5 star hotels in Cuba

But first a rule that we know from many other holiday destinations: not all 4-star hotels are the same. Especially not in Cuba. In a country where time sometimes stands still and where the motto of our great-grandparents "make new from old" still applies today, it is not only classic cars that are taken apart hundreds of times and reassembled with spare parts. And in a country where you can (fortunately) take a break from limitless consumption, you shouldn't expect to find accommodation in Cuba where the colour of the curtains matches the bed linen on the latest box-spring bed.

Kempinski is the latest to put paid to this statement. The hotel chain recently opened the very first luxury hotel in Cuba. We don't miss out on this and find a modern restored colonial building with a standard that we know from home (and from Kempinski). The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski Havana in the heart of the charming old town is definitely one of the best hotels in Cuba (and also one of the most expensive). In addition to a spa area and fitness centre, the 5-star hotel in Havana also has a shopping arcade with exclusive products. But an absolute highlight of what is probably the best hotel in Havana at the moment is the roof terrace - the pool offers a unique view of the old town and the Capitol. Nothing stands in the way of a 5-star Cuban luxury holiday here. Except for the price, which ranges from 390 to around 2200 euros for an overnight stay.

For those who don't want to spend quite so much, we also have a few 3-4 star hotels in Cuba's most beautiful areas. It's worth looking beyond the city walls of Havana, because a holiday in the Caribbean means so much more than Havana and the beach.

The 3-star Hotel Villa Maguana is a secret Cuba travel tip for real nature lovers who like it quiet and unspoilt! In the far east of the island, around 20 kilometres and 30 minutes' drive from the city of Baracoa, you will find this small, authentic Cuba hotel in a fantastic location: right on one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and not far from the green Humboldt National Park. This Cuba accommodation is furnished in an ecological style with four rustic wooden houses, each with four lovingly furnished rooms with large balconies and sea views. An extensive 2 km stretch of wild sandy beach lies directly in front of the hotel complex. Together with the shimmering turquoise sea and the green foothills of the Humboldt National Park in the background, this corner of the world looks like something out of a picture book. However, if you are looking for a tourist infrastructure, this is not the place for you. Apart from a few small paladares (privately run restaurants), there is nothing but nature around the hotel! You won't find any beach bars or pools here. Even if the journey to this Cuba hotel is a little arduous, as the roads suffer from a few potholes, the arduous journey is well worth it in the end!

Breakfast is served at the 3-star Hotel Jazmines Vinales with a breathtaking panoramic view of the fertile Vinales Valley with tobacco plantations and conical cliffs - the Cuba Hotel Los Jazmines in the green west of the island offers this and much more. With its magnificent view and location in the middle of nature, it is one of the most beautiful hotels in Cuba. The good 3-star Kuba Hotel in Vinales also offers a large pool that invites you to relax and is a perfect starting point for hikes in the surrounding area. A visit to the beautiful Vinales Valley is a must on your trip to Cuba? Our Vinales travel module is the perfect addition to your individual trip.

The community of Las Terrazas in the Sierra del Rosario biosphere reserve is a unique project in Cuba. It is the result of a UNESCO initiative from 1971 with the aim of reforesting the region. In the 1990s, however, state funding was withdrawn from the initiative in Las Terrazas, so that it had to finance itself and the development of a sustainable tourism project began. Part of this project was the construction of the Kuba Hotel Moka, which is still the only hotel in Las Terrazas and one of the most unique hotels in Cuba. The Hotel Moka blends harmoniously into its surroundings; a large tree grows in the centre of the lobby and creates direct contact with nature. With its 42 rooms, pool and garden, the 4* Hotel Moka is one of the most popular hotels in Cuba and should not be missed on any individual trip through Cuba. Would you like to include Las Terrazas in your individual trip? Simply use our Las Terrazas travel module.

Are you one of those people who don't want to worry about anything on holiday and just want to relax on a sun lounger in the fine sand? Most people associate an all-inclusive holiday in Cuba with Varadero. The Cuba Hotel ROC Arenas Doradas is one of the most popular hotels in Varadero and a great option for anyone planning an all-inclusive Cuba holiday. The 4-star hotel in Varadero has a large pool area surrounded by tropical gardens and is located directly on the paradisiacal Playa de los Tainos beach. There are various ways to get active during your stay at the Cuba Hotel ROC Arenas Doradas: On land, for example, table tennis, billiards, aerobics and tennis are on offer, while in the water there is a choice of windsurfing, jet skiing and pedal boating, among other activities. The various restaurants at the Cuban all-inclusive resort offer something for everyone. This all-inclusive hotel in Varadero is also suitable for families.

Our Cuba travel tip: Is the distance to Cuba too far for an all-inclusive beach holiday, but still want to enjoy Cuba's most beautiful beaches to the full? Then combine a one-week round trip, which lets you experience the country intensively, with a subsequent five-day all-inclusive beach holiday at the ROC Arenas Doradas! >>Make a non-binding enquiry here.

However, if you want to get particularly close to the Cubans and get to know their daily life, the best place to stay is in a casa particular. What is that? The translation clarifies: private home. For some years now, Cubans have been allowed to rent out their own flats to tourists. In the casas particulares, the rooms on offer are connected to the landlords' private rooms, making it easy to get in touch with the Cubans. In a casa particular in Cuba, you live next door to your "host family", so to speak, and are therefore at the source of Cuba travel tips from locals.

The standard of a casa particular in Cuba usually corresponds to that of a guesthouse in this country, while the service is often similar to that of a 5-star hotel: casa particular owners look after their guests very attentively. The catering is often comparable to a visit to your grandma's house. After all, you are a guest in a private home instead of just a number among (very) many hotel customers. Make sure you are served a freshly prepared, typical Cuban meal! Our travel tip for Cuba: Don't book meals at a casa particular in advance, but as required on site (this way they will make sure that you definitely want a second breakfast after the first).

There are casas particulares in Havana in a wide variety of neighbourhoods. Casas Particulares are particularly popular in the historic centre of Habana Vieja, but also in Vedado and Miramar. Sprachcaffe works with numerous casas particulares in Havana and other regions of Cuba. Would you like to find out more about casas particulares in Havana or other areas? We would be happy to advise you without obligation.

Who is a casa particular suitable for? For anyone looking for "real" Cuba accommodation.

Who is a Cuba casa particular not for? For anyone who needs modern furnishings and comprehensive facilities (safe, hairdryer, soaps).

Unfortunately, we can only show you a small selection of our favourite Cuba hotels here. Would you like to find out more about different types of accommodation in Cuba? Just send us a message or give us a call. We'll be happy to give you detailed travel tips for Cuba. Or collect ideas for your next holiday in Cuba in our diverse Cuba travel offer.