Hotels in Cuba: 2025 Guide to the Best Places to Stay

Finding the right hotel in Cuba in 2025 requires navigating not just a range of historic buildings and beachfront resorts, but also a complex set of U.S. travel regulations that directly shape where Americans can legally stay. This guide cuts through the shifting rules to help any international visitor—particularly those traveling from the United States—compare the country’s top accommodation options, understand the current geopolitical landscape, and make a confident booking. We draw on official property information, neutral review platforms, and recent reporting to offer a practical, fact-based starting point.

Last checked: 2026-07-18

Hotel Nacional de Cuba: Iconic historic hotel in Vedado, Havana, overlooking the Malecón · Hotel Sevilla: Elegant hotel in central Havana with great facilities · Capri Hotel Cuba: Popular hotel in Havana · Cuba hotel occupancy: Reported as low due to U.S. pressure campaign (CTV News)

By HotelHunt Editorial Team

November 18, 2025

What is happening with hotels in Cuba?

Cuba’s hotel sector is in a state of notable flux. A 2025 report from CTV News described the country’s hotels as “sitting empty,” attributing the drop in occupancy partly to a renewed U.S. pressure campaign that has made many potential visitors, particularly from North America, hesitant to book. The same regulatory environment that restricts American tourism also sends a signal to other international markets about the stability of Cuba as a holiday destination.

The pattern is visible in the numbers. Online review platforms list a relatively small number of top-rated properties—TripAdvisor, for example, features 10 hotels on its “THE 10 BEST Hotels in Cuba” list—suggesting a market that is both concentrated and highly dependent on a few well-known names. Meanwhile, average starting prices on Booking.com can dip as low as €24 per night, a figure that reflects both the high supply of rooms and the low demand from foreign visitors.

Impact of U.S. policy on hotel occupancy

The regulatory timeline is instructive. On February 6, 2025, OFAC removed the General License for Individual People‑to‑People travel (section 515.565(b)), eliminating a pathway previously used by many U.S. travelers to justify independent trips (Authentic Cuba Tours). Then, on July 14, 2025, OFAC updated the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to further restrict lodging transactions with properties on the Prohibited Accommodations List (Cuba Travel Services).

Can you stay in any hotel in Cuba?

Yes—but with important caveats depending on who you are. For the majority of international visitors from Canada, Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere, most hotels in Cuba are open for normal tourist stays. The primary restrictions apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who must navigate OFAC’s authorized travel categories.

For U.S. travelers, the most commonly used category for independent trips is “support for the Cuban people” (Under30Experiences). This category requires a full-time schedule of activities that support private Cuban businesses and individual Cubans, and it explicitly recommends staying in private accommodations like casas particulares rather than government-run hotels. The Cuba Candela travel guide states plainly that “the U.S. travel rules prohibit Americans from staying at government-owned hotels in Cuba.”

For non-U.S. visitors, the picture is simpler: hotels in Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, and elsewhere are largely accessible through standard booking platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor. Some of the most popular include:

• Hotel Nacional de Cuba – historic landmark in Vedado, overlooking the Malecón
• Hotel Sevilla – central Havana hotel with upgraded amenities
• Capri Hotel Cuba – another well-known Havana property
• All-inclusive resorts in Varadero – large beachfront complexes offering package stays

Each of these properties has its own appeal, but for U.S. travelers, the question is not just which hotel is best—it is which ones are legal.

Booking platforms and restrictions

Most major online travel agencies list Cuban hotels, but Americans should exercise caution. Booking.com and TripAdvisor do not always flag which properties are on the Prohibited Accommodations List. Cuba Travel Services advises that U.S. persons must independently verify a hotel’s ownership status before completing a reservation. The safe default, reinforced by specialists like Under30Experiences, is to book a casa particular through Airbnb or a similar platform.

Is it safe to visit Cuba right now?

Safety is a common concern among prospective visitors, and the available evidence suggests that Cuba remains a generally safe destination for foreign travelers. Specialist operators like Under30Experiences note that most risks relate to logistics—cash access, power outages, and occasional shortages of basic goods—rather than violent crime. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist zones, as it does in many countries, but the overall security environment for visitors is rated as favorable by multiple travel providers.

That said, there are practical hazards that any visitor should plan for:

• Cash is king. U.S. debit and credit cards generally do not work on the island due to sanctions. Plan to carry enough cash in euros, Canadian dollars, or a non‑U.S. currency for your entire stay (EntryCubaForm).
• Travel insurance is mandatory. All visitors must have valid travel insurance covering medical expenses in Cuba.
• Power and water interruptions can occur, particularly outside of major tourist hotels. Private casas particulares may have backup generators, but it is worth confirming in advance.

Can Americans stay at hotels in Cuba?

This is the most consequential question for U.S. travelers, and the answer requires unpacking several layers of regulation. The short answer is: yes, but only in certain hotels, and only under specific OFAC‑authorized travel categories.

U.S. travel categories in detail

As of 2025, the U.S. government recognizes 12 authorized categories for travel to Cuba. The most commonly used by independent travelers is “Support for the Cuban People.” Others include “Family Visits,” “Journalistic Activity,” “Professional Research and Professional Meetings,” “Educational Activities,” “Religious Activities,” “Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Athletic and Other Competitions,” and “Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information or Informational Materials,” among others (EntryCubaForm).

General tourism—defined as a trip with no educational, professional, or people‑to‑people purpose—remains prohibited. Travelers flying from the United States self‑certify their category during booking by selecting one of the 12 options. Legal Cuba Travel notes that “there is no actual license issued. It is an honor system.”

Which hotels are legal for Americans?

The key restriction is that U.S. persons may not lodge at properties on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List—a list that includes most government‑owned hotels. This means many of the high‑profile hotels in Havana and Varadero that dominate generic “best of” lists are off‑limits for American visitors. Specialist tour operators like Cuba Candela explicitly advise that U.S. travelers should avoid state‑run hotels entirely and instead look to the private sector.

The most widely recommended alternative is the casa particular—a licensed private home or apartment that rents rooms to tourists. These are available through platforms like Airbnb and directly through local agencies. Staying in a casa particular aligns directly with the “support for the Cuban people” category because your payment goes to a private individual or family rather than to the state (Under30Experiences).

“Travel to Cuba from the United States for tourism is not allowed under U.S. law. However, it is still possible to visit the island under one of 12 authorized categories of travel.”

— EntryCubaForm editorial team

Some mixed‑ownership or privately operated boutique hotels may also be compliant, but the burden of verification rests entirely on the traveler. Legal Cuba Travel advises working with a U.S.-based Cuba specialist who can pre‑vet accommodations and issue a Certificate of Legal Cuba Travel as part of the booking process.

Comparison of top accommodation options in Cuba

Best accommodation segments for different traveler types

For first‑time visitors and history enthusiasts

If you are visiting Cuba for the first time and are not a U.S. citizen with OFAC constraints, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba offers an unmatched sense of place. Its location on the Malecón in Vedado places you within walking distance of Old Havana, the Museo de la Revolución, and the city’s best cultural sites. The hotel’s own history—hosting celebrities, politicians, and mafia figures over the decades—makes it a destination in itself.

For couples seeking a romantic stay

The Hotel Sevilla provides a more intimate setting in central Havana, with a colonial atmosphere and a popular rooftop bar. It is well‑suited for a weekend getaway. For privacy and a local feel, a high‑end casa particular in the Vedado or Miramar neighborhoods can offer a more personalized, romantic experience.

For budget travelers

Casas particulares are almost always more affordable than hotels, with many rooms starting below €30 per night. They also give direct financial support to Cuban families, which is both a low‑cost and ethically compelling choice. The trade‑off is that amenities are simpler—no pool, no 24‑hour room service—but the cultural immersion can be richer.

For all‑inclusive resort fans

The Varadero beach resorts are the classic Cuban package holiday destination. They offer predictable, all‑inclusive pricing, multiple restaurants, pools, and beach access. However, these resorts are almost entirely government‑owned or joint‑venture properties, making them problematic for U.S. travelers. Non‑U.S. visitors will find them convenient and well‑priced; Americans should look for private boutique hotels in the same area.

Pricing and value in Cuban accommodation

Cuba’s dual‑currency economy makes pricing complex. International visitors typically pay in foreign currency (euros, Canadian dollars, or pounds), and most hotels quote in those currencies. The average starting price for a hotel room can be as low as €24 per night, but this reflects a highly seasonal market with a large supply of rooms and relatively low international demand.

Casas particulares offer the best value for money, with standard rooms ranging from €20 to €60 per night depending on location and quality. A luxury casa in a prime Vedado location may cost €75–€100 per night—still significantly less than a comparable hotel suite. The trade‑off in a casa is limited on‑site facilities (no pool, limited dining), but the base cost is hard to beat.

All‑inclusive resorts in Varadero typically run from €80 to €200 per person per night, depending on the season and the resort tier. For non‑U.S. travelers, this represents a predictable, up‑front cost. For U.S. travelers, again, verification of ownership status is critical.

Regulatory reminder: Due to U.S. sanctions, American credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuban payment terminals. Bringing cash in euros or Canadian dollars is essential, and travelers should budget for conversion fees at government‑run exchange offices (CADECA).

Location and getting there

Most international visitors arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana, which receives direct flights from multiple European and Latin American capitals, as well as from Canada, Mexico, and select U.S. cities under OFAC‑authorized travel categories. From Havana, travelers can reach Varadero (about 140 km east) by bus, private taxi, or rental car. Trinidad (about 330 km southeast) and Viñales (about 180 km west) are also popular destinations connected by main roads.

For U.S. travelers, specialists at Legal Cuba Travel recommend booking flights through a U.S.-based Cuba specialist who can issue a Certificate of Legal Cuba Travel and confirm that your chosen accommodation is compliant with OFAC rules. The average flight time from Miami to Havana is about 45 minutes; from New York, about 3.5 hours.

Timeline: Key regulatory changes affecting hotels in Cuba

• July 14, 2025: OFAC updates Cuban Assets Control Regulations with new restrictions on lodging transactions with properties on the Prohibited Accommodations List (Cuba Travel Services).
• February 6, 2025: OFAC removes the General License for Individual People‑to‑People travel (515.565(b)), eliminating that pathway for independent U.S. visitors (Authentic Cuba Tours).
• June 8, 2022: People‑to‑People guided group visits for U.S. travelers are reinstated, expanding organized trip options that can include vetted, OFAC‑compliant accommodations (Legal Cuba Travel).

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