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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

  • 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
  • "They coped extremely well with our vegetarian diet. Spotless room and very helpful, friendly hosts."

    RL, Birmingham Feb 2014
  • Vinales Homestay - Casa Basita: Basita was a super host, making sure we were looked after.

    EM, Bristol Jan 2017
  • "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
  • Casa Basita - Basic accomodation but all clean. decent breakfast Welcoming hostess who was very helpful. Quite a character

    SR, Frome Dec 2016
  • 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 Jan 2016
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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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    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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    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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    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.

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    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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    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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    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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