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Casas particulares – homestays

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This is a Satisfaction Rating based on our own customer feedback

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 legally restricted to just a couple 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. Read more about them here.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Vinales Homestay Basita: A comfortable room with air conditioning and 2 small double beds.  Walking distance of town centre.  Dinner was simple but absolutely delicious and breakfast good and very…

    IC, Guernsey
  • "Delightful accommodation, which was kept extremely clean. Very friendly hosts, excellent location and great experience."

    MS, Glasgow
  • "Really enjoyable. We thought it was going to be a struggle when we arrived as no English was spoken and we don't speak any Spanish - but we got by…

    SW, Romsey
  • We had essentially our own house, with living room and kitchen area. Friendly extended family living all around.

    RGJ, London
  • Basita was an incredibly kind lady, who offered us her home and service from the start to end of our stay. The first night's dinner was included at a nearby…

    CW, Bishop's stortford
  • "The rooms were comfortable and the bathrooms small but clean. The air conditioning didn't work well, but there were fans. Basita was a kind and attentive hostess and the breakfast…

    SKF, Edinburgh
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Our Expert's Opinion

Homestays vary greatly, they are after all someones house but this means you get to experience a different side of Cuba and it's little quirks. That's not to say you'll be intruding on a family, it's very much like a B&B so you'll still have privacy and the home comforts you expect.

Jamie Swan
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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    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

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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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    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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    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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