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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

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

    RGJ, London Jan 2016
  • "We had the best time with Basita, her and her husband were really nice and his Eng was good. He made some really good recommendations and even drove us to…

    ZEW, London Jun 2015
  • 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 Dec 2016
  • Vinales Homesay - Basita's Houses: Basita and her husband Jose were more than welcoming and couldn't do enough to make us feel at home.  Delicious food cooked by Basita and…

    PG, London Dec 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 Vinales homestay - so welcoming and made us feel like we were seeing the real Cuba and Cubans.”

    SM, Teddington 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

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

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    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Charlotte
    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.

  • Alex
    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.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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