Are you a Queen or a Vagabond when it comes to requirements for your bed for the night? Wondering where to stay in Cuba for your holiday? Here are my best Cuba accommodation tips, listed by destination.
I have traveled to Cuba regularly for seven years, been based there for two and a half years, and lived “everywhere” across all destinations. In this overview, I will share with you the full range of accommodation options available.
This includes places and city districts in Havana, as well as while traveling around Cuba.
There is a wide range of hostels and casa particulares, as well as high-end hotels, available in all destinations in Cuba. Find the one that is perfect for you.
US Citizens: You Need To Know This
If you are a US citizen visiting Cuba, know that you can still legally visit Cuba.
However, you need to make sure you follow the US regulations for travel to Cuba. One of the important rules you need to follow is not to stay at state-owned hotels, which include most of the largest hotels and resorts in Cuba.
Dont Stay In Cuban State-Owned Hotels
The Cuban state typically owns at least 51% of most hotels and resorts in Cuba, which counts as “owned by the Cuban state”.
There are a handful of privately owned hotels and thousands of privately owned casa particulares across the island, so it will not be difficult to follow this rule.
However, you need to research your preferred hotels and make sure they are not state-owned and that you are “supporting the Cuban people” (one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel), which includes staying at a privately owned accommodation.
If you go to Airbnb, all accommodations listed there are privately owned, and casas are also often the best places to stay for a more authentic experience.
Where To Stay In Havana
One of the best destinations to stay in Cuba is Havana, on the northern shores of the island, where you can “see” straight across to Miami from the Malecon boardwalk.
Whatever sanctuary you are looking for, you are going to find a place to love in the vibrant Cuban capital.
You can find anything from a shared room with a bunk bed for 15 dollars a night to a luxury hotel with a pool, gym, restaurants, Wi-Fi, and beds made to die for.
Five Stars Hotels In Havana
In recent years, there has popped up an increasing number of really good high-end luxury hotels in Havana, although you will not find the all-inclusive resorts here.
These are elegant, modern hotels with great amenities and service, usually located within walking distance of many of Havana’s most popular sights.
However, just a short while ago in 2026, some of the largest international hotel chains pulled out because of the complicated international situation Cuba is in the middle of.
Another complicating factor is that international credit card companies also pulled out of cooperation and presence in Cuba.
For hotels with an online booking system, you can still book with your credit card online, but you may have trouble using the card in the actual hotel when you are there.
For you, this means checking whether the hotel is still open, whether you can book online, and whether you can use your credit card on the hotel grounds when you are there.
These are the hotels I can recommend for your Havana holiday.
- Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in Old Havana by Parque Central (4,5), new, modern, and with a pool
- Iberostar Grand Packard in Old Havana along Prado by the Malecon (4,5), new, modern, and with a huge pool
- Iberostar Parque Central in Old Havana (4,5), older, but elegant, and with a rooftop pool
- Hotel Boutique Casavana in Vedado (5): smaller, elegant, and intimate
- Hotel Melia Habana in Miramar (4): larger hotel with a resort feel
If you would like more detailed information about some of them, you can also read my in-depth article about the best Havana hotels.
Four-Star Hotels And B&Bs In Havana
- Havana Riviera by Iberostar by Paseo, between Vedado and Miramar (4.0)
- Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Vedado (4.4), a national landmark
- La Villa Teresa in La Vibora (4.8), about 15 minutes by taxi from Centro Habana
- Malecon 663 is a B&B between Old Havana and Vedado (4.4) – Also check out the Malecon 663 Roof Top Terrace
Three-Star Hotels And Casa Particulares In Havana
- Hostal Tu Habana
- Casa Buena Vista
- Hostal Colonial Esturias
- Elegancia Suites Habana
- Casa Randy
- Residencia Santa Clara
- Casa Mirador La Colina
- Casa Maura Habana Vieja
- Madero Bed&Breakfast
- Simone LÌtaliano Vero
Where To Stay In Varadero
Although known to be the Caribbean paradise in Cuba, the long, narrow peninsula of Varadero is not just an all-inclusive resort haven for luxury-seeking tourists.
The whole peninsula is basically dense with large resorts on both sides of the peninsula.
Varadero is reputed for having some of the best luxury resorts in Cuba, but there are also other options available. If you want to stay in a casa particular, there are plenty of options, some of which are also located only meters from the famous Varadero Beach.
There is the little city of Matanzas just across the mainland, and also Varadero Town on the peninsula, where you can find private lodging through Airbnb, Hostelworld, or several other apps.
You can fly directly here, or fly into Havana and take a taxi privado or collectivo the two-hour drive west to Varadero.
Five-Star Hotels In Varadero
- Melia International Varadero all-inclusive (4,5) (my review)
- Melia Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa (5): possibly my favorite
- Melia Varadero (5)
- Royalton Hicaco Resort adults only (4,5)
- Iberostar Selection Varadero spa hotel (4,5)
- Melia Las Americas adults only / wellness&spa / golf (4,5)
- Paradisus Princesa del Mar Meliá Resort & Spa (4)
- Mansion Xanadu Hotel Varadero Golf Club (4)
Casas And Other Accommodation Centrally In Varadero
- Pedrito Hostal (5)
- Casa Yairi y Tito (5)
- Casa Carelia y Victor (5)
- Casa de Mary y Angel (5)
- Casa Ileana y Ray (5)
- Casa Marta Margarita (4,5)
- Casa Betty Mar (5)
- Casa Alexis (5)
- Casa Mayan (4,5)
Also read: Reviews Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Varadero
Where To Stay In Trinidad
Trinidad, a UNESCO-protected colonial city, is best known for its remarkably well-kept old city, where much of the architecture has remained untouched for centuries.
In Trinidad City, there is a myriad of casa particulares for rent, whether you pre-book or even just wander the streets to find a bed for the night.
Trinidad is not home to a number of high-end hotels and resorts. Some are located along Playa Ancon Beach, a beautiful Caribbean white sandy stretch around 15 minutes from the center of Trinidad.
Five Star Hotel
- Iberostar Grand Trinidad (Adults only, Trinidad center)
Other Accommodation And Casas in Trinidad
📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: All the information you need to research & plan your Cuba journey!
📍 Can Americans Travel To Cuba? How To Travel From US
📍 42 Legendary Things To Do Havana Cuba! Ultimate Guide
📍 9 Best Tours In Varadero Cuba
📍 19+ Unique Things To Do In Trinidad Cuba
📍 15 Amazing Things To Do In Vinales Cuba
📍 FAQs Cuba Travel
Where To Stay In Cayo Santa Maria
Cayo Santa Maria is one of the Cuban Keys, a triplet of small islands off the northern shores of Cuba, about 5 hours east of Havana by car.
It is also about 1.5 hours from the important revolutionary city of Santa Clara. On these little keys, after driving across the pedraplen to get there, there is nothing but large hotels and resorts.
The only thing missing here is a town; nobody lives in Cayo Santa Maria. If you want to explore other destinations in Cuba, you need to cover some distance.
Five- and Four-Star Resorts in Cayo Santa Maria
- Melia Las Dunas
- Melia Buenavista
- Royalton Cayo Santa Maria Adults Only
- Gran Memories Santa Maria
- Memories Paraiso Beach Resort
- Starfish Cayo Santa Maria
- Valentin Perla Blanca
- Iberostar Selection Ensenachos
- Playa Cayo Santa Maria
- Angsano Cayo Santa Maria
- Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas
- Melia Cayo Santa Maria
- Melia Sol Cayo Santa Maria
Read my more in-depth reviews of 3 wonderful resorts in Cayo Santa Maria if you want more information.
Also read: When Is Hurricane Season In The Caribbean?
Where To Stay In Holguin
Holguin is the fourth largest city in Cuba. It is located in the eastern part, around a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Santiago de Cuba, which has an international airport.
It is an inland city, but it will take you less than an hour to drive from Holguin to the beaches and beach towns on the northwestern shores.
A special feature of the coasts of Holguín is that the beaches are often located between rocky compounds, creating unique stretches of white sand between them.
Five Stars Hotels In Holguin
- Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa (5)
- Sol Rio de Luna y Mares (4)
- Iberostar Selection Holguin (5)
- Hotel Playa Costa Verde (all inclusive)
- Hotel Playa Pesquero Resort Suite & Spa (Eco-friendly)
Cayo Coco & Guillermo
Cayo Coco, with the small satellite islet Cayo Guillermo connected with a bridge, is a wonderful tropical destination for a luxury beach getaway.
These two islets are situated on the northeastern shores of Cuba, a few hours’ drive from Santiago de Cuba and the Sierra Maestra mountains.
Five Stars Hotel In Cayo Coco
- Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
- Grand Muthu Rainbow Hotel Cayo Guillermo
- Melia Cayo Coco (all inclusive)
FAQs Cuba Travel
Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?
This is NOT correct. US citizens ARE ALLOWED to travel to Cuba. There are a set of rules and regulations to follow, but as long as you comply, you can travel to Cuba.
Americans can choose among 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba, determined by the US government. The most common one is “to support the Cuban people”:
Can US citizens travel to Cuba as a tourist?
Technically, US citizens are NOT allowed to travel to Cuba as “tourists”.
Instead, Americans choose between 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel, among which the most common one is “to support the Cuban people”.
Despite this fact, American citizens still need to buy a tourist card, also called a tourist visa, to enter Cuba. Also, make sure you buy the PINK Cuban tourist card (not the green one, and not the eVisa), also called a tourist visa.
Selected airlines sell this visa/tourist card, or you can buy one online.
What are the 12 requirements to travel to Cuba?
You can read about the 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba for US citizens through this link. The easiest and most common reason for Cuba travel is “to help the Cuban people”.
There is no paperwork or application process associated with this; you just choose your reason and state it if anyone asks, which someone might. Especially when checking in at a US airport.
What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?
Nothing happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba, apart from that, hopefully, the US citizen will have a fabulous holiday and adventure getting to know the island and Cuban culture.
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
You need the following documents to travel to Cuba:
- Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry
- Cuban tourist card / tourist visa
- Proof of travel insurance, including health insurance
- Fill out the d’viajero.cu digital document before your journey
Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter Cuba?
No, there is no requirement for specific vaccines prior to entering Cuba.
Still, check your country’s health department’s official pages to see whether there are any national guidelines for vaccines you should consider before entering Cuba.
How Do I get a tourist card for Cuba?
You can buy a tourist card online from, for example, Easy Tourist Card, or from the Cuban embassy in your country.
You might also be able to buy a Cuban tourist card from your airline or at the airport prior to departure.
It is possible to buy a Cuban tourist card at Miami International Airport at the check-in counter with American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
How Do I Get A Tourist Visa For Cuba?
A tourist visa is the same as a tourist card for Cuba. You can buy it from the following places:
- Buy one online from Easy Tourist Card
- Buy one from your airline if they offer this
- Buy one at the airport of departure if they offer this
- Buy one from the Cuban Embassy in your country
Is Travel To Cuba Allowed Right Now?
Yes, Cuba travel is allowed right now. The only nationality with some specific regulations on how to travel to Cuba is US citizens.
American citizens need to choose one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba (Americans can not travel as “tourists”) and follow some simple guidelines for traveling to and in Cuba.
- Travel to “support the Cuban people”
- Stay at private accommodations
- Shop in private shops
Wrap-Up Where To Stay In Cuba!
This is an extensive overview of the best places to stay in Cuba in the most popular destinations and across the star spectrum.
Hopefully, this has not made it more difficult for you to choose!
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What Is Cuba Known For? 22+ Unique Things About Cuba!
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