Stays That Slay: Cuba Gay-Welcoming Accommodations

For Americans visiting Cuba on our Support For The Cuban People tours, it’s especially important to support locals directly. This means foregoing government-run hotels (which includes the major international chain hotels) in favor of boutique homestays that offer a warm and personalized experience, even though they might be lacking in frills. While homestays can be a tad adventurous in their own right, they’re a wonderful way to get the real Cuban experience. Read on for more info!

Where We Sleep

It may seem there are ‘nicer’ places to stay in Cuba, but the sudden explosion of tourism means dealing with degraded service, inexperienced staff and terrible value for money. ’4-star’ properties feel more like 2-star hotels, and prices have nearly tripled to $400+/night since we began visiting in 2009.

In Havana, we generally share 1 or 2 homestays that are mere steps from each other. In Trinidad, Vinales, and Cienfuegos, we’re more spread out but will have a central meeting point. Washrooms are usually private, and in the rare instance they must be shared, it will only be between 2 solo travellers. But tastemakers be warned: you’ll see neon shower curtains, floral prints on everything, and porcelain tchotchkes dominating every nook and cranny. And while the beds may be firm, you’ll be exhausted from fun-filled days and should sleep soundly.

Check out these photos for a better sense of what awaits:

(NOTE: While the photos below are examples of where we’ve stayed in the past, we can’t guarantee we will be at these exact homestays on upcoming trips. Where we stay will be based on group size and availability.)

Havana

Trinidad

Viñales

Cienfuegos

Where We Eat

The supply of fresh produce (and food in general) has improved dramatically in Cuba, along with the proliferation of little restaurants called ‘paladares’. These are privately run and limited to a single location, or else it would be considered a ‘business.’  Check out some of our favourites below!

Read more about our Cuba Gay Tours or Contact Us to get your adventure started!