These properties include basic amenities with services generally provided by family members. Facilities and furnishings vary, and natural light may be limited. Our Classic Cuba tour style offers stays in our favourite hand-picked Standard casas.
Casas particulares in Cuba: What you need to know
Enjoy genuine cultural experiences at family-owned Cuban accommodation
If you're wondering where to stay in Cuba, casas particulares are perfect for an immersive experience of Cuban life. These family-owned-and-operated casas allow you to observe and be a part of everyday Cuban life from inside a family home. From properties with colonial architecture and tropical gardens to homes on lively city streets, each casa has its own character. Find out what to expect when you choose this one-of-a-kind accommodation!
Understanding casas particulares in Cuba
Also known as casas, bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs) and guesthouses, casas particulares provide legally established, privately run accommodation. After obtaining a government license, Cuban families can rent rooms to travellers in a way similar to Airbnb, except that payments go directly to the homeowner.
Why stay with a Cuban family?
Visitors to Cuba often prefer staying with families rather than in hotels, which are either fully or majority-owned by the Cuban government. Here's why our travellers love casas:
Genuine cultural insight and connection
Host families look forward to welcoming you to their country and into their homes. As a guest, you'll see how Cubans live and be a part of local customs and traditions.
Better quality for less
Guesthouses offer attentive service, with rates ranging from approximately US$25-150 per night. Hotels start at around US$80, though some charge nearly double for basic services. With business largely generated through recommendations, referrals and organisations like Cuban Adventures, casa hosts prioritise your comfort. All our tour accommodation in Cuba is hand-picked and highly rated.
Support local businesses
By staying at privately owned casas particulares, travellers directly support the livelihoods of Cubans and local communities.
Satisfy US travel requirements
To travel legally to Cuba, US citizens must meet federal requirements that prove their visit supports the Cuban people. This includes staying in a private residence.
Types of casas particulares in Cuba
Each of our three categories of casas has its own unique architectural style and decorative touches by the owners. Most casas are family-operated, however some owners hire service staff.
Comfort properties are higher-quality casas. Rooms have natural light and may include additional amenities such as safes or hair dryers. Featured in our Essential Cuba tours and Birdwatching Cuba tours, Comfort lodgings are also available for our private and custom tours.
Unwind and enjoy more space, modern furnishings and abundant natural light with Premium accommodation. Compared to Standard and Comfort homes, properties at this level have more facilities and are considered high-end casas particulares. Havana locations may include waterfront views and proximity to upscale neighbourhoods.
Guesthouse features
All casas particulares offered on our tours include essential conveniences, with extras available in Comfort and Premium properties. Accommodation for Cuban Adventures guests includes an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning. Find out more about what's offered in our range of carefully selected casas for your accommodation in Cuba.
Basic provisions
All showers have hot water capability, either through water heater tanks or tankless water heaters directly on the showerhead. The casas are required to provide soap; guests should bring other toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and moisturising lotion, as these are rarely provided except at premium and luxury casas.
Bedding and linen
Standard rooms include locally-made mattresses that vary in firmness. Comfort and Premium casas feature modern, imported mattresses, with higher-quality linens available in Premium casas. Towels are provided, but they may not be particularly large or plush, and few casas offer washcloths. Beach towels are not usually available, so travellers should bring their own. Guests who use self-tanner or heavy makeup should consider bringing their own towels to avoid staining the guesthouse linens, which in Cuba cannot be easily replaced.
Cooling systems and air conditioning
All casas provide either fans or air conditioning units, with newer models available in Comfort and Premium lodging.
Electricity
Most households in Old Havana have stable electricity, although frequent power outages occur throughout the island. If there's a blackout, the casas we use have a backup generator or solar power.
Wi-Fi connectivity
For internet access in our recommended casas particulares, Havana properties may include Wi-Fi; however, the connection is sometimes slow or unavailable. Outside Havana, internet access can be more limited. We recommend purchasing a Cuban SIM card and mobile data before your trip.
Meals
Enjoy breakfast at all homestays, except on the day of arrival. Some casas also offer dinner at an extra cost. Guests generally dine separately from the host family.
Be adaptable
Visiting Cuba requires flexibility. Familiar luxuries may not be available in Cuban accommodation, and power outages are common and can last for extended periods. For first-time visitors, explore our tips for travel preparation and getting comfortable in Cuba.
What do people say about our casas particulares?
Nothing tells the story about what it's like to stay in Cuba quite like our wonderful extended family of casa owners and travellers! Find out why they love Cuba and our small group tours.
A warm welcome from our casa owners
Meet the friendly faces behind three of our most sought-after casas particulares in Havana, Trinidad and Viñales.
Malecon Sunset, Havana
Casa Malecon Sunset offers stunning views of the coastline, and Natalia enthusiastically welcomes guests to her home:
“We love hosting our Cuban Adventures clients. We find them to be so open-minded, cheerful and enthusiastic to enjoy all the beautiful things Cuba has to offer, despite the current challenges. We enjoy getting to know the clients, learning about their experience in Cuba and hearing how they enjoy not only the tour, but also staying at guesthouses. They often tell us how this experience gives them wonderful insight into the Cuban people’s lives. Moreover, we love to see their perspective on Cuba and how they appreciate the real Cuba, the sociability of the Cuban people and our hospitality. We have clients who have returned seven times to our guesthouse, which makes us very proud!
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Our House is just in front of the Malecón, overlooking the sea. The Malecón is the seaside wall that surrounds Havana’s coastline. It is a social space for people to exercise, play music and spend time with friends. It is a very special part of the city with some wonderful views. We have an amazing Sunset view from the house, with the sun setting behind the sea and beautiful city buildings. All of our staff are bilingual (English and Spanish) and are trained to deliver excellent service with local knowledge, recommendations and a sweet and helpful attitude. We have some interesting spots nearby, like Prado Street, and the core of Old Havana is just a 10-minute walk away. Our electricity is in an underground circuit, so unless there is a national blackout, we do not experience power cuts!”
Casa Juani, Trinidad
The owner, Juani, enjoys getting to know visitors from all over the world:
“It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home. From the moment you arrive, we want you to feel comfortable, safe, and well taken care of. We want you to have a pleasant and authentic experience during your stay.
We love hosting guests because it allows us to meet people from different cultures, share experiences, and showcase the best of our hospitality. It's an opportunity for us to create positive memories and make every visitor feel at home.
Our house is located in a central and very convenient area for travelers. We are close to currency exchange offices, banks, restaurants, plazas, tourist offices, and all the services that guests might need during their stay. This makes getting around easy and allows you to enjoy the city with greater ease.”
Casa Yosbel & Yurisbelkis, Viñales
This location is set within lush natural surroundings. Lisset’s family prides itself on hosting guests:
“Our home reflects our personalities, and opening it to visitors is an act of trust. Our priority as hosts is welcoming people into our home, where we can set the table, cook, and above all, ensure everyone feels comfortable and has a good time.
The most appealing aspect of our surroundings is the natural environment that permeates Viñales, as well as the vibrant life and relationships among neighbors and friends, and the cleanliness we all strive for to create this colorful atmosphere. Above all, it's the warmth and humility that characterize the locals, creating a peaceful yet lively ambience. You will always find a welcoming family at our home, who will receive you with the utmost warmth and provide you with the highest quality service.”
What our travellers tell us
Check out what visitors are saying about our featured casas particulares.
Excellent
Based on 1,811 reviews
DavidNovember 8, 2025Our room at Malecon Sunset Guesthouse for the first night in Havana, with an Indian/Indonesian print theme, was a beautiful space, and that little dash of extra flair makes a big difference. Danny was great. Loved the welcome drink
StephanieFebruary 12, 2026We loved this house and mostly the host family. It was very homey and Juani made us feel like part of the family. The room itself was comfortable, and the garden-like setting of the common areas were very relaxing. Juani was even very helpful in letting us practice speaking Spanish. The whole family was welcoming, and we loved their dog too. I would happily come back and stay at this house for a week!”- SonjaDecember 22, 2025Excellent stay at Casa Yosbel Y Yurisbelkis. Welcoming, caring hosts. The breakfasts were delicious and had more variety than other places.
Frequently asked questions about casas particulares
Get answers to your questions about the family-owned accommodation offered on our tours.
Casas particulares are licensed businesses, identified by special signage posted near the entryway. Hosts are required to track house guests and register traveller arrivals in log books.
Standard rooms include either double beds for couples or single-occupancy beds for twin share or solo travellers. Double, queen and king sizes are sometimes available at Comfort and Premium properties, regardless of single or dual occupancy.
Yes, if space is available. Solo travellers wishing to share and avoid the single supplement are paired with same-gender roommates, and each person has their own bed. If during the trip you want your own room, your guide can arrange it, and you will pay the room cost directly to the casa.
If you would like additional time and accommodation in Havana or another destination in Cuba before or after your tour with us, let us know when you complete the booking form. We'll work with you to customise an unforgettable stay.
Stay in family-owned Cuban accommodation for a more meaningful travel experience
Staying in a casa particular invites you to engage with Cuban people, explore colourful neighbourhoods and experience daily life firsthand, whilst supporting the local community. Our Cuban Adventures small-group tours showcase the best of Cuba and include memorable stays with local families, where you'll arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend. Whether Standard, Comfort or Premium lodging, each home offers amenities for an enjoyable stay. Browse our tour packages and book an authentic travel experience with us today!
Author: Cuban Adventures
Our passion is providing authentic cultural experiences of Cuba through our award-winning small group tours. We dedicate ourselves exclusively to Cuba, which means we are truly specialised in this unique country.
Uncover more Cuba travel inspiration in our blog
If you've been dreaming of Cuba and want to learn more about this fascinating country before your trip, read our blog for a complete Cuban travel guide with tips and local insights.