Planning heavy travelers map better to Grand Aston Club, spontaneity seekers to Royalton |
In practice, Royalton’s higher price buys a more bundled, low friction adults only package, while Grand Aston trades a lower base rate for optional Club upgrades that sharpen both inclusions and room location.
Where are the most picturesque and popular photo spots at Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort?
Top photo spots cluster around the infinity pool, dramatic lobby, and dune boardwalk where paths frame the sea and modern architecture.
The most photogenic locations sit along the main lobby to pools to beach line and a few key architectural viewpoints.
- Infinity pool edge, facing north, where the pool visually merges with the turquoise ocean, especially at sunset or golden hour.
- Pool deck looking back toward the main building, capturing the tall modern facade, balconies, and reflected lights at dusk.
- High floor corridors or balconies on the ocean side, framing the courtyard pools and coastline from above.
- Lobby hall with its high ceilings, art pieces, and statement lighting, best at night when interior lights pop.
- Dune boardwalk, where the wooden path cuts through green coastal vegetation, leading the eye toward the blue horizon.
What are the room categories at Grand Aston Varadero, and where are they located, including any adults-only buildings?
Rooms range from Deluxe to suites facing garden or ocean, with Club types on top floors and no separate adults only buildings.
Standard inventory is the Deluxe Room, roughly 41 sqm, in both garden or south facing “mountain” views and north facing pool or partial ocean outlooks along the main wings. Deluxe Ocean View rooms are the same size but placed on the ocean side or higher floors to clear vegetation and maximize sea views. Larger Junior Suites and Aston Suites add living space and sit in preferred view corridors, generally in the main building and wings rather than in separate villas.
Unique Club categories, Club Deluxe and Club Deluxe Ocean View, are concentrated on the top floors, usually fifth and sixth, giving the quietest halls and strongest views. The entire resort follows an 11+ policy, so there is no distinct 18+ or adults only building or wing.
What should first-time visitors to Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort know and do, in a practical arrival checklist?
Prepare visas and forms, pack scarcity proof essentials, plan currency, and pre request room preferences to smooth a first stay at Grand Aston.
A simple stage based checklist helps avoid Cuba specific snags and map your first days efficiently.
- Complete Cuba’s digital entry form in advance and carry printed or saved confirmation with passport and proof of medical insurance.
- Install a VPN and download offline maps, translation, and airline apps before departure, since some services may be blocked locally.
- Pack all core meds, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, and period products, assuming the hotel shop will be limited or expensive.
- Bring water shoes for the rocky sea entry, plus an insulated mug to keep pool and beach drinks cold in the heat.
- Carry small USD, EUR, or CAD bills for tips and taxis, using cards only for large hotel charges where allowed.
- Before arrival, request a quiet east wing upper floor or Club high floor room if noise or views are a priority.
- At check in, confirm Wi Fi access details, a la carte reservation process, and the location of your wing relative to pools and beach.
Archive Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort Map
Below is the official map version released for Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort From 2024
2024-2025 Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort Map (Official 2024 Edition)
