Just a Week in Eastern Cuba

Hotel Inglaterra

This hotel has seen better days and has mainly internal rooms but it was once an elegant hotel and still has excellent public areas. It is ideally placed right on the Parque Cespedes, close to the  Gran Teatro, where you can see the Cuban National Ballet if you arrive at the right time, and the Capitolio.

Hotel Islazul Niquero

Niquero

Hotel Niquero is the largest building in this small working town and is a good base from which to explore the extreme west of the Granma province. It has 26 rooms split across 3 floors all with a/c, satellite tv, radio, telephone, mini-refrigerators and bathrooms refurnished in 2002 with modern fixtures. Rooms are medium in size and some have views. It is  a functional 2/3* (best in area) with restaurant and roof top bar area. Strong smell of molasses from the local sugar factory which dominates this small town.

The hotel does not have a swimming pool or garden but does have a restaurant open to the public and car parking available.

Villa Santo Domingo

Sierra Maestra

Villa Santo Domingo is a series of well maintained and equipped cabanas with a central reception and restaurant in a beautiful setting deep in the foothills of the Sierra Maestra mountain range. The river Yara runs close to the complex and you can walk and meander at leisure in the vicinity but you must have a guide if you wish to go walking in the Sierra maestra. The cabanas are simply furnished, clean, with private bathroom and have air-conditioning. The staff are warm and friendly and English is spoken. Due to the rural location there may be occasional power cuts and we suggest you bring a travel torch just in case.

This is an essential first night stay for anyone wishing to go to La Plata or starting the Turquino trail. NB you are not allowed to go trekking in Sierra Maestra without a guide.

Hotel Villa El Salton, Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra

Within a couple of hours drive from Bayamo or Santiago de Cuba, Villa El Salton is located in the middle of the Sierra Maestra, Cuba’s highest mountain range, surrounded by beautiful scenery. There is a natural cascade and pool. This small hotel is set within a delightful verdant setting, the staff come from the local rural community and are warm and welcoming. The rooms are spacious and adequate with air-conditioning and balconies and there is a lovely traditional restaurant terrace and patio area. English is spoken and the hotel has excellent naturalist guides who will be delighted to take you on longer or shorter trails to explore this beautiful area.

Hotel facilities include cafeteria, sauna, bar, entertainment, gym, games room, and medical services.

Hostal San Basilio

Santiago de Cuba

Hostal San Basilio was restored from a 1920’s colonial style city home and retains many original features, as well as offering comfortable amenities. The Hostal has just 8 fairly large twin rooms, each with good décor, private bathroom and hot water. However rooms do not have wifi access and there is no swimming pool or restaurant as such, but a simple breakfast is served daily. The great thing about San Basilio is its location, just a 2 minute walk to the main Cespedes Square. The downside is that the square can be noisy at night with revellers and traffic.

Hotel El Castillo

El Castillo (originally Seboruco Castle built in 1739) is a characterful mid-sized 3* hotel right in the centre of Baracoa. The hotel was developed from one of the original forts protecting the town and has panoramic views of this beautiful area.  The hotel is attractive, very comfortable with an excellent  swimming pool  and patio area. The staff are efficient and friendly. There are steps leading up to the hotel or you can walk up the steep driveway to the hotel entrance. There are plenty of taxis available. It is possible to drive straight to the entrance and limited parking is available. This in our view is probably the nicest hotel in the area and one of our favourites. Most rooms are twin bedded and have air-conditioning, TV.

Hotel Villa Maguana

northeast of Santiago

Overlooking a small cove alongside  Maguana beach, this tiny complex of 4 wood built cabins each comprising of 4 separate units is in a truly delightful setting and perfect for people who enjoy peace and quiet and the sound of the sea. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, the staff are delightful and there is a restaurant. A truly idyllic retreat with snorkelling close by but there is no actual official snorkelling here. Villa Maguana is also ideally situated for those wishing to explore the Alexander Humboldt National Park and is only 22 kms from Baracoa.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, parking area, laundry service and private beach.

Hotel Playa Pesquero

near Guardalavaca

Very nice for a huge all-inclusive resort and certainly our hotel of choice in Guardalavaca. Set back from a lovely white, soft sand beach with turquoise waters, this hotel is popular with honeymooners and families who can all find space in spacious grounds and by the very large swimming pool. There is plenty to keep you entertained, with your choice of 7 restaurants, lobby bar, aqua bar, beer garden, and entertainment theatre, sports club with ping pong, aerobics, mini soccer, water polo, beach volley, basketball, archery, mini bowling, mini-golf, dancing classes, Spanish language classes, tennis courts, squash courts, and (motorless) water sports! On-site baby and mini-club make it a good choice for families too.

Hotel E La Avellaneda, Camaguey

Opened in 2014, the boutique hotel Encanto La Avellaneda is a small hotel in the centre of Camaguey. Its 9 rooms are located around a colonial courtyard,  all rooms have air conditioning, hairdryer, minibar, safe and satellite TV.

Hotel America, Santa Clara

Santa Clara

A recently opened hotel situated in central Santa Clara, close by to the Central Park.  All 27 rooms have private bathrooms with hote water, air-conditioning and tv's.  The interior rooms do not have windows, but are larger and quieter than the exterior rooms.

Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, bar and breakfast area.

Hotel America does not have a lift, so is not ideal for people with mobility issues.

Playa Giron

Hotel E Velasco

Calle Contreras e/Santa Teresa y Ayuntamiento, Mat