Cuba hotels where to stay.

Hotels in Cuba are best planned around the rhythm of the island: vibrant culture, historic architecture and a tropical climate that shapes day-to-day travel. Cuba is typically split into a dry, relatively cooler season from late November to mid-April and a rainy, muggy season from late April to early November—so travellers often prioritise the winter months for comfort and reliability.

For a first trip, Havana is the natural hub. Stay around Havana Vieja, where you can step between landmarks such as Plaza de la Catedral and the seafront atmosphere of El Malecón. For a more relaxed, nature-led break, consider a base in Viñales (for the dramatic limestone scenery of the Viñales Valley). A popular add-on is Varadero, a beach town on the Hicacos Peninsula, backed by the protected Hicacos Point Natural Park / Varahicacos area.

Best cities/areas to base yourself - Havana (Havana Vieja / Centro Habana / Vedado): easiest access to museums, galleries and day trips, plus the widest choice of hotel styles (from guesthouses to apartment-style stays). - Viñales: ideal for hiking and countryside tours; choose accommodation that reduces transfer time to valley viewpoints. - Varadero (including the wider Hicacos area): best for beach-first itineraries, with excursions to nearby caves and natural reservations.

When to go Aim for late November to mid-April for drier weather and milder temperatures. If you travel in May–October, expect warmer, more humid conditions and brief rainy spells, with higher disruption risk during unsettled periods.

Getting around Intercity travel is usually done by long-distance buses (notably Víazul), shared taxis/colectivos and domestic flights where available, while local movement in Havana is often by taxi or on foot. Choosing one or two bases (rather than moving daily) makes the biggest difference to overall comfort and logistics.

Example bookable stays include Casa Maura Habana Vieja (Havana), El81 Guesthouse (Havana), La Rosa de Ortega (Havana), Casa Particular Villa El Coral (Viñales) and Casa Botello (Havana).