There is a myriad of Casa Particulares Santiago de Cuba, the “Cuban capital of the carnival.” Most of them are centrally located and within walking distance of the main square, Parque Cespedes, and many sights and museums in central Santiago.
When I was based in Havana, I took the bus to Santiago with a visiting friend, a 20ish-hour trip, to experience this fascinating and historically important city!
Santiago de Cuba has a lot of history and activities to offer travelers, so you really should not miss out on one of the most important cities in Cuba (although you have to cover quite a bit of distance to get here).
Here are 6 of the highest-rated Casas in the center of Santiago, all of which are well within budget and even cheap accommodation.
Top Rated Casa Particulares Santiago De Cuba On A Budget
1. ACA Autentica Casa Antigua
AKA Autentica Casa Antigua is located in the center of Santiago, five blocks from Parque Cespedes and Santiago de Cuba Cathedral.
Travelers highlight the perfect location, which is directly in the city but very relaxed. They also mention extraordinary service, great breakfast, an amazing rooftop, and a tasty Caipirinha!
2. Hostal Heredia
Hostal Heredia is located four blocks from Parque Cespedes, the main park in Santiago, and close to the Museo del Carnival, Emilio Bacardi Museum, and Plaza de Dolores.
Travelers highlight that this casa has an excellent ambiance, a great location, friendly staff, clean premises, an amazing breakfast, a nice terrace, and great value for money. This casa has an average of 9.4 out of 10 based on 31 reviews.
Best Super-Budget Casa Particulares Santiago De Cuba
Casa particulares in Cuba are generally not very expensive. But you can find top-rated casa particulares in Santiago de Cuba at a really low price, where other travelers truly enjoyed their stay.
These four get great reviews and standing ovations from Cuba travelers who were here before you.
3. Hostal Raul y Cathy
Hostal Raul y Kathy is in the city center of Santiago de Cuba, only a few blocks from the famous Cespedes Park and notable landmarks.
Travelers here highlight great cleanliness, excellent service, amazing breakfast, early check-in, and a beautiful terrace with a view. This casa has an average of 9.6 out of 10, based on 20 reviews.
4. Casa Colonial 1893
Casa Colonial is four blocks from Parque Cespedes and in the middle of the historic city of Santiago de Cuba.
Previous guests highlighted the great value of money, excellent water pressure (not a given in Cuba), and great amenities. Friendly and helpful staff, nice breakfast, and comfortable rooms. This casa has an average of 9 out of 10 based on 15 reviews.
5. Hostal Bellamar
Hostal Bellamar is located five blocks from Parque Cespedes in Santiago de Cuba center, which is still a central location.
Travelers highlight an extremely friendly and helpful host, great views from the rooftop terrace, great cleanliness, perfect location! This casa has an average of 9.6 out of 10 points, based on 5 reviews.
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6. Casa De Ilsia y Migdonio
Casa de Ilsia y Migdonio is located a bit further from the city center of Santiago de Cuba in a quiet and secure neighborhood.
Travelers here highlight cleanliness and friendly service, and that they felt integrated with the family. Especially the personal service like being met at the bus stop and getting to taste the homemade Cuban wine!
Map Of Santiago De Cuba
The prices of casa particulares in Santiago de Cuba, located in the central part of the city, are not very different, and there is very little accommodation in the high-end range.
But like in most destinations in Cuba, the Santiago de Cuba casa particulares generally have amazing charm and friendly hosts.
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Santiago De Cuba: The Cuban Carnival Capital
Santiago de Cuba was the capital of Cuba for a few decades back in the 16th Century, but it is still the capital of the carnival. Santiago is famous for having the most vibrant, colorful, and never-ending carnival fiestas in Cuba each July.
The city also has one of the 9 UNESCO protected World Heritage sites that exist in Cuba: the San Pedro de la Roca fortification.
Situated almost 900 kilometers from Havana (or 20 hours on the Viazul bus), visiting both Havana and Santiago in one holiday can be difficult.
But it is possible if you have enough time, and Santiago, with its rich history and the surrounding areas, is definitely worth your time.
Want to read more about Santiago?
Also read: 30+ Brilliant Things To Do In Santiago De Cuba
FAQs Santiago de Cuba
Is Santiago Cuba Worth Visiting?
I will say yes to that. Santiago was Cuba’s first capital, so it is historically very interesting.
It has many historical sites, including the old fortress at the entrance of the bay and the cemetery where many prominent historical personalities, including Fidel Castro, are buried.
Santiago is also a great starting point for visiting the beautiful Sierra de Maestra National Park, a vast green area where you can also visit the hidden headquarters of Fidel Castro from the 1950s.
Why Is Santiago de Cuba So Famous?
Santiago de Cuba is famous for being an important historical city and the first capital of Cuba. It is also famous for being the home of the best Cuban rum brands and is considered the “birthplace of the Cuban Revolution.”
Is There A Bus Ride From Havana To Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, there is a bus ride from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. I have made this journey, and it is a long trip – but actually quite comfortable, and it is interesting to travel across the entire Cuba!
The bus trip from Havana to Santiago de Cuba takes between 15 and 20 hours (depending on what departure you choose), and you can check the departure times on the Viazul Bus home page.
NOTE: US citizens can not pay online for the Viazul bus as US credit cards are not allowed in Cuba due to ongoing sanctions. Viazul is also a public bus company, and traveling with them may break the conditions for Americans traveling in Cuba.
Does Santiago de Cuba Have Beaches?
Yes, Santiago de Cuba has beaches. There are not any nice beaches in the immediate vicinity of the city, but east and west of the entrance to Santiago Bay, you find very nice beach areas.
- Playa Siboney is the most famous and popular beach
- Playa La Estrella (the star beach)
- Playa Bueycabon
- Playa de Berraco
- Playa de Juragua
Wrap-Up Casa Particulares Santiago De Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is quite a distance from many other Cuban destinations, but it really is a city and area of Cuba with a lot to offer! Unlike Havana, Santiago de Cuba has fewer of the high-end casa particulares to offer travelers.
That does not seem to be a problem for anyone, based on the many excellent reviews the casas and hosts here receive!
Hopefully, you have been able to find one that suits you, and you just have to plan what to do when you are here.
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