Elegant, slightly dilapidated, unique and unexpected, Cuba makes for a fascinating holiday destination. Vibrant Havana is magnificent, the white sands of the coast feel like they’ve hardly changed since the days when pirates hid their treasure on the island’s shores, and the interior is still wild. Think abandoned coffee plantations edged with crocodile-infested swamps on one side, and rugged mountains on the other — with charming colonial-era towns dotted on the fringes. Accommodation around the island varies incredibly; you'll find boutique B&Bs, Grand Dame properties in Havana, beach resorts and much more. Most of the best places to stay in Cuba are in Havana, perfect for kicking off your explorations in style from the northern part of the island.
Journey to Santiago de Cuba — from where Fidel Castro launched his revolution — for gorgeous architecture and lots of history, as well as a more noticeably Caribbean feel. Trinidad, on the other hand, offers a sense of colonial Cuba under the Spanish, and has extravagant mansions (some now converted into hotels) once owned by the island’s sugar barons. For galleries and still more cultural insights, head to pretty Camagüey or to artsy Santa Clara, a city in the heart of Cuba — and the site of the Che Guevara Mausoleum. Back on the coast, French-built Cienfuegos is also striking.
Of Cuba’s islands, the Jardines del Rey group are known for their extensive resorts, good snorkelling and diving, whilst the quieter Isla de la Juentud has the pristine white-sand beaches typical of the Caribbean.
Adventurous travellers will adore the caves and mountains of the Viñales National Park and spendind days birdwatching or diving in the salt marshes and barrier reefs of the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. The dense cloud forests of the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra hide the Comandancia de la Plata, a remote camp built by Castro in 1958. It’s a seriously intriguing place to discover.
Whether you’re dreaming of big nights out in Havana, guided tours of streets lined with heritage houses or expeditions deep into the jungle, the best places to stay in Cuba promise the perfect springboard for the trip of a lifetime.
For a Classic City Hotel
- Hotel Nacional de Cuba sits just moments from the seafront in Havana's Vedado neighbourhood. Having played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Errol Flynn since the 1930s, this imposing hotel has appealing old-school charm in spades. With a tennis court, swimming pool, nightclub, bars, restaurants and more, there's something for guests of all ages.
- Gran Hotel Manzana La Habana is set in what was once Cuba's first shopping mall. Now an indulgent hotel, this Havana property has 246 swish rooms and suites, as well as multiple bars and eateries. The rooftop pool, superb spa and terrific San Cristobal Restaurant are real stand-outs. Round off your evenings with rum and cigars.
For Romance
- Voya Boutique Hotel in Havana is our pick for a laid-back, romantic city base. Set in a beautifully restored 1925 colonial mansion, it offers ten stylish rooms and suites, an excellent all day brasserie and secret garden with plunge pool and co*cktail bar.
- Iberostar - Grand Hotel Trinidad is a beautiful green-and-white building, offering classically decorated rooms and suites with striking views over the trees and terracotta rooftops of Trinidad. An adults-only hotel, the property boasts a gourmet restaurant, a fun games room and the atmospheric Fumoir cigar bar. Stay here for a romantic, 5-star taste of Trinidad.
- Paseo 206 promises an elegant escape in Havana's Vedado neighbourhood. A restored 1930s residence owned by a Cuban-Italian family, this boutique bolthole has ten luxurious suites, a fabulous Italian eatery, and an onsite art gallery. Romantic and indulgent.
- Gardens Havana is a beautiful four-bedroom boutique hotel, with a focus on local craftsmanship. Reserve one level of the property as a couple, or book all four rooms for a trip with friends. Mornings begin with big homemade breakfasts, and the team can whip up a round of mojitos when you return from your rambles. The owners give top-notch travel advice, too. Gorgeous.
- Loma del Angel is just around the corner from the Revolution Museum in Old Havana. This historic house promises exceptional service, chic, antique-filled interiors, and spacious suites. A romantic spot for couples, the property's two glamorous suites can also be booked by a family or group. Very special.
For Families or Groups
- Twins Havana is made up of two self-catering apartments — one two-bedroom, the other three-bedroom. Depending on the size of your family or group, the apartments can be merged, allowing space for 10 people. Think pastel hues and minimalist design in Havana. The Marshall speakers are a great touch.
- Plaza Vieja 1912 has lots of heritage charm. Set in Old Havana, this is a top pick for art lovers, who will adore the pieces by Cuban creatives. A two-bedroom apartment, well-suited to families or two couples travelling together. There's also a full kitchen.
For Great Value
- Residencia Santa Clara is a modern Havana hotel, with funky interiors built using reclaimed materials. Pick this place for its quirky, laid-back feel and affordable rates. The sea-view rooftop and sociable bar are brilliant for unwinding, whilst inter-connecting rooms will suit groups or families.
- Palacio Marques Felipe promises 27 rooms with contemporary interiors, set behind an 18th-century faćade in Old Havana. Stay here for the excellent location, the striking rooftop terrace views, and the very reasonable prices. For couples or families.
- Casa Barmarin features three rustic-chic bedrooms in the historic centre of Trinidad, with clay-tiled floors, original wooden beams and hand-painted murals. Pick this place for its quirky, traditional vibe, abundance of Cuban artwork, friendly team, great value and excellent location, ideal for exploring. Breakfasts in the courtyard are a real treat!
- El Candil Boutique Hotel offers a friendly welcome in a grand old house in lovely Vedado. Stay as a couple or with family and friends and dine on the rooftop terrace after exploring the historic neighbourhood. A small hotel with antique pieces and modern touches, offering a great-value boutique experience.
For a Seaside Resort
- Meliá Jardines del Rey is an expansive, all-inclusive beach resort in Cayo Coco, with almost 1,200 colourful, modern rooms. There’s a huge range of restaurants, with everything from Japanese to Italian food. You’re right beside an idyllic stretch of private beach by the Playa Flamenco, with watersports and activities aplenty at the resort. Great for honeymoons, big weddings or family holidays.
- Iberostar Grand Packard is a sleek, waterfront resort with swish, contemporary rooms and suites in Havana. Inter-connecting options will suit families, and kids will love the pool, as well as playing on the nearby beach. Expect a choice of lively bars and gourmet restaurants, plus a great gym and spa treatments. A buzzing resort pick.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly into Havana's Jose Martí International Airport, or to Antonio Maceo International Airport, close to Santiago de Cuba in the south. Travel to your hotel by bus or taxi. Alternatively, speak to your hotel in advance to arrange an airport pick up.
- You'll find lots to explore by road in Cuba! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Balmy temperatures average between 21 - 27°C throughout the year, with the peak season lasting from December to mid-April. May and October/November are generally rainy, and the hurricane season falls between June and November. Travel in late April or early December for fewer crowds and great hotel deals.
Still not Sure?
- Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Havana.
- Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
