Cuba & Costa Rica Blog
About this blog
Written by Cuba and Costa Rica expert Christopher P. Baker, this blog will update readers on life in these two diverse and exciting countries.
Recent Posts
- Last blog post on Costa Rica and Cuba
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- Musings on wildlife encounters on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
- Cuba’s Steam Trains puffing their last gasp
- My top five thrilling activities in Costa Rica
- Cuba’s fun February festivals include Harleys, Books, Cigars
- Five top volcano viewing experiences in Costa Rica
- New road along Costa Rica / Nicaraguan border mired
- Cuba’s Hotel Campoamor at Cojímar to be restored?
- Cuban revolutionary Celia Sánchez honored in new book
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- Costa Rica opens Chinatown in downtown San José
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- National Geographic Expeditions receives license for Cuba tours
Cuba: Hotel or private room rental?
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With all the bad press (well deserved) about bad food and lousy service in Cuba, it may comes as a surprise to learn that Cuba actually has some excellent hotels (as long as you overlook the bad food and lousy service). Hotels are fine if your sole interest is sightseeing. But to learn something about Cuban culture and lifestyle – to get to the heart of affairs – I strongly recommend that you skip the generally overpriced hotels and opt to stay with Cuban families in casa particulares (licensed room rentals).
Here are a few of my favorite casas particulares.
Of the many options in Havana, my favorite is the home of Jorge Coalla Potts and his wife Marisel (Calle I #456, Apto. 11, Vedado, tel 7/832-8032). They have only one room to rent, but it's spacious and has both air-conditioning and fan, a telephone, and a large clean private bathroom that usually has lots of hot water. The location in the heart of the Vedado district is excellent, being just two blocks from the Havana Libre hotel (with its all-important bank and tour and travel services) and Coppelia. Best yet, Jorge and Marisel are a joy to talk with. You won't regret a stay here... but please vacate for me when I'm in town! You can email Jorge at jorgepotts [at] correodecuba [dot] cu.
In Trinidad, with its 200-plus private room rentals, my first choice–and the place I rest my head whenever possible–is Casa Colonial Munoz, the steps-from-anywhere home of Julio Munoz and his wife Rosa. This spacious, airy colonial home is festooned with antiques, from old clocks to rustic family swords. You can choose from two lofty-ceilinged rooms, each with its own modern bathroom with water hot enough to boil a lobster. Julio is a bit of a man-about-town, and the place can seem like Grand Central Station, with all the toing and froing of family and other visitors. But that's part of the charm. Did I mention that a horse lives in the back yard, and that the dogs are everywhere underfoot.
Heading to Santiago de Cuba? I make a beeline for Casa de Florinda Chaviano Martinez. She and her husband are liberal and attentive hosts in their well-maintained home in the relatively quiet Reparto Sueno district. Their son lives in Florida, so the income stream helps pay for modern furnishings in the single air-conditioned room with modern (albeit small) bathroom. And Florinda happily makes filling meals, served in the airy back patio.
For a more complete listing of casas particulares throughout Cuba, buy my Moon Cuba.
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.
Some friends of ours
Posted by Wayne Bernhardson on November 21, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Some friends of ours recently returned from Cuba, and were generally pleased with the recommendations for casas particulares in Chris's book. At the same time, they were constantly irritated by the open, even aggressive lobbying for tips from their hosts.
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Posted by singh.saini3500 on November 21, 2011 at 5:11 am
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.Moon travel is best guides line.
Cuba Hotels
Posted by msaiwn on October 8, 2010 at 7:10 am
Well I don't know about services, it might be disappointing...but the food I can't believe it. I had my first Ropa Vieja with Sofrito sauce in a local restaurant there. Maybe not everybody can taste their food, but I would not go saying it's bad.
I have never thought about
Posted by jennifer on May 3, 2010 at 5:05 am
I have never thought about this option while visiting Cuba. It makes sense for these homes owners to be nicer since renting rooms is a family business which has to be successful. I don't think i had ever been disappointed by the services of the hotels in Auckland though, i guess the treatment you get depends on each country's culture.
waz
Posted by md1 on December 11, 2009 at 2:12 am
Which is the best hotel in Cuba to visit if we arrange any tour to Cuba?
md1
Posted by md1 on October 30, 2009 at 4:10 am
Which is the best Hotel to stay in Cuba?
Safety comparison
Posted by johnw on July 19, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Just found your wonderful blog regarding Cuba and Costa Rica travel. Could you make a comparison between these two countries in general and for tourist in particular?
Besides, any link regarding pro and con for visiting those two countries?
Your information is apprecaited.
A Cuba villa rental can
Posted by Moly on July 17, 2009 at 4:07 am
A Cuba villa rental can be more like a home away from home, as most offer much more space and amenities that what you would find in a standard hotel room.
I'll keep that in mind when
Posted by aaron on July 6, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I'll keep that in mind when I decide to go to Cuba. I have never been in a Latin country before and the thought that I'll have the possibility to meed a whole different world makes me anxious and excited.
Great hotel room
Posted by Kamil on July 6, 2009 at 3:07 am
That is a great hotel room balcony with sufficient light entering in plus surrounding plants give it a soothing feel. Very well written and I think few of the Edinburgh hotels can take a clue from here.
Hotels & Casas
Posted by CharlesSpencerKing on March 23, 2009 at 8:03 am
Hi Christopher, Greetings! May I chime in? I agree that the private housing is the way to go provided one knows what they are renting. There are many great casas and an equal number of lousy ones. You can find a great dueno (owner) or a lousy one. One that is nosey or one that gives you space. A few of the key points for first time travelers are: 1) Location, location, location. 2) Security (rejas doors, windows and balcony?) This is less a problem if we rent with family....yet I only rent casas that are sola (independent) There is of course the other category of al lado ( owner next door with private entrance). Almost never would I recommend renting sight unseen.(except in the ones you suggest!). Finally, always rent a legal casa particular or you may miss your flight, immigration may stamp your passport, and you may be given a long lecture before you are permitted to leave the island. Legal casas have receipts, you sign a book, and each has official looking stamps. There is on most not all legal houses a decal (blue and white).
While many hotels are as you say a poor bargain, some are great ones: In Havana for those on a budget I like the Deauville, good location, Gulf view, great small pool, AC, good shower, cable T V, around 35CUC per night. In Baracoa El Castillo is magnificent and 25.00 -30.00 CUC. In Camaguey Hotel Colon has a central location and it is around 30.00CUC. I often find at the el campo hotels a suite can be had for about 25% more and then you end up wit a well appointed room that is large and comfortable!
Author: Havana My Kind of Town and Nature's Ancient Religion
http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Ancient-Religion-Orisha-worship/dp/1440417...
Cuba expert and Babalawo
A Slice of Heaven
Posted by Wayward on March 12, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Hi Chris, Which casa particulares is pictured here? I can just imagine being there, having a lovely conversation with new friends, and feeling a light breeze through the windows.
Hi Wayward... this is the
Posted by Christopher P. Baker on March 16, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hi Wayward... this is the home of Jorge Coalla Potts, in Havana. I have spent many hours rocking in those chairs, chatting with Jorge and Mari and their never-ending parade of Cuban friends... and even many more hours sitting by the window, immersing myself in the street life and idolizing the pretty chicas passing by!
reply
Posted by alexa on April 26, 2009 at 11:04 pm
The Moka Hotel is within a massive protected nature reserve. Run by people who live in the village below. It was an unusual place and very enjoyable. We were sorry to leave after just two days.The hotel is set amongst the trees and several of these are growing through the lobby area! The place has a green but light and airy feel.
Don’t stop writing,
Posted by john11 on March 22, 2010 at 12:03 am
Don’t stop writing, you’ve given me lots of good info!