I have been talking to Dan from CubaTravelUSA.com and he says that availability of casa particulars is greatly reduced due to a Cuban government crackdown on same. As a result, he recommends a hotel at least for the first couple of days.

I might not mind the hotel, but I really don't want to repeat the hassles Sman got into (see his report). I certainly don't want to pay for 2-3 hours with a beautiful chica and get only 1.5. Perish the thought!

I mentioned this in general terms to Dan, and he said that apparently the casas are not supposed to allow you to take chicas back, either. (I happen to know this is true, due to some of the guidebooks I have read; on the other hand, in practice this doesn't seem to happen judging by the accounts I've read here).

He suggests what might be a good compromise: bungalow hotels. Here are a couple of them:

http://www.cubatravelusa.com/comodoro_bungalows.htm
http://www.cubatravelusa.com/acuario_hotel.htm

Apparently the way they work is that you have a separate entrance and key, so no security guards will hassle you. Is this true? As a total newbie, the security of an in-room safe might not be a bad idea for my first trip, especially since I'd like the option of having my chica(s) stay the night.

Does anyone have experience with this option? Does it work as he suggested, or are there some gotchas he didn't tell me about?

Given the time of year I am traveling (December 25-31), might I be wisest to get a hotel reservation for the whole week so I could not be homeless? That's something I fear since most facilities apparently fill up during this period. I would want to do that, of course, only if I felt I could trust the hotel to let me take chicas up.

Many thanks for any thoughts.

D

PS One hint for anyone trying to struggle through the reservation process: Travelocity seems to work much better than the other online travel services. After a bit of tweaking, I was able to get my total fare including assorted charges to $680. Cheaptickets wanted $803 for an inferior itinerary, and I was able to get that only after talking to their rep. A big win for Travelocity if your travel times are truly rigid, as mine were.

Room safes sound nice, but really aren't needed. Just bring a little combo lock for your suitcase. Whenever you get a chica to your room, put your pants & cash directly into your suitcase and lock it. You'll have no problems w/theft.

Davidd, Sman did the Comodoro. It's a hassle there. Send him a Hombremail and see if he doesn't have a better suggestion hotel wise.

From all I've heard, you should still be able to get a casa particular with no hassle this December.

Have a great time - and be sure to post an update when you get back!

DDavid:

DO NOT do the Commodoro Bungalows. That's the same place Dan sent Sman on his first trip against my advice and he had security hassles there. Also the Commodoro is located far out in the suburb called Miramar. It's a beautiful area, but for a newbie who doesn't know his way around it will be a pain in the ass at least at first. If you're going to stay at a state-run hotel, stay at the Telegrafo where I sent Sman for his 2nd trip.

This Dan guy is fucking with you a bit. His job is to sell hotels, not casas. He makes no money on casas. There has not YET been any change in laws nor a reduction in numbers or availability of casas in Havana. That is the fact. There is rampant speculation that after the New Yeard there will be. Stay a few nights in the Telegrafo, then get out and look for a casa. Do not do this with a street tout. Instead hop in a state taxi in the area you're interested in and have the cabbie take you around. that's the best way. I recommend looking away from the touristy areas of Habana Vieja and Centro Habana to get away from hustlers and heavy police.

BTW same advice goes for the Acuario as for the commodoro bungalows: NO GO!

davidd
Dooshbag is exactly right, more security hassles at Comodoro than Telegrafo and bribes $20-$25 at Comodoro, $10-$15 at Telegrafo. Telegrafo, great location for a first timer, in October you couldn't walk 100' without a girl smiling or approaching you. The girls do tend to be more hardcore in this area, but there are some stunners. Dan is a nice guy, but just like the business I am in, if you ask my opinion, I am going to select the option most profitable to me.

Is there an essentially unlimited supply of Casas?

That is, do I need to worry about there being no casas thanks to it being high season, or do people simply open up Casas to fit demand?

What would be a good area for somewhat less hardcore girls? Or are those best left to advanced hombres?

Many thanks.

D

There are 1000's of casas in Havana. Don't worry about "High Season". Less hardcore girls are easier found away from tourist areas. Your ability to get them depends on your Spanish and your charm.

I'll be in Havana in less than a week. Could somebody please recommend a Casa or Apartment where guests will be no problem? Or should I just ask somebody while I'm there to point me in the right direction? THanks.

I'm a first timer headed for Havana in the coming weeks. Anyone going to be around and wants to meet with this rookie canadian for a drink?

Hello fellow Hombres,
I see there hasn't been many updates over the last two years but I'm hoping you can still provide some info fo this 1st timer to Cuba.

I will be going to Havana this coming Friday on Oct 20. Looking for a casa particular and/or anyone else out there who can offer advice/tips.

Hope to have a good weekend and return with a 1st report.

Here is a site I just found! I really want to plan my 2009 trip to Cuba. Any tips would be great as all the info is mostly outdated.
Im very lost in how to really get into Cuba as its so many sites with info and entry requirements!


http://www.cubaccommodation.com/index.php

Hey dude,

It's really simple.

Book a flight to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Then go to caymanairways.com, and book a flight from the Cayman Islands to Havana. They fly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Call Henry at 011-53-7-831-0887 to make a reservation. He speaks English fluently and can guide you to any other destination within Cuba. Use Jonesie's reports as a guide and you can't go wrong

Thanks Wnose - Hope this dont sound dumb but how do I pay for the flight?
My bank card or can I pick it up with a travel agent in GC?

Peace
NW

Go with the travel agent in Grand Cayman.

Call Travel Pros - 1-345-949-8182

Prices seem a bit high.
How much a 4-5 bedroom home, should be going for?

thanks,
CN

Any updates on Casas to stay? Planning a trip in the summer 1st time

Why not just fly to mexico city?