Hey everyone, I just got back from Varadero, and I posted the below on another cigar forum, thought I'd share my feedback with all of you too:
Hey everyone, I just got back from Varadero and wanted to provide some observations. I stayed at Grand Memories Resort.
I just purchased a dedicated 50 count humidor just for Cubans (I have another 75 count for non-cubans). I was looking to fill that 50 count with cubans on this trip. This was my 3rd trip to cuba in the last 12 years, so I'm somewhat familiar with where to go, etc.
Couple of things: pricing as you know is definitely higher. However, I live in Toronto, Canada, so pricing is still about 30% less than what I'd find in a local shop in Toronto. I was looking for regular production cigars (Montecristo No 2, Hoyo de Monterrey, Partagas Serie D or E, etc). I went to both LCDH's (plaza des americas and calle 63).
Both LCDH's has terrible inventory, mostly Cohiba's and Trinidad's, which are way above my budget. No Montecristo No 2's anywhere. I did buy some Hoyo de monterrey rio secos at the LCDH. price was about $23USD per stick. (in toronto about $55 CAD per stick).
However, I did half of my shopping at the gift shop at the hotel. They had a dedicated walk-in humidor. I sampled their cigars throughout the week, and they were legit. Pricing was basically on par with LCDH and the gov pricelist. And, their selection was better than both LCDH's.
I bought:
12 Partagas Serie E no 2 (hotel)
12 h upmann magnum 46 (hotel)
10 hoyo de monterrey rio secos (LCDH)
9 Montecristo Edmondo's (LCDH)
3 hoyo de monterrey especial (hotel)
5 hoyo de monterrey half corona (small cigar, at LCDH)
on average, each stick was about $21-$24 USD. Still a pretty good savings vs the pricing in toronto.
Also, the selection at the airport was awful. Mostly Guantanamero's and cohibas/Trinidads. Nothing else.
I'm noticing though, that at each of the 3 hotels I've stayed at for my past 3 trips, they have a good selection, and a good walk in humidor. It's almost not worth going to the LCDH's. (Plus, I find the ladies at both locations are not very friendly or helpful)
Just wanted to share my observations. At the rate I smoke, these will last me 3-4 years (I only smoke about 1 per week during summer, and I use my cubans as a special treat, so may have 1 cuban every few weeks)
hope the above is helpful to anyone planning a trip to cuba.