Page 256 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

254  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

accommodation does not suit
everyone, and not all sites are
open to foreigners. These camping
sites often operate more like a
holiday village, with daytime and
evening recreational activities.
Casual tent-pitching or sleeping
out on beaches is not permitted
in Cuba.

Private Rooms
Renting rooms in casas
particulares (private homes) is Romantic, candle-lit pier at the Meliá
an excellent arrangement for Buenavista, Cayo Santa María (see p259)
visitors who want to meet locals
and experience everyday Cuban someone you have met casually
life first-hand. To make the best on the street to take you to a
of the opportunity, it will help private home. They may be an
The Hotel Moka, in the Sierra del Rosario, a to have a smattering of Spanish. unreliable hustler, who receives
favourite with ecotourists (see p258) Besides single rooms, small commission from the owners;
private apartments are also and that commission would be
Conservation-conscious holidays available to rent. You can often added to the price you pay.
in unspoiled landscapes are find very comfortable living If you are pleased with the
available from a few hotels that quarters in historic buildings, accommodation in a private
operate as ecological tourism particularly in old cities like home, ask the owners for
centres. These are found in the Trinidad and parts of Havana. recommended addresses in
Pinar del Río area and in the The proverbial Cuban other places that you intend to
Sierra del Rosario, near Marea hospitality makes this type visit: this should provide some
del Portillo (in the Sierra Maestra) of accommodation guarantee of similar
and Baracoa. Many centres also particularly pleasant: standards. Houses
organize excursions, such as after all, living in a legally authorized to
birdwatching and fishing trips. private home is the let out rooms can be
simplest and best recognized by the
way to feel part of sticker on the door.
Camping
a place. Another The sticker used for casas When you arrive, the
Besides some modest camping advan tage is that particulares licensed owners will request a
sites reserved for Cubans, there are the home owners for rental passport, as they are
other campismos (camping sites) and their families obliged by law to
run by Cubamar Viajes, located in can offer suggestions on what register your personal data with
or near nature reserves and along to see and where to eat. Cuban authorities. It is advisable
the coast. Despite being described Numerous casas particulares to call ahead to any casa you
as camping sites, accommodation are included in the hotel listings have booked to confirm that
is in fact in cabañas (bungalows). on pp256–63, and are classified you do intend to stay.
The sites usually have a restaurant here as B&Bs. Try also to get There are no official lists of
and a pool. personal recommendations from home owners offering rooms,
The quality of the cabañas people you know and trust. On but more information can be
varies, but they are usually simple the whole, avoid taking advice obtained by visiting www.
and clean. However, this type of from strangers, and do not allow cubacasas.net.

Accommodation in the María La Gorda hotel, particularly popular with divers, Guanahacibibes (see p258)

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