Cuba is a bit of a trip. Literally. If you’re planning a visit, you've probably realized by now that booking a room isn't as simple as hopping on Expedia and clicking "reserve." It’s a patchwork of government-run grand dames, crumbling colonial mansions, and tiny spare bedrooms in family homes. Figuring out where to stay in cuba basically determines what kind of relationship you're going to have with the island. Do you want the curated, slightly sterile version of the Caribbean? Or do you want to wake up to the sound of a neighbor shouting "¡Pan!" while selling bread from a bicycle?
Honestly, the "best" place doesn't exist. It's all about trade-offs.
I’ve spent weeks wandering through Havana’s Centro district and the limestone mogotes of Viñales. What I learned is that the internet in Cuba is still a fickle beast, and "luxury" is a relative term. You might pay $400 a night for a five-star hotel in Old Havana only to find the water pressure is a suggestion rather than a rule. Meanwhile, a $30 casa particular might give you the best cup of coffee you’ve had in a decade and a host who knows exactly which paladar is actually serving fresh lobster tonight.
The Casa Particular: Staying with Locals
Let’s get into the casas particulares. This is the backbone of Cuban tourism. Back in the 90s, the government started letting families rent out rooms to foreigners. It changed everything. Today, you’ll recognize them by the little blue "Arrendador Divisa" sign—it looks like an upside-down anchor—bolted next to the front door.
Staying in a casa isn't just about saving money, though it definitely does that. It’s about the rocking chairs. Almost every porch in places like Trinidad or Viñales has them. You sit there, you drink a Cristal beer, and you watch the world go by. It’s intimate. You’re staying in someone’s actual life.
You’ll find different tiers of casas now. There are the "hostal" style ones that feel like boutique bed and breakfasts. Take Hostal El Jibaro in Trinidad, for instance. It’s got that gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture, high ceilings, and heavy wooden doors. Then there are the basic rooms where you’re basically part of the family dinner.
What you need to know about casas:
💡 You might also like: Tiempo en East Hampton NY: What the Forecast Won't Tell You About Your Trip
- Breakfast is usually extra. It’s typically about $5 to $10. Pay it. You’ll get a spread of tropical fruit (guava, papaya, pineapple), eggs, bread, and that dark, viscous Cuban coffee that could power a small jet.
- Privacy varies. Some rooms have private entrances; others require you to walk through the family’s living room while they’re watching a soap opera.
- Booking is easier now. You can find them on Airbnb or platforms like https://www.google.com/search?q=CasasParticular.com.
If you want the real Cuba, stay in a casa. Especially in Havana. Staying in a hotel in Miramar is fine, but staying in a casa in Habana Vieja or Centro Habana puts you right in the thick of the humidity, the music, and the grit. It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s perfect.
The State-Run Hotels: Grandeur and Its Discontents
Then you have the hotels. Most of these are owned by the government (often under the Gaviota or Habaguanex brands) and managed by international chains like Iberostar, Meliá, or Kempinski.
If you’re looking for where to stay in cuba and want consistent A/C and a pool, this is your lane. But be warned: the "star" system in Cuba is inflated. A five-star hotel in Havana might feel like a four-star in Madrid or a three-star in Miami. Maintenance is a massive challenge on the island due to the embargo and supply chain issues. Sometimes the elevator works; sometimes it doesn't.
The Icons
You can’t talk about Cuban hotels without mentioning the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. It’s the legend. Built in 1930, it’s perched on a cliff overlooking the Malecón. The hallways are lined with photos of celebrities who stayed there—Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, various mob bosses from the 1940s. Even if you don't stay there, go for a mojito in the garden at sunset. The peacocks will try to steal your snacks. It’s an experience.
For modern luxury, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski changed the game. It was the first "true" five-star luxury hotel in Havana. It’s got a rooftop infinity pool that looks right over the Capitolio. It’s stunning. It’s also wildly expensive and feels like a different planet compared to the crumbling buildings two blocks away.
Breakdown by Region: Where to Plant Your Bags
Cuba is a huge island. Most people make the mistake of trying to see it all in a week. Don't do that. Pick two or three spots and actually sink in.
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: What the Lake Placid Town Map Doesn’t Tell You
Havana (The Essential Stop)
In Havana, location is everything.
- Habana Vieja (Old Havana): This is where the history is. It’s walkable, touristy, and beautiful. Look for the boutique hotels like Palacio Cueto or Hotel Saratoga (if it’s fully operational following its restoration efforts).
- Vedado: This is the 1950s heart of the city. Wider streets, more trees, and a more "residential" feel. It’s where the nightlife is. The Hotel Capri is a solid choice here—it has that mid-century modern vibe.
- Miramar: This is where the embassies and big business hotels are. It’s far from the action. Unless you’re there for a conference, don't stay here. You’ll spend half your budget on taxis.
Varadero (The Beach Bubble)
Varadero is a 20-kilometer peninsula of white sand and turquoise water. It’s almost entirely all-inclusive resorts. If you want to shut your brain off and drink daiquiris by the pool, this is it.
The Royalton Hicacos is often cited as one of the better adults-only options. Just keep in mind that the food at all-inclusives in Cuba is notoriously hit-or-miss. Because of food shortages, menus are limited. Expect a lot of rice, beans, pork, and cabbage.
Viñales (The Rural Escape)
This is tobacco country. You stay here in casas. Period. There are a couple of state hotels like Hotel Los Jazmines, which has an incredible view of the valley, but the real magic is in the town.
Look for a casa with a roof terrace. Watching the mist roll over the mogotes (limestone hills) at 6:00 AM while the roosters start their morning drama is something you won't forget.
Trinidad (The Time Capsule)
Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it looks like it. Cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and horse-drawn carriages. It’s very hot here. If you stay in a casa, make sure the A/C is modern.
The Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad is the fancy option, but the boutique casas here are world-class. Many have been restored with incredible courtyards and antique furniture from the sugar boom era.
The "Support for the Cuban People" Nuance
For American travelers, the rules are specific. You generally can't stay at hotels owned by the Cuban military (which is most of the big ones). This is why casas particulares are the go-to for U.S. citizens. They fall under the "Support for the Cuban People" travel category. By staying in a private home and eating at private restaurants (paladares), you are directly putting money into the hands of Cuban families rather than the state.
It’s not just a legal loophole; it’s a better way to travel. You get to hear the stories. You find out that your host is actually a trained surgeon who makes more money renting a room than working in a hospital. You learn about the libreta (ration book) and the daily struggle for eggs or milk. It adds a layer of reality that a resort bar just can't provide.
👉 See also: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
Common Misconceptions About Cuban Lodging
People often think they’ll be totally off the grid. While the internet is slower and requires "NAUTA" cards or ETECSA accounts to log into hotspots, most hotels and many high-end casas now have Wi-Fi. It’s not fiber-optic fast, but you can send a WhatsApp message.
Another big one: "The food is bad."
If you stay at a government buffet, yeah, it might be bland. But if you stay in a casa and ask your host to cook dinner, you’ll likely have one of the best meals of your life. Fresh lobster, ropa vieja (shredded beef), and tostones (fried plantains) made with love.
Logistics and Practicalities
Cash is king. This cannot be overstated. Because of the currency situation (the CUP), you should bring plenty of Euros or USD. Do not rely on ATMs. Most lodging, especially casas, will want payment in hard currency (cash).
Also, pack a gift. It’s a common practice to leave behind things that are hard to get in Cuba—toiletries, over-the-counter meds, or even quality pens. Your hosts will appreciate it more than a tip in many cases.
Things to check before you book:
- Water pressure: Ask specifically if there is a "presurizador" (pressure pump).
- A/C: Window units are loud. Split units are quiet. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a "Split."
- Map it: Google Maps doesn't always work perfectly offline in Cuba. Use Maps.me and download the Cuba map before you land.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
Stop looking for a "resort" if you actually want to see Cuba. If you're ready to book, here is how you should handle the process to ensure you're getting a good spot:
- Download an offline map app like Maps.me immediately. You’ll need it to find your casa since many don’t have clear signage.
- Search Airbnb first to browse photos and reviews, but if you find a casa you like, see if they have a direct website or WhatsApp number. Communicating directly can sometimes save you the service fees and allow you to ask about the current food/water situation.
- Book your first two nights in Havana at a reputable casa like Vandama or La Reserva Vedado. Having a soft landing spot with a host who speaks your language and can arrange a "taxi particular" (private car) from the airport is worth every penny.
- Pack a small portable fan and a power bank. Power outages (alumbrones) happen. Having your own breeze and a way to charge your phone is a lifesaver.
- Check the US State Department's "Cuba Restricted List" if you are an American traveler to ensure your chosen hotel isn't on the "no-go" list. Stick to casas to be safe and to have a more authentic experience anyway.
Cuba isn't a destination where you just show up and expect everything to work like clockwork. It requires patience and a bit of a sense of humor. But when you're sitting on a colonial terrace in the middle of a warm Havana night, hearing the music drift from a nearby window, you'll realize that where you stay is less about the thread count and more about the soul of the place.