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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

  • "Martha was absolutely lovely and her 'trust' fridge with drinks was brilliant as we couldn't always find a shop, let alone one with cold drinks! She was very kind eventhough…

    ZEW, London Jun 2015
  • 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
  • We had essentially our own house, with living room and kitchen area. Friendly extended family living all around.

    RGJ, London Jan 2016
  • "Very comfortable and clean and located right in the heart of old Trinidad. It felt more like a small hotel than a home stay as the whole building was converted…

    SKF, Edinburgh Jul 2015
  • "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 Jul 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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    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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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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