Cuba: La Isla Grande

We stay in casas particulares, guesthouse-style accommodation that provides a unique insight into local life – an experience you just wouldn’t get in a traditional hotel!



Understanding casas







Casas are privately owned homes with rooms to rent. Some call them Cuba’s answer to the B&B, but the truth is they offer a far more personal experience. Typically, the owner (and often family) will live at the property, meaning you have meaningful interactions with them as soon as you wake. The hosts are warm, welcoming and gracious – expect generous breakfasts, plenty of smiles and friendly conversations in Spanglish. Who knows, you may make a friend or two!



The properties we use have been handpicked by our local team and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, reflecting the personality and lifestyle of the owners. As family homes, they tend to have a maximum of three or four bedrooms each, so we often use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our group. We do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other group members are staying.



The rooms are often vibrant, simply furnished and with tiled floors, sometimes with wooden shutters in place of windows. All have air conditioning and a private bathroom.



Worth knowing



Power cuts are part of daily life in Cuba, so please prepare for blackouts that may last several hours. Please bring a torch (flashlight) with you in case of evening
ight-time occurrences. Also pack mosquito repellent for these periods – you’ll want to open your window, too.

Internet connections can be unreliable.

Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental.

Casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up stairs.

Many casa owners can help with laundry for a small fee.

Most casas do not have hairdryers.

There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas – please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.