Casa Particulares in Cuba
Since 1997
the Cuban government allows residents to rent 2 rooms in their houses
to tourists, they are called Casas Particulares.
The owners
of the Casas help to promote their homes by distributing business cards,
and by advertising on websites such as www.Cuba-Junky.com. You often will
get these cards while traveling around Cuba. |
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Cubans
with a special license can rent up to two rooms in their homes
to foreigners. You can recognize them from the street by seeing
the blue signs (see picture), Casas owners must post this sign
on their front doors. The signs will read: 'Arrendador Divisa.
If
you choose to stay in a Casa Particular, you'll pay average 20
cuc a night; meals are extra. E.g. Breakfast is 3 cuc, and dinner
is about 7 cuc, however, prices will vary between cities and towns.
The owners of the blue or green triangle (see the sign above)
Casas pay the government 50 cuc per month for the sign, and in
addition, pay between 100-250 cuc as a tax to the government,
depending on its location. |
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What does it cost?
Average
prices of casa particulares in CUC
(convertible pesos) per room lodging only |
 |
| Havana 25-35 |
Baracoa 15 -20 |
| Trinidad 20-25 |
Holguin 15-25 |
| Vinales 15-20 |
Santiago 20-30 |
| Santa Clara 20 |
Cardenas 25 |
| Cienfuegos 20-30 |
Varadero …
no legal Casas Particulares ! |
Remind,
its all about value, the better the casa the more you will pay of course.
Could be the casa has a shared bathroom with others, or a private bathroom.
Just 1 room or a whole private appartement with livingroom and kitchen.
A better area of the city or a very nice view ... All depends ...
Cuba-Junky strives to offer the better casas, with airconditioning and
private bathroom |
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How to make a reservation?
In this website you will find the casa particulares by city and region. Click the casa for its details and make your reservation online. Some casas are connected by a direct bookings engine, others will your request be answered by Pototo our man in Havana
One
more thing about reservations ...
Casa
owners really want to have their rooms full everyday if possible of course
It happens when you enter the casa you reserved and it seems occupied
by other people who showed up earlier that day or wanted to stay some
extra nights ....
I agree,
it is not a proffesional way to do business but please do not blame the
casa owner, but understand such things happen because:
- The casa
owner have to pay a huge monthly tax to rent out rooms, some 300 cuc
per month, they have to pay this tax even if they have guests or not!
- Many tourists
make a reservation but do not show up since you do not have to pay in
advance
When such
a thing happens the casa owner will ALWAYS have an alternative for you
which has at least the same conditions you are looking for and sometimes
even better. Don't worry you will get a great place to stay.
Be smart
and call 1 day before or the same day early in the morning to confirm
your stay. |
We, Cuba-Junky,
strive to do "business" with the more proffesional casa particulares.
The Cuba-Junky Special Casas are casa particulares with whom we have a very good relationship, trusty casas we know and work with for a looooong time. |
How
to find a Casa Particular by yourself?
You will mention, by entering each city, people will ask you if you need
a casa. Mostly these are the so-called jineteros, they get a commission
for bringing you to a Casa.
I agree, it can be really disturbing to have these jineteros around you all the time ...
So another alternative can be ... buy our Casa Particular Directory. In this handy wire-O booklet we have listed over 500 addresses of casa particulares, lost of them with phone numbers and some even with their GPS details.
Casa Particular Directory |
Illegal
Casa Particulares
In lots of
cities in Cuba you also can stay in illegal casas. Remind that you can
get kicked out in the middle of the night when they get a visit from official
people who check the casas from time to time. Besides this, the owner
risks his house because this is one of the fines in Cuba when managing
an illegal casa particular ... Cuba-Junky personally, when staying in
a casa particular in Cuba, does not want to be responsible for such thing
happening ...
Cities like
Varadero do not have legal casa particulares because the Cuban Government
does not give permission in this area to start one, so all casas you will
get offered are illegal.
In Varadero
you better stay in a hotel or the most nearby legal casas are in Matanzas
and Cardenas |
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