Above : Cayo Las Brujas © maribel balius, pbase.com •}• Gran Piedra Santiago © sven marrisen, pbase.com

On this unique page, we've collected — after much research — the quasi totality of the 55 less-than-50-room hotels on the island of which some 14 are on a beach, another 12 on or near mountains or near large nature parks.

Over a few short years, Cuban hotel chains (logos below) have built some of these little havens or have astutely renovated some large colonial palaces of yesteryears for the benefit of travellers. Ideal for those who can't find a casa or who prefer a hotel atmosphere, even if per night and per person rates are higher than in private homes.

Certain addresses have kept a well-polished personality, others attract their clientele through their history. Contrary to casas particulares which can only take pesos convertibles for payment, these hotels can debit your Visa or Mastercard and other Eurocards, if you're strapped for cash.

NOTA BENE
Since April 2008, Cubans can go to these hotels as well as tourists. They are therefore expected to be significantly more popular than ever - given that their rates are often very affordable - especially from April to November : book in advance if you can.

AVOID WEEKENDS
Many Cubans invade the premises — rightfully so — looking for action and fun and this may not go well with travellers looking for rest and recuperation : bring ear plugs if you can't stay midweek. See public holidays list on wiki here

FULL LIST OF 175+ HOTELS
A comprehensive list of more than 175 hotels in Cuba - small, large, quiet or noisy - is on debbie's reviews here.

YOUTH HOSTELS LIST
Hosteling International (hihostels) offers members of the International Youth Hostels association travelling to Cuba with a valid membership card some eight small hotel properties on the island; liste here.

TO BOOK BY PHONE
• from Canada and the USA :
dial 011 53 (and the phone # preceded by the (city code).

• from Europe, the U.K., Scandinavia and Mexico :
dial 00 53 (and the phone # preceded by the (city code).

HOSTAL LA HABANERA - 33 rooms
Los Maceos 124, e/Maravi y Frank Pais
Tel. (21) 4-5225, 4-5273 concuba@enet.cu

It's right in the heart of town. Boasts the best ("watch-me-watch-you") terrace in town — on the pedestrian street.

HOTEL LA RUSA - 12 rooms
Maximo Gomez 161, e/Pelayo Cuervo y Ciro Frias
Tel. (21) 430-11 Photo

On the Malecon, this hotel has a unique place in Cuban history : both the Che and Fidel have slept there. The Russian princess at its origin (hence the name) supported the Revolucion and through her, the famous Farola mountain road was built.

EL CASTILLO - 34 rooms
Loma del Paraiso Tel. (21) 451-94, 451-65

For exclusive views of the sea, the bay and el Yunque mountain. From the swimming pool, atop the town.

VILLA MAGUANA - 16 rooms
On Maguana beach, 20 km west of Baracoa along the north coast, on the road to Moa. Tel. (21) 64-5165

Reopened in November 2006, one finds a feeling of a secret island in the Pacific. But hurry up : even at 75cuc for the room for 2 including breakfast, because some say that by 2015 this area will "boast" 5,000 rooms in yet another imitation of Guardalavaca. Photo

HOTEL ISLAZUL ROYALTON - 33 rooms
Antonio Maceo 53, e/General Garcia & José Palma
Tel. (23) 42-22-90, 42-22-24

Built in the Forties, recently renovated in a spartan decor, its location is its main attraction : right on Plaza de la Libertad, a lovely and peaceful town square, our favourite in Cuba.

HOTEL ESCUELA TELEGRAFO - 12 rooms
Jose Antonio Saco 108, e/General Garcia & Donato Marmol
Tel. (23) 42-5510, 42-7372, 42-7373, 42-7374 directora_at_ehtgr.co.cu

A Hotel and Tourism School is using this hotel from 1925. Decoration is odd in certain rooms but the personel is able and willing in its two restaurants, each with a bar.

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

BRISAS DEL MAR - 12 rooms
Carretera Playa Final in Caibarien (At the end of the beach road.)
Tel. (42) 351-699

Make ends meet while being close to the rich cayos. Here, on a tiny isthmus with a mini playa, modest and comfortable rooms.

HOTEL COLON - 47 rooms
Republica 472, e/San Jose y San Martin Tel. (32) 28-3346, 25-1520, 28-3368 comazul@teleda.get.cma.net

Brillantly renovated, this jewel built in the Twenties will enchant you, once you enter the lobby : marble, wood and tiles in its patio central around which are located the (too) small bedrooms. Ask for a "suite matrimonial". Photo

VILLA MARINERA - 11 rooms
Marina Cayo Largo del Sur, archipel de los Canarreos
Tel. (45) 24-83-84 Fax (45) 24-82-12

Paradise-like stretch of beach, wooden cabinas en bois with a nice balcony. All facing the nearby sea. Small swimming pol, laid-back restaurant and marina. Photo

VILLA SOLEDAD - 24 rooms
Cayo Largo del Sur, on the los Canarreos archipelago
Tel. (45) 24-81-11 Fax (45) 24-82-01

Colourful bungalows and semi-detached houses with mini-bar and balcony. No pool nor restaurant. Really quiet vacations. Photo+

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

PALACIO AZUL - 7 rooms
Calle 37, # 1003, entre 12 y 14, exactly facing Miriam Aguilera's casa on Punta Gorda. Tel. (43) 55-58-28

This 1920's colonial has kept some of its original patina even though it was completely overhauled in 2007. The large bedrooms are well-furnished. Only breakfasts are served. It may not be chic but the bill will not shock. Photo

HOTEL FARO LUNA - 46 rooms
Carretera de Pasacaballo, 18 km from centre of Cienfuegos, seaside, before reaching the actual faro or lighthouse Tel. (43) 54-80-30 Photos

Essentially for scuba divers who stay in nice albeit modest cabinas. Its beach is made up of stones, rather uncomfortable for fragile feet. The "dive widows" can console themselves with the shows at the Dolphinarium next door. Photo

The building, a Victorian-style house was built early last century in Punta Gorda, an area declared a National Monument and part of thevariety of famous buildings such as the Club Cienfuegos, the Palacio del Valle, Hotel Jagua, the restaurant El Cochinito, the Marina and the Covadonga.

HOTEL UNION - 49 rooms
Calle 31, angle 54, town center. Tel. (43) 55-10-03 Fax (43) 55-16-85

Some tourists claim the best lodging spot in town is this recently restored 19th century neo-classical hotel. It's compact, with an indoor patio and small pool overseen by a glass-enclosed elevator. Photo

HOTEL ISLAZUL CAIMANERA - 19 rooms
Loma Norte, Caimanera, province Guantanamo. Mandatory reservations. Tel. (21) 994-14 ou 99-416 comazul@teleda.get.cma.net

Situated some 24 km from the town of Guantanamo in Caimanera (pop. 12.000). Before the Revolucion, the citizens supplied the US Base with staff and Caimanera had visitors from both Cuba and Jamaïca. Now, barely 400 hardy tourists make the detour to get here as one has to show passports to go throuhg a no man's land in Boqueron then take a ferry.

VILLA MIRADOR DE MAYABE - 24 rooms
Altura de Mayabe, km 8,5 Tel. (24) 42-21-60 or 42-54-98

Dominating the valley and city of Holguin, one stays there especially for the views (or for a rest after climbing the stairs to get here, saving the taxi ride) and for its forested area behind its installations.

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

BATEY DON PEDRO - 10 cabinas
On the Zapata peninsula, north of the bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos) and barely 1 km south of Jaguey Grande and the trans-island autoroute. Photo Tel. (45) 91-2825, 91-3224 minturcienaga_at_enet.cu

Rustic cabins (8 doubles, 2 quads) in a traditional farm setting — wooden buildings — located 20 mins. from the coast. Bird watching, walking in nature and budding fisher persons will enjoy the setting and low rates. Photos

HOTEL RANCHO DEL TESORO - 34 rooms
Carretera de la Fe, km 2.5 from the capital of the Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud), Nueva Gerona Tel. (46) 32-30-35

Very basic amenities in a three-storey block-like building 2,5 k's from the capital. May be ideal for groups (we saw a baseball team there). The staff may not pamper you but the tv is linked to a satellite and it's in the bar.

VILLA ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD - 20 rooms
Carretera de la Fe, km 1.5 km from the capital of the Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud), Nueva Gerona Tel. (46) 32-32-90

Quite popular with the citizens of the capital coming dip in the pool on weekends. With its atmosphere of the island's golden years when there were thousands of students around the world and that the teachers made it their headquarters.

HOTEL COLONY - 24 rooms
Carretera Siguanea, km 42 from the capital of the Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud), Nueva Gerona. Tel. (46) 39-82-82

On the peninsula of Punta Frances, this is nirvana for lovers of scuba diving, snorkelling, fish and beautiful underwater landscapes to cut (or almost ...) away. Rooms in the original building and bungalows just over. The must is the bar and grill down the long dock. Photos

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

HOTEL VUELTABAJO - 39 rooms
Calle Marti 103, corner Rafael Morales, right in town. Tel. (48) 75-93-81

Its two floors in the heart of the city have been renovated with taste. Lobby, bar and rooms are proof. This is not the case of the restaurant and food.

HOTEL MIRADOR - 30 rooms
Calle 23 y Final in San Diego de los Baños, 60 km northeast of Pinar del Rio Tel. (48) 77-83-38

Near a river at the end of this village in the wild, this picturesque hotel is built on two floors overlooking a large manicured garden and a mini pool. Noted for its programs in fitness, massage and a range of body treatments.

GUAMA - 44 rooms
A few k's from the autoroute, on the ay to the bay of Pigs and playa Giron and 2 km from Playa Larga. Tel. (45) 91-551

On the Treasure lake (Laguna del Tesoro), in a place once inhabited by the indigenous Tainos on the island - celebrated here - here are cabins scattered round on small islands on the vast lake.

VILLA GRAN PIEDRA - 22 cabinas
Carretera Gran Piedra km 14,5 Tel (22) 68-63-93, 68-61-47, 68-63-95

Some 14 k's from Santiago de Cuba, the highest hotel on the island is in a niche 200 meters above sea level in an old coffee plantation. Associated with the Gran Piedra and Parque Nacional Natural Park Baconao, its cabin comfort summary of brick and stone welcome nature lovers and voluntary simplicity.

HOTEL MASCOTTE - 10 rooms
Maximo Gomez 114, e/P Margal y A del Rio, Plaza Marti Tel. (42) 39-51-44 Fax (42) 39-53-27 Part of new boutique-hotel chain of Cubanacan, called "E Hoteles"

Since its renovation (the charming bar, a dining room opening onto the plaza, the rooms given to the modern), the Mascotte is probably the social center of this historic city. Strongly worth a visit, especially during the crazy Parrandas.

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

HOSTAL DEL RIJO - 16 rooms
Honorato del Castillo 12 Tel. (41) 285-88 Fax (41) 285-77 damaris@hostalrijo.co.cu Photo

This is a well kept secret, this converted colonial offering very affordable rates in the heart of the ciudad. Large rooms well equipped and tastefully decorated with a colonial touch, some with balcony on the square.

HOSTAL PLAZA - 27 rooms
Independencia 11, angle Avenida de los Martires, Plaza Serafin Sanchez Tel. (41) 271-02 Fax (41) 269-40 reserva@gcplaza.gca.cma.net

With its good value for money, the recently renovated with taste (rattan well distributed in the lobby), the dining room and bedroom colonial in character, the Plaza on the main is a must.

GRAN HOTEL ESCUELA - 15 rooms
Jose Antonio Saco (Enramada) 312, angle Hartmann (Anc. San Felix) Tel (22) 65-3020

A few blocks from Parque Cespedes - the heart of the city - in a hyperactive and noisy area, the GHE rents basic bedrooms with air conditioning fridge for 30-40cuc: it is the local hotel school.

HOSTAL SAN BASILIO - 8 bedrooms
Bartolomé Maso 403, e/Porfirio Valiente (anc. Calvario) y Carniceria. Tel. (22) 65-1702 ou 65-1687 electronic@cubanacan.cyt.cu

Double including breakfast for 54cuc in this vast colonial renovated, pleasant walking distance of the center. Atmosphere rather friendly: the personnel navigates in narrow rooms including the dining room located practically in the kitchen. Makes one think of Fawlty Towers.

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

HOTEL MOKA - 31 rooms
Las Terrazas, Autopista Nacional Habana-Pinar del Rio
Tel. (48) 77-81-31 Fax (48) 57-86-05

The Moka combines ecology and harmony of accommodation in the nature. Rooms comfortable but far from affordable in a charming and bucolic. Photos

IBEROSTAR GRAN HOTEL TRINIDAD - 40 rooms
Jose Marti 262, e/Lino Perez y Colon, Parque Cespedes
Tel. (41) 99-6073

Small, unlike its gigantic rates. Must be stupid or rich to pay as much here for breakfast for one night in one of the many beautiful colonial city. What you pay for breakfast here can get you a room for two in casa particular. The free lobby wi-fi connection (if you consume from the bar) is its only true quality.

HOTEL DOS MARES, VARADERO - 34 rooms
Calle 53, corner Avenida Primera, Varadero Tel. (45) 61-27-02

Really not your typical seaside resort. Au contraire, painted yellow and white, it looks like a huge casa on the Aegean sea. Bedrooms are small and there's a cosy bar in the semi-basement. Rates : 50-60cuc for a double room. Web page here.

HOTEL LEDO, VARADERO - 19 rooms
Avenida de Playa, corner 43, Varadero Tel. (45) 61-32-06

According to Rough Guides : "A tiny, slightly cramped but likeable hotel over the road from the beach. It has only the bare minimum of facilities, but it's one of the cheapest spots in Varadero and a good choice if you want to avoid the larger, uglier, dated hotels in the same price category. Rates : 50-60cuc Others say the Ledo rents apartments for $35 per night.

HOTEL PULLMAN, VARADERO - 16 rooms
Avenida Primera entre 49 et 50, Varadero Tel. (45) 61-27-02

Some say its tower gives it a toy-like look and its atmosphere is more city-like than sea-like. It is rather modern with a nice patina and its exterior with recognizable arches; located downtown, it's only a few meters walk from the sea. The staff shows a welcoming hospitality and exudes calm and respect. Relaxed service.

VILLA SOTAVENTO, VARADERO - 36 rooms
Avenida Primera, angle 13, Varadero. Tel. (45) 66-71-32

The Sotavento is made up of an ensemble of 6 buildings including about 25 casas located on one or two-floor buildings located seaside. Each unit has its own private bathroom, satellite TV, telephone, air-conditioning and wall safe, beach chairs.

RANCHO SAN VICENTE - 54 rooms
Carretera Puerto Esperanza, Km 33 Tel. (48) 79-62-01, 79-62-21

In a cool valley, cabins scattered on the side of the mountain offer all modern travelers in search of tranquility and fresh air. The pool and bar and a nice restaurant will welcome walkers, birdwatchers and other trekkers in search of support.

Click > Infos on province (F) • Web

Updated 07.11.2015