When travelling in Cuba, the best budget accommodation options are Casa Particulares. These are government approved private houses that generally rent rooms in the family home and sometimes apartments or other self-contained options.
By all accounts the host families are extremely lovely, friendly and helpful and will do everything in their power to make your stay as welcoming and comfortable as possible.
Costs and Facilities in Cuban Casa Particulares
Most of the families provide large, healthy meals on request at an additional cost (breakfast $3-4 CUC, dinner $5-10 CUC). Cuba is not renowned for its food and we found it hard to beat the quality and quantity of the meals lovingly prepared at the Casa Particulares. This especially rings true for vegetarians.
Most are also happy to provide packed lunches for long bus journeys (we recommend this), or day trips, snacks, lunches, laundry services, tea and coffee or ice cream if they have it. The prices for these extras are very reasonable.
Rooms in Casa Particulares range from $15-35 depending on where you are and what you get and you usually get what you pay for – a room with a terrace will be more than a room without etc.
You will find facilities like bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning in almost every room and then other fixtures like televisions (no ads!), fridges, balconies and terraces depend on the property and the host.
The Casa Network
There is a whole network of Casa owners and they will generally ring ahead and book you into your next destination, where someone will more often than not be waiting to receive you as you hop off the bus.
Note: Be open minded about your bookings – things work a little differently in Cuba.
It helps to understand the culture and responsibilities of the Casa owners. If one of their guests decides to stay longer than planned you may find yourself arriving only to be walked a few minutes down the road to another host. This happens a lot – and we were more than happy with all of our replacements.
Unlike a hotel or hostel, Casa owners may only have 1, 2 or 3 rooms for rent and if someone stays on at the last minute, they no longer have the room for you, even if you have booked and confirmed the day before.
This can be a little disconcerting at first until you realise that the next host will be the same price and will be just as lovely!
Remember – you will arrive for accommodation and often leave as family!
Note: Casa Particulars pay a hefty fee to the government – approximately $150 CUC per month per room for rent (and more in Varadero) in order to keep their licence – even if they have quiet months.
Although it seems like they will be making the big bucks (compared to other Cubans) their costs are proportionately astronomical, so enjoy the wonderful service but be sensitive to the precarious position that most people are in.
More about travel in Cuba…
- Photo blog: Fun on Varadero Beach, Cuba
- Review: La Hostal Terraza, Havana
- Travel by Viazul bus in Cuba
As well as capturing stories of inspiring people who are making a difference to their communities, her passion is to help people find a way to do the things they love for a living.
- The Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide – Discover Barcelona Like a Local! - October 17, 2017
- Travel Tips: How to find Vegetarian Restaurants - October 26, 2015
- Dealing With Car Trouble In the Middle of Nowhere… - September 8, 2015
Oh. The host must have a license to rent their rooms. Well, at least these families can have access to the outside world through the visitors.
Yes the system means that although there are some big benefits to being registered, the responsibility to pay the fees can be a burden
Do you tip at the CP’s, and how much is appropriate?
Hey Claire, I don’t think it is expected – but definitely appreciated! We felt we wanted to in most of the places we stayed. The hosts really go out of their way to make you as welcome and comfortable as possible. I can’t say what is appropriate, but lets just say that these people will probably appreciate it more than in any other country.
Hi Serena
Thanks for all the information.
I was just wondering if there is a website to go through to book the casa particulars? Or is Airbnb an option?
Also, I read you other blog on ‘travelling by viazul bus’ and was wondering if you always just booked your seats in person at the bus stop, or if it was cheaper to book online. I had a friend tell me buses were expensive in Cuba, but the prices you list (and the prices I can find online) seem very reasonable. I was just wondering whether they go up in price if you book in person?
Thanks in advance
Callum
Hi Callum, they are all in a network, so usually you book one, then they will arrange more for you. We started with Ana and Miguel and you can find their details here: https://fivepointfive.org/review-la-hostal-terraza-havana-cuba/
If you go there please say hi for us!
Buses in Cuba are expensive by Latin American standards but cheap by global standards 🙂 You can only book in person I believe. If you are there in a really busy time I suggest buying your tickets the day before. Have fun in Cuba!
Which casa is shown in the article pictures and where is it in Cuba?