This article is from the December 1999 - January 2000 The Mexico File newsletter.
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Havana Accommodations

CASAS PARTICULARES

Realizing that tourism was necessary to bring in much needed revenue to the country, but knowing that there was a lack of acceptable accommodations, the government starting allowing the rent of private rooms in houses. You will be approached by commissioned people who will offer to show you some in the area. Many times these are very good deals, and allow you to get a glimpse of Cuban life you might otherwise miss.

We stayed in a great casa particular in the beach town, near Havana, Guanaba. You can find it at Ave. 9na. A No. 47812. Tel: 0053-7-964521 (you can�t call from the U.S.). The proprietor is Sra. Luisa Diaz Acanda. The three rooms are upstairs with a private stair entrance. Each room has a private bath,  huge balcony space, mini-refrigerators stocked with sodas, beer and a bottle of rum.The charge is $30 per room, negotiable.

IN HAVANA

When entering the country, immigration will probably require that you have reservations for at least two nights. Since Havana hotels are often booked, this is a good idea. The hotels we had planned to stay at were booked. And again, it�s hard to book a room from the U.S. directly since one is unable to place phone calls to Cuba.

Find a travel agent in Canada or Mexico to help in that regard. Most of the Havana Vieja hotels, restored and housed in centuries-old mansions, will cost $80-150 during the high season, cheaper in summer. I can highly recommend the Dutch-owned Golden Tulip Parque Central and the newly opened Hotel Florida, a smaller, 35-room hotel with rooms around a gorgeous courtyard. They both have good restaurants and bars. The food at the Golden Tulip is exceptionally good where I had an $8US paella that was the best I have ever had, including Spain. You can reserve a room at the Golden Tulip by calling the Netherlands at 35-284588 or fax 35-284681. Or call Canada at (416) 601-0343, fax (416) 601-0346. The Hotel Florida, built in 1835, is at Calle Obispo #252. The Cuban phone # is 33-8693.

Other good choices are the Hotel Sevilla, The Ambos Mundos, The Inglaterra, The Hotel Nacional (designed nearly identical to Palm Beach�s Breakers Hotel), and the Hotel Plaza. All of these can be booked at A. Nash Travel in Canada. Telephone: 800-818-2004, ext. 221 or 905-238-914, ext. 221, fax: 800- 818-2005.