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Casas particulares – homestays

Casas Particulares

A unique way to get to know the real Cuba: stay in one of these atmospheric and often historic family homes, offering a similar type of accommodation to a Bed & Breakfast.

The homestay concept in Cuba is not dissimilar to that of the bed and breakfast in the UK, except that generally all meals can be taken in the house. The hearty home-made food on offer can often represent the most attractive dining option in town.

But what really differentiates Cuban homestays is, of course, their unique character and the insight they offer into ordinary life in Cuba. Run by a family or couple, casas particulares are restricted to a small number of guest rooms, making the experience very much one of being a guest in a private home. The level of interaction can depend on the owners and of course the guests, but it is sure to offer a more intimate portrait of Cuba than a stay in an ordinary hotel.

The houses themselves can often be extremely charming, occupying historic buildings or bedecked with antique furniture (this being Cuba, it is kept for practical use rather than ornamentation!). Rooms are rudimentary but homely and comfortable with en suite facilities.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • "Vivian and Pablo made us feel welcome, and looked after us well. Yonelkis served us dinner and breakfast, and was a lovely and very friendly man. The location was superb."

    CB, Swindon Jun 2015
  • "Thoroughly recommend Casa Martha - food was excellent, rooms good and the family made us feel welcome. A high point experience of our trip."

    NC, Reading Jun 2015
  • Casa Basita - Basic accomodation but all clean. decent breakfast Welcoming hostess who was very helpful. Quite a character

    SR, Frome Dec 2016
  • We had essentially our own house, with living room and kitchen area. Friendly extended family living all around.

    RGJ, London Jan 2016
  • Vinales: Very simple but spotlessly clean and very helpful hosts who arranged riding tour for us.  Good cooking and great value food and drink- we bought our second dinner there.

    SP, Cirencester Feb 2015
  • "Dinner on first night and breakfasts amazing!"

    LD, Beaconsfield Feb 2014
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Our Expert's Opinion

Jamie
Jamie Swan - Product & Marketing

Jamie backpacked across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil before joining us; he has a degree in politics and is also a keen sportsman..

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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