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Casa Particulares: The Most Authentic Lodging in Cuba
ViaHero
Updated December 18, 2022
Planning your dream trip to Cuba but not sure where to stay? Read on to learn about the best lodging options in Cuba; once you do, feel free to message us any questions directly.
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There are three main options for lodging in Cuba: casa particulares, resorts, and hotels. Most travelers can choose any option, but Americans may only stay in casa particulares and select hotels as of Fall 2017. For a complete list of hotels Americans are not allowed to stay at, visit the US State Department website.
Casa Particulares
Casa particulares are private homestays in Cuba. They provide an experience similar to staying in an Airbnb or at a bed and breakfast. Most travelers to Cuba stay in casa particulares for a local experience and love it. Hotels and resorts in Cuba are very expensive because there aren't enough hotel rooms to fulfill demand and Americans won't be able to spend money at many hotels as of Fall 2017, so casa particulares are your main option.
Pros
You get a real sense of Cuban neighborhoods, everyday local life, and culture.
You are supporting the Cuban people directly.
The food at casaparticulares is often cheaper and tastier than the food at restaurants.
The average casa in Havana is $45/night and $25/night is the average elsewhere in Cuba.
You are allowed kitchen access for cooking your own meals in most casa particulares.
Your hosts will give you local, insider recommendations for things to do.
You'll have local support making reservations for dinner, taxi rides, or other excursions.
Cons
It's best to confirm a casa around 48 hours in advance because sometimes hosts will give your reservation to the first person physically in the door on the day you reserved. Confirming 24-48 hours in advance helps prevent this. Don't worry, though, you'll always have a bed to sleep in because the casa community is tight-knit and if they give away your reservation locals will always find you a place to stay that's equivalent.
Not all casas have air conditioning, but most do have bedroom wall or window units.
Beds in casas often have thin or too-soft mattresses that are less comfortable than hotel beds.
How to Book
To book a casa directly, including on the go, download the Cuba Junky app. From here, you can easily search their directory and contact casas via email or phone, usually getting a cheaper price than you'd find elsewhere.
About 60% of casas are listed on Airbnb and this is a great way to pay for your casa ahead of time. Plus, the Airbnb site is very user friendly.
Other Details
All legal casas have a little blue sign posted outside with the words Arrendador Divisa, which helps you find them.
All casa owners are going to need your passport number for the first night, which they take to the Tourism Ministry. Generally, a copy of your passport is sufficient to give them, this way you can hold on to your actual passport.
Most of the beach destinations in Cuba have nice resorts and this is where you'll find the luxury accommodations in Cuba. The most popular resort spots are Holguin, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, and Cayo Santa Maria.
Pros
Most resorts are all-inclusive so your meals are included.
Resorts offer direct beach access on some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.
Most resorts have staff that speak excellent English.
Most have air conditioning and a lockbox for valuables.
Trivago seems to have the best inventory of resorts in Cuba.
Hotels
Hotels in Cuba are a bit different than hotels in other parts of the world, but they can be a good option for travelers from many countries. However, Americans will not be allowed to spend money at many hotels starting in Fall 2017; if you're American, book casa particulares (see above) or double check this State Department list before choosing a hotel.
Our Cuban Hero Lisa can give you some great insight on which hotel best fits your trip.
Pros
Most hotels have a front desk clerk that speaks English and who can answer practical questions and help arrange taxis.
Most have air conditioning and a lockbox for valuables.
With many hotels you can book direct on their website or via email.
Cuba Travel Network and Trivago have the best inventory of hotels in Cuba.
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Have more questions about lodging in Cuba? Here is a list of our Cuban Heroes who can help you or you can message us any questions you have. And before your trip, make sure to check out:
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