Cuba

In Cuba, we like to use some of the best casas particulares,  as they are known in Cuba. These are locally owned guesthouses in central locations and with history and character. We prefer these in Cuba to some of the chains where service can be mixed, the best Casas Particulares are like boutique hotels. On the beaches, the best hotels tend to be international chains, with a few exceptions and we use the smaller luxury resorts.

One of the best Casas Particulares in Havana, Alameda JM7 is one of our favourites. Not least due to the location in the heart of the old town and near the waterfront. This is a place to stay for those who want to be right amongst it all and truly feel the Havana vibe. We love the rooftop patio with sea views and the art deco style interiors.

The boutique b&b of Casa Vitrales is one of our picks in the heart of old Havana. There are just 9 suites decorated in the colonial style within this historic building. Staying here will bring to life the city and culture of Havana. This starts with breakfast on the patio looking over old Havana’s rooftops towards the harbour.

The family at La Reserva in Vedado have done great work in renovating a classic Havana building so that each suite has a wonderful individual style. Rooms are bright with large windows and the feel of historic Cuba. Meet up at the cool bar for an authentic mojito then head out into the authentic Vedado neighbourhood.

Casa El Madero is a cosy family-run Casa Particular with just 6 rooms set over 4 floors. The 1930s building was fully renovated in 2016. It is one of just a few of the best boutique casas particulares we use in Havana. Head to the third-floor terrace for sunsets and a mojito.

This is our favourite Casa Particular in the old town of Trinidad. Casa Finca Kenia sits on a quiet cobbled street behind imposing wooden doors, it’s a small 6 room hideaway where you can feel Trinidad’s unique history. The finca is set around an inviting garden and stables and there are views up to the Escambray mountains. There’s also a little restaurant for guests who can eat organic food on a private terrace or in the garden. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from all the action in town.

The Kempinski Resort on Cayo Guillermo sits on the white sands of Playa Pilar. A particular feature we love is Cuba’s first overwater villas. It aims to attract a different crowd to Cuba’s large all-inclusive beach resorts and brings a different level of dining and space. Restaurants and bars are based around a Hemingway’s theme with La Floridita bar, daiquiris and live Cuban music. Added to all this the diving, snorkelling and fishing trips in the azure Caribbean waters.

Mansion Xanadu is a historic and characterful beach escape by the famous Varadero beach. With just 6 rooms, it’s Cuba’s only boutique beach escape and a much smaller hotel than most of Cuba’s resorts. Mansion Xanadu exudes a 1920s style on a very private beach and near the Varadero Golf club.

Located on one of Cuba’s northern cayes, Cayo Ensenachos, the Iberostar is a large all-inclusive beach hotel with all the facilities expected of an international resort. There are 5 restaurants, a host of watersports activities, and wonderful white sands. It’s a perfect escape for families and those wanting a longer beach stay with plenty going on.

Casa Bella Perla Maria is a boutique hotel in a 1950s art deco building, so fits in well with the character of Cienfuegos. The rooms are large, if a little basic in this small south Cuba city, and decorated in a pretty idiosyncratic style. It also has an ideal location in the centre of Cienfuegos so guests can walk straight out and into town.