As the US continues to ease travel restrictions to Cuba, Americans are seeing more and more opportunities to visit this fascinating island nation, whether by air or by sea. Several US carriers — including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue — have recently added nonstop service to Havana (HAV) from various American cities, so it's easier than ever to get there.
Airbnb began operating in Cuba in 2015 and since then, tens of thousands of Americans have used the home-sharing service to stay there. Cuba is now Airbnb's fastest growing market, with more than 8,000 Cuban homes currently listed on the website.
We decided to take a closer look at Airbnb listings offered around the country and found that outside of Havana, there aren't really too many options that aren't in older homes or shared family apartments. If you're looking for more of a luxury experience, you'll want to stick to the big city. Pay attention to any minimum-night stay requirements and remember to select "entire home" while you search, unless you'd rather have a more immersive cultural experience by sharing the space with a local family.
The vibrant Cuban capital has hundreds of listings to choose from, some that come with rooftop pools, others with sweeping city views, and a few offer both of these things. Without further ado, here's a look at 9 of the most impressive Airbnb options in Havana.
Built in 1910, this vacation rental is true old-school cool. Enjoy the building's original neoclassical architecture or find a cozy spot on the balcony and watch Havana pass by beneath you. The home is only a two-minute walk from the beautiful the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception (or simply Havana Cathedral), and its six beds and accommodation for nine guests make it a great place for a group getaway. Note that there's a two-night minimum stay. Rooms start at $280 a night.
This home is the perfect retreat from noisy, busy downtown Havana. Sunbathe near the pool or step right into the ocean with its direct sea access. The property accommodates up to eight guests and includes air conditioning, which isn't a standard feature in Cuban homes. A two-night stay is required. You'll pay $500 a night and up.
3. Penthouse HV
Penthouse HV occupies the building's 15th and 16th floors, offering amazing panoramic views of the city as well as the waterfront — its private rooftop pool seems to stretch right into the ocean. You'll have to book at least three nights if you want to enjoy this spot's luxury accommodations, but with views like this, it should be an easy decision. Rooms start at $692 a night.
Built in 1930, this eccentric home represents some of the best features of old and new Havana. Relax in one of the property's two hot tubs or take a swim in a swanky hybrid of pool and fountain. Villa Clasica sleeps up to six and requires a two-night stay. Expect to pay at least $418 per night.
This massive luxury apartment is right on the water, can accommodate up to 12 guests and has its own rooftop pool. Plus, its six bedrooms and seven bathrooms make it a great spot for large groups. You'll have access to a gym, air conditioning and sweeping views of the city. At $700 a night and up, it ain't cheap.
Located a little deeper in Havana, this rental home comes with a shared pool, billiards table and lovely garden, making it a great place to stay if you're looking to be social. Note that this Airbnb requires a three-night stay, at $210 per night and up.
This gigantic four-bedroom palace is located with walking distance of the sea, Amadeo Roldán Theatre, the National Ballet of Cuba and scenic Plaza de Villalón. Play a game of billiards at the pool table or find the perfect perch along the property's massive balcony. Daily breakfast is included, or you can pay 30 CUCs (around $33) each way for transportation to and from José Martí International Airport (HAV). This place will set you back upwards of $526 a night.
8. Casa en la Habana Duplex Vistamar
This light-filled condo features a sleek, modern design and sits along Havana's waterfront Malecón. This Airbnb — which has only received 5-star reviews by the way — sleeps up to six and throws in a 10% discount if you stay for a week. Expect to pay $392 per night and up.
9. Penthouse 18
If you're looking for a bohemian experience in Havana, stay in this beautiful Cuban-style penthouse, where the walls are covered with art. You'll find Penthouse 18 in Havana's Miramar district, an area famous for its embassy-lined streets. With five bedrooms, this Airbnb accommodates up to 10 people and comes with a rooftop pool. Rates start at $448 a night.
Bottom Line
Cuba's capital is an amazing city, and whether you're wandering through the streets of Old Havana or enjoying a Cuban cigar along the Malecón, you won't tire of things to do.
If you're thinking of booking an Airbnb stay in Cuba, don't forget to use a credit card that'll earn you travel rewards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Citi Premier® Card, since they both offer 3x points on travel (and dining for the Reserve) purchases worldwide. If you're new to Airbnb, sign up here to get $40 off your first stay.
