You can overnight
in Cuba be quite expensive, at least for hotel guests. Although the exchange offer hotels western standard, but the prices do not differ substantially from 3 - or 4-star hotels in France or Italy. If a person has a limited travel budget and also looks for contact to locals, should his stay on the Caribbean island in private accommodation, the "Casas particulares" spend.
Since 1997, there is a law that allows Cubans, more than two rooms for rent to tourists. The state earns too, of course: up to 200 CUC - which are about 152 € - The landlord must pay in taxes per month, no matter whether just high or low season. Given the fact that the monthly income of most Cubans is converted from 10,00 € to 30,00 €, this is a considerable sum.
Thus, the Casas particulares the hotels do not spoil the deal, Uncle Sam can always come up with new restrictions, such as the requirement that no more than two persons may sleep in one room - not very practical for families.
Nevertheless, it seems to be of benefit to many Cubans. The houses are usually in better condition than the average, in the kitchens are not missing any technical assistive devices and many landlords employ women from the neighborhood or circle of friends. There are many private houses in cities like Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santiago. Officially, however, they are forbidden in Cuba, where no competition is tolerated to the many hotels. A state-licensed casa particular is seen by a sign with a blue anchor.
Anyone interested in this accommodation option should consult with a possible current guide or check with other independent travelers. This also know the current price, which is a good basis for negotiation. If the recommended District is already in use to be the guests immediately passed to relatives, friends or neighbors.
recommendations of "helpful" Cubans should be treated with caution. These nice people can be provided by the owner to pay a commission ("Commission"), whereby the price is usually higher by 5.00 CUC - not once, but a day. Many landlords are keen to give their guests to colleagues ("amigas") in the next destination, whatever that may beat again with hidden extra cost of 5.00 CUC per day to book. Who on these more or less forced to contribute to Cuban aid has no desire should take care on your own to the room. In low season this is very simple, because at the bus stop, the tourists inundated with offers.
following private houses I visited on my tour Viñales, Trinidad-Cienfuegos:
Villa Basita
Carretera al Cementerio # 40
Viñales, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
Tel: 793 279 and 52,298,223
The room has two large beds and is equipped with air conditioning and a refrigerator. Basita, the landlady, is a spirited lady early 60s, which is always busy added. When the guest enters the house, she immediately offers him a coffee. In her previous professional life, she was a primary school teacher and therefore has a large network, supplying them with odd jobs. Therefore, they showered their guests with all kinds of service offerings.
is highly recommended the food, because Basita is a gifted cook. Morning at breakfast (3.00 CUC) asks about the wishes for dinner and at the agreed time they will conjure up 7.00 CUC a sumptuous 3-course meal on the table. The
room cost in low season (May) 15.00 CUC.
Hostal "Emiliana y Martín
Frank País # 559 e / Piro Guinart y Pablo P. Girón
Trinidad.SSCuba
Tel: 53 (41) -992 551
mobile: +53 52.4742 million
E-mail: edezulueta@yahoo.es
The room is smaller and darker than in the Basita, but is equipped with the usual standard: air conditioning, refrigerator with bottled water, cola and beer. Even here, the guest has its own bathroom. The special feature of this property is the style: a faithful house next to the old town of Trinidad with a beautiful patio. The owners Martin and Emiliana are retired teachers. Her friendly and at the same time unobtrusive way for me was a real treat after the business-minded to anything Basita in Viñales. The room was in the low season (May) 15.00 CUC, the breakfast costs 3.00 7.00 CUC CUC and dinner.
Nuñez María Suárez
Av. 58, 3705 e/37 altos y 39
Cienfuegos - Cuba CP 55 100
Tel: (053-43) 517 867
's located on the first floor of a house built in the 1950s. In a French guide, it is recognized as one of the best houses in the center of Cienfuegos and therefore above all French guests. The two rooms are very clean and have private bathrooms. The central location is the terrace, where guests eat and share with their roommates travel experiences. Mary is a very friendly older lady. If your room is already full, she is happy to arrange alternative accommodation. The room cost in May 15.00 CUC, the lavish breakfast 4,00 CUC and dinner 7.00 CUC.
© Marlies Moser
0 comments:
Post a Comment