Havana Travel Forum

Hello,

Me and my friend, both around 30 year old men are arriving at the start of June for 3 weeks stay in Cuba, and would like to book a hotel (cheap if possible) in advance for the first 3 nights till be get our bearings. Would it be best to contact the hotels directly or use booking websites ? Also what would the daily budget be if we were to stay in casa particulars , do some travelling and enjoy the nightlife.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Tom

try cuba-junky.com

hi there,

i was in cuba this past february. most casa particulars are about 25 a night for one person. for 2 in the same room probably around 30 per night. i stayed in central havana and it was a very convenient part of the town. obispo is a pedestrian only street and there are a lot of fun bars (llvvia de oro) and restaurants there. also just before obispo, on the same street as el floridita, there are 2 fun bars just down the street on opposite corners--bar monserrate is one. beer was usually 1.50 and drinks from 2.00 to 4.00 average. you can find places to eat for really cheap. the food is usally pretty cheap at the bars and pretty good as well. i got dinners for under 5.00 at the bars. i couldn't use my credit cards there since i am from the us so i had to pay cash for everything and lost a lot in exchanges. if you can use credit cards it will be better for you in places. i would book a hotel or casa like you said just so you can get your bearings.
check out www.supertravelcuba.com
and lonely planet cuba
you can book online through both.

i booked a hotel online through supertravelcuba

enjoy cuba. it is a great experience.

tom

thanks very much for the replys.
tom.

one more question. i am from the rep of ireland, will i be able to use a mastercard credit card in cuba or what is the best way to deal with money in Cuba ?


regards

tom

hi tom,

you should be fine with your credit cards. i couldn't use mine because i am from the united states. you will want to use your cards for most big expenses. it will save you quite a bit of money. you will still need cash for the bars and your smaller expenses. you will mostly use the cuc which is the currency used mostly by tourists and taken at all the bars and restaurants. i only used the other currency one time and that was in cienfuegos. i lost a third of my money on fees and exchanges.

tom