Cuba

[Luna9]

Hi

DH and I are travelling to Cuba in December. I would be grateful for any advice, specially regarding accommodation in Varadero and Habana or other nice beach resort, places to visit,etc

Thank you

There is no internet in Cuba, if you are someone who needs to be constantly connected. You can buy a card to connect per hour & only limited places allow access

You can leave presents for the local people like Western magazines, toiletries, tips

Disconnect from internet & go on some trips or explore

We were in Cuba this time last year. The Royalton Hicacos in Varadero was fabulous- highly recommend it. We also spent a few days in Havana which was a wonderful experience. We got an Airbnb with a local family; much better experience than staying in a hotel. Havana is crazy but really safe. The people are really friendly and helpful.
Have a great time!

Havana is great. We stayed at the Hotel Nacional - it’s very central and has had some very famous guests over the years from Frank Sinatra through to Johnny Depp. The rooms aren’t ‘wow’ but are fine and the lobby and downstairs have an old time glamour feel. It’s a city that feels safe to walk around and explore. The Revolutionary museum was really interesting (but I’m into communist history and possibly might not appeal to everyone so much!). This was years ago but we went to see a number of salsa bands live which was great. It’s a city that has a great atmosphere with its crumbling Spanish architecture, old cars and Che Guevara images everywhere. Loved it! It wasn’t completely without problems though - there were quite a few old Western men with very (very) young Cuban girls which was unpleasant to see.

We only spent a day at Varadero but (and apologies to anyone who liked it) completely not my think - just a stretch of coastline with one AI resort after another. After the very Cuban Havana it was really bland and felt like you could be anywhere. Not somewhere I’d go back to but guess if you’re just looking to sit by a pool for a few days it would be fine.

We did other trips from Havana - Pinar del Rio was interesting. Outside Havana, rural life was very rural, men on horses in the fields and not that many cars on the road.

On another note, the food is absolutely vile - worse I’ve ever eaten anywhere! I’m a pescatarian which made things even more tricky. Take emergency food with you!

My thing not think!

Go and see the giant cactus it’s great. Best part of our trip

We stayed in the iberostar Selection Varadero when we went. We were told it was one of the better hotels. The staff were amazing. We also stayed a night in Hotel Nacional de Cuba whilst in Havana. I agree the rooms were ok as far as Cuba goes but not great in the bigger hotel world. Our sheets were damp and horror, had blankets on them.

Tbf that’s Cuba, like being transported back decades.

The food is the biggest difference. Absolutely no choice and no waste and a weird selection. The Cubans share everything they have but a cheese sandwich and sweet potato mash may not be your thing. One day you may get tomatoes and then never see them again. The roast lamb you had on Monday will be served in stews for the next two days.

I loved it, I loved the people and the music but don’t expect luxury and fine dining.