Baracoa
Stylish and sturdy, this hotel withstood Hurricane Matthew with honors. It's on the Malecón where it faces some of the most inclement weather in Cuba. Run…
Must-see hotels in Cuba
Bayamo
With a ring of the Soviet '70s about it, the Sierra Maestra hardly merits its three stars, although rooms have had some much-needed attention. Three…
Holguín
While the initial welcome might be tepid, this central colonial is decent value. It's prettier inside than out, with wonderful spiral staircases. There…
Santiago de Cuba
The 70 rooms here offer the usual lackluster Islazul interiors, probably not worth it unless you are after the standard hotel amenities. It does offer…
Holguín
These 69 solar-powered, duplex bungalows are set among extensive green grounds with a relaxing poolside bar. The late-night music decibels aren't as ear…
Bayamo
This family-run enterprise in two adjacent homes offers three rooms – the better ones flank a spacious 2nd-floor terrace where good local cooking is…
Guantánamo Province
With rates cheaper than many casas particulares, these 35 economical, clean rooms smell only slightly musty, a pleasant surprise given the dark reception…
Bayamo
This out-of-town option (it's 3km southwest of the center on the road to Manzanillo) offers a definitive rural feel and a pleasant swimming pool…
Pinar del Río Province
One of the town’s few private homestays, this place is OK at a pinch, with a small garden, colorful mural and porches (with rockers) guarding clean, tidy…
Ciego de Ávila Province
Two clean rooms off a long corridor culminating in a patio equals textbook private-rental standard, with no real quirks. It's only a block from the center…
Bayamo
Offers three sizable rooms and breakfasts among Bayamo's best, with divine bocadillos (toasted ham and cheese sandwiches) and Spanish tortilla served on a…
Trinidad
Had enough of the colonial splendor? Head away from the tourist frenzy to General Lino Pérez, where Aracely rents two upstairs rooms with a private…
Camagüey
On a narrow, traffic-choked street, this home features two well-equipped self-contained rooms with ample privacy on the top floor. There are two lovely…
Varadero
A narrow house with three rooms on a quiet back street, with hosts that are among Varadero's favorites with travelers. There is a ranchón (rustic, open…
Holguín Province
This rustic option within Bioparque Rocazul used to be part of a working farm. Stay here if you're keen on adventure, and sample Cuban food and coffee as…
Camagüey Province
Doing a good impersonation of a tacky postwar British holiday camp, the Mayanabo has seen better days – a long time ago. But if budget's your prime…
Habana del Este
A chilled-out apartment with a sea view and a roof terrace that offers a potential escape from the tumult of Havana. There’s a kitchenette, a separate…
Guantánamo Province
Vacation among the locals in these rustic but comfortable cabins at Cajobabo’s gravelly beach. Reserve through Cubamar in Baracoa.
Holguín Province
One spick-and-span room, a private entrance, friendly owners and decent food in the downstairs private restaurant – what more could you ask from tranquil…
Holguín Province
This classic colonial abode stands guard at the entrance to the town center and has one huge room (those ceilings must be 7m high) with private bath and…
Guantánamo Province
Simple Cuban-style campismo offering very basic cabins at the end of the Finca Duaba road, 9km outside of Baracoa. The El Yunque hike starts here.
Las Tunas Province
Close to the beach with three guest rooms and good food. At the time of our visit the house was undergoing major renovation to add a second story.
Pinar del Río Province
Keen hard-working owner with two small 2nd-floor rooms that have sparkling new bathroom fittings, and a patio and garage downstairs.
Camagüey Province
The pioneer homestay in La Boca, this pleasant seafront house with a wraparound porch offers two well-equipped, if cramped, rooms.
Ciego de Ávila Province
Rustic accommodation in the small complex atop Loma de Cunagua is sometimes available if you phone ahead.
Sancti Spíritus Province
Offers overnight accommodation and food in eight double rooms. A stay covers trail fees.
Baracoa
Russian émigré Magdalena Rovieskuya once posted aid to Castro's rebels up in the Sierra Maestra. La Rusa hit Baracoa in the 1930s, built a seafront hotel…
Camagüey Province
This two-story hotel, 2km west of the center of town, has 74 adequate rooms, some partially renovated. The entry drive is potholed, which sort of sets the…
Santiago de Cuba
Owners at this 2nd and 3rd floor walk-up on the pedestrian street seem more interested in doing a brisk business than greeting guests. You might love the…
Granma Province
On the main road 5km west of Marea del Portillo and 11km east of Pilón, this small low-key resort, comprising 13 rooms in two single-story blocks,…
Isla de la Juventud
Oh dear! This lackluster motel with a castellated frontage lies in a wooded area near the Río las Casas, 3km south of town. Inside, it's like a museum to…
Las Tunas
With tiled floors, hotel-standard bathrooms and wall-mounted TVs, this lodging is sabotaged by the smells of fried food coming from its downstairs…
Las Tunas
A last-gasp option: out-of-the-way location, austere rooms, dodgy restaurant and a wake-you-up-at-2am disco. Room TVs pick up HBO, and there's wi-fi –…
Santiago de Cuba Province
A rustic shelter on the hiking trail to Pico Turquino. There's a basic kitchen, wood-fired stove and plank beds without mattresses or, if those are taken,…
