Dreaming of a change of scenery? Something that might include a warm ocean and a mojito? If you're looking for something a little different than a resort hotel (we're assuming planes will eventually start flying again), I have an idea for you. Just look at these antique tile floors and light fixtures!
In a small step towards private enterprise in 1997, Fidel allowed Cuban residents to rent out spare rooms in their homes. The lodging is known as a "casa particular" and became popular with locals and tourists. We stayed in quite a few when we traipsed around Cuba in 2005 and 2012, really enjoying the adventure of being house guests instead of hotel guests.
They have the flavour of a private home, the hosts were friendly but professional, the rooms were very clean, always with a private bathroom, and always a bargain. Many are in former houses of the wealthy elite from pre-revolution Cuba, the furniture is dated, the ceilings are high, the style is authentic elegance of the era.
Some "casa particulares" are modest apartments or beach cottages, but they all worked for us. The hosts always seem to live on-site but separate from the guest areas.
A Cuban style breakfast was included; other meals were an option: plenty of fish, pork, chicken, rice, plantains, not a lot of variety as anyone who has travelled in Cuba well knows.
This style of accommodation may not be for everyone, but we found it fun and interesting as we travelled around by bus to Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Remedios. Staying in the casas is a way to interact with local people, a little spanish helps a lot but smiles and pantomime would work in a pinch. You directly help the local economy, the homeowner records passport numbers and pays a tax; the customer gets a receipt and enjoys some Cuban hospitality on those decorative old tile floors.
It's such a great concept, pretty much like Airbnb was when it first started, but without the giant company taking their cut. Cubans will be needing the income more than ever whenever the world opens up.
Now I know why I took so many picture all those years. I'm finally looking at them again these days, reliving the experiences and plunking them in my blog. Thank you for reading it!
