Zero issues when I went in 08. The resort Bella Costa in Varadero was "out of the way" but on beach with a couple pools. Havana was approx 1 1/2-2 hours away.
There was a small market/town approx a 5-10 minute scooter ride away. I checked out also. For me I'm "nervous" any time I've been outside of Canuckistan. Mind my p's and q's.