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.
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Havana
A laid-back boutique hotel set in a restored 1925 mansion which prides itself on its personalised service. Plus there are a handful of stylish rooms and suites most with private balcony or terrace, an excellent brasserie and a secret garden with a cocktail bar and plunge pool. Havana city chic.
Trinidad, Cuba (Trinidad)
An old-style B&B offering a taste of local colour and an ideal base to explore this beautiful colonial town. The feel is homely yet chic with a good balance of the old and the new. Discover humming local music joints or spend a day unwinding on one of the local beaches. An authentic stay.
Havana (Vedado)
This stylish boutique hotel is set within a heritage mansion in Vedado. Inside, hand-selected antiques and a classic verandah give the sense of travelling back in time, with chandeliers and print wallpapers creating a glamourous finish. Enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar after a day's sightseeing.
Cuba (Morón, )
All inclusive, beachside resort in Cayo Coco. Rooms are colourful, modern and ideal for families. There are plenty of restaurants, form Japanese to Italian - something for the fussiest of eaters - plus an array of activities. There is also an idyllic strand of private beach offering water sports.
Havana
A colonial 18th century building with stature, previously an aristocratic residence. A classical facade with contemporary interiors. Rooms and suites are simple, some have hot tubs and DVD players. Stunning views over the city from the rooftop terrace. Well positioned in the Old Town, good value.
Havana
A bastion of the former days of Cuban sophistication this hotel is awash with old school glamour. Classy, spacious bedrooms are decorated in antique furnishing and dark woods. There is an impressive museum and sitting room. Lovely gardens overlook Malecón sea front.
Havana
An elegant two-bedroom apartment set in a historic building in the centre of Havana. Grand interiors feature antiques, murals by artists from the Cuban School of Fine Arts, traditional artwork, and crystal chandeliers. With a modern kitchen and large terrace, this property ticks all the boxes.
Havana
A beautifully converted house in Havana's old district, Havana Vieja. The two suites are both vast with floor-to-ceiling windows, a beautiful mix of contemporary and antique furnishings, and a terrace or balcony. Indulgent breakfasts are served in-room. An intimate and glamorous home-away-from-home.
Havana
A chic four-bedroom boutique property set in the heart of Havana. Interiors have been painstakingly designed with handcrafted furniture, individually selected tiles, and contemporary fabrics. Minimum booking is per floor with two bedrooms. City style defined.
Havana
Two chic apartments located in the heart of Havana. The smaller is a two-bedroom and larger three-bedroom (they can also be rented together for larger groups). Interiors are fresh and light with pastel hues, expansive windows, colonial-inspired furniture, and Marshall speakers. A stylish city pad.
Havana (La Habana Vieja)
This chic, five-star hotel is located in Havana, Cuba. Rooms are contemporary with high ceilings and elegant interiors; the best offer city views from a traditional shuttered balcony. Book a suite for luxurious living space. Enjoy panoramic views from the San Cristobal Restaurant; a stand-out hotel.
Havana
Havana's first luxury boutique. This 1930's mansion has been restored to perfection with individually decorated stylish rooms and suites- think clean white lines and bold splashes of colour. The aqua blue restaurant serves excellent food and the on site gallery is an attraction in its own right.
Havana (San Juan)
A sleek resort located on Havana's busy waterfront. Chic modern rooms feature sharp lines, whitewashed walls, and epic sea views. With three restaurant options, including one gourmet, plus several bars ranging from a sophisticated piano bar to something a little more lively, this is a youthful stay.
Trinidad, Cuba (Sancti Spiritus)
A large colonial luxury hotel in the heart of the historic city of Trinidad. Absorb the Cuban charm and friendly atmosphere whilst sipping mojitos in grand style. For adults only, elegant rooms and suites have all modern amenities and some of the suites have balconies overlooking the pools.
