Cuba hotels

International hotel companies (in allegiance with the state companies) operate many of the larger resorts in north coast package-holiday destinations Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Ensenacho and Cayo Santa Maria.

Guardalavaca, once described by Christopher Columbus as “the most beautiful land I have ever seen”, is now a popular holiday destination, but is still less busy than Varadero, which means prices can be cheaper too.

Many all-inclusive beach resorts around Cuba offer a superior level of service and facilities, including free-form pools, spas, gyms, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, dive schools, water sport centres, restaurants and bars.

There’s a decent selection of good hotels in tourist hotspots such as tobacco-growing Viñales, second city Santiago or the colonial gem of Trinidad. A good tip is to look for state-run Cuban chains which oversee many of the country’s hotels. Cubanacán, especially its Encanto brand, tends to offer the best mid-priced options.

Booking in advance is often a good idea, particularly for Havana and Varadero. The swell of American visitors has seen capacity stretched, especially in the capital’s best addresses, during July-August, at Christmas and Easter, and from January-April.

With respect to price, September and October sees the lowest rates due to the threat of the hurricane season, with price reductions which are usually on all-inclusive, single-centre beach stays.