Planning first trip to Cuba. Need advice on:
1. Best area to stay
2. Daily budget
3. Safety concerns
4. Online vs in person?
5. Duration - thinking 7 days
Tips appreciated.
Cuba — hotel recommendations near the action
Started by MapleLeafMike · 2 Mar 2026 · 391 views
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2 Mar 2026 at 05:53
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3 Mar 2026 at 10:38
Agreed on all points. Make sure to book hotels in advance.
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3 Mar 2026 at 12:54
Been going for years. The scene has stayed consistent.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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3 Mar 2026 at 17:03
Adding my experience from last month.
The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more competition.
The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more competition.
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5 Mar 2026 at 11:14
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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7 Mar 2026 at 03:49
Been going for years. The scene has stayed consistent.
Calgary Kevin — Calgary, Canada
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8 Mar 2026 at 19:17
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the new laws came in. Current prices are actually lower than what's described here.
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9 Mar 2026 at 21:16
Not sure I agree about that area. I found the outskirts to be better value.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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10 Mar 2026 at 07:55
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
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11 Mar 2026 at 16:14
I'd also recommend downloading Maps.me before you go. Essential.
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13 Mar 2026 at 04:33
Adding my experience from last month.
The scene has changed a bit since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
The scene has changed a bit since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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13 Mar 2026 at 13:53
This matches my experience. Cuba is one of my favorites.
Winnipeg, Canada | Member since 2024
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14 Mar 2026 at 11:52
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
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14 Mar 2026 at 21:51
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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15 Mar 2026 at 08:05
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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16 Mar 2026 at 02:18
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 9/10 destination.
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
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16 Mar 2026 at 11:58
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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18 Mar 2026 at 01:57
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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19 Mar 2026 at 13:56
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Newcastle Nick
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21 Mar 2026 at 02:26
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the new laws came in. Current prices are higher than what's described here.
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