Casa Particulares – Experience Cuba in a homestay

Cuba is a wonderful country where you will experience Cuban warmth, joie de vivre and hospitality.

This hospitality is particularly felt at a “Casa Particular”, a unique and characteristic way of staying in Cuba.

Choose this form of accommodation and experience Cuban hospitality and the “real” Cuba with your own eyes.

What is a casa particular?

Casa particulares, or casas, means “private homes” in Spanish and, as the name suggests, it is a private form of accommodation where you live with a Cuban family.

It is similar to a bed and breakfast, as we know from home.

“Casas” became an official form of accommodation 20 years ago in 1997, when the Cuban government made it possible for Cuban families to set up their own business and earn money from renting rooms to foreign visitors.

What is the accommodation like?

In a typical Cuban casa, there is a dining area where you are served breakfast and dinner (if you are eating it).

Cuban houses are often large, with several rooms that can be rented out. Although the rooms are simple, they always have a private bathroom and air conditioning, and are cleaned daily.

So, in that respect, the casa particulares are not unlike hotel accommodation. The difference is just that the staff consists of a family who will do everything they can to make you feel at home during your stay.

So not a lot of privacy?

There is always a warm, family atmosphere when you stay at a casa particular in Cuba – and it is without a doubt the best way to experience Cuban hospitality.

Even though you are staying with a family, you don’t need to worry about a lack of privacy. In most cases, the family’s rented rooms are in a separate section of the house, so even if the family is always on hand to help with any questions you may have, you will not be living on top of each other during your stay.

So you get the best of two worlds: You experience the Cuban way of life at close quarters, while having the opportunity to close the door and relax on your holiday.

Why should you choose a casa particular over a hotel?

Interest in Cuba as a destination has exploded in recent years, and hotel prices have risen accordingly. This has made the more affordable casa particulares a popular alternative.

Not only do they offer great accommodation for travellers, but casas also help the many Cuban families who rent out their rooms financially.

So there are plenty of reasons why we recommend casas over hotels on our Cuba tours.

Choose a casa particular because:

• They are cheaper than staying at hotels, which are often more expensive than what they really are worth, especially in Havana.

• You will experience delicious cuisine and an excellent personal service, whilst still enjoying the same level of privacy of a hotel stay.

• You get much closer to the Cuban people, the charming Cuban culture and enjoy a very authentic experience.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller