What to do in Cuba: from beach holidays to historical excursions

Every square kilometer of the island offers its own formula of contrast – bright Spanish colonial architecture coexists with retro cars and rebellious Caribbean rhythms. What do you need to know before traveling to Cuba? First of all, the specifics of legislation, currency, climate, and infrastructure. Preparation begins long before arriving in Havana, Varadero, or Cayo Coco.

What you need to know before traveling to Cuba: visa and entry requirements

Russian citizens can obtain a tourist card at a travel agency or consulate for 20-30 euros. The validity period is 30 days, with the possibility of extension for another month. The document requires filling in all sections without corrections, otherwise entry may be denied. Mandatory requirements include having a return ticket and accommodation reservation for the entire stay.

What you need to know before traveling to Cuba – the country has strict rules for insurance: the policy must cover COVID-19 treatment, preferably with an English description of the conditions. Entry may be denied without insurance, especially when arriving at the airports of Holguin or Trinidad.

Cuba’s currency: two realities in one wallet

Since 2021, only one currency remains in circulation – the Cuban peso (CUP). However, in practice, tourists encounter two realities. State-owned stores and hotels accept CUP, while the private sector actively uses dollars and euros. Exchange rates do not follow the Central Bank’s rate but rather a “tourist” rate – in banks, the rate is lower than at private exchange offices.

A Cuban account card is almost useless: most private services only accept cash. What you need to know before traveling to Cuba – bringing cash in dollars and euros is preferable. Varadero and Cayo Largo accept euros in hotels, but markets and taxis use pesos. Dollars are reluctantly accepted due to a 10% exchange commission.

Cuba’s seasons: when to visit

The climate dictates the rhythm of relaxation. The tourist peak lasts from November to April. The air temperature ranges from +25°C to +30°C, with minimal rainfall and calm Caribbean Sea. Summer brings heat up to +35°C, humidity, and possible tropical hurricanes. From July to October – the season of increased cyclonic activity.

Off-season sees lower prices for accommodation and tours, but there is an increased risk of flight cancellations. Havana and Trinidad feel like a sauna under the open sky in August. In autumn, the island attracts budget travelers, especially to the areas of Holguin and southern Cayo Coco, where storms occur less frequently.

Accommodation in Cuba: what you need to know

Hotels in tourist areas are controlled by the state. Four or five stars do not guarantee a high level of service. Private homes – “casas particulares” – offer home comfort, breakfasts, and a lively cultural experience. Official registration of accommodation is mandatory, even if rented through private platforms.

What you need to know before traveling to Cuba – it is better to book accommodation in advance, especially during the high season. In Varadero and Cayo Largo, most hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, but in Havana and Trinidad, it is more advantageous to rent accommodation from locals – cheaper and more authentic.

Other information about Cuba for tourists: internet, pharmacies, transportation

What you need to know before traveling to the island of freedom – reality differs from stereotypes. Tourists face internet disruptions, limited choice of goods, and slow service. Connecting to the network requires purchasing a Nauta card for 1, 3, or 5 hours. Operators include ETECSA and Cubacel.

Before traveling, tourists should consider:

1. Internet: connectivity is unstable, especially outside the capital.
2. Pharmacies: medicine shortages. It is better to bring a full set of medications.
3. Transportation: Viazul intercity buses are a convenient and safe way to travel. Taxis are expensive, especially in Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo.
4. Payment: Russian bank cards do not work. Cash is preferred.
5. Communication: it is more cost-effective to buy a SIM card at the airport. Internet costs $1 per hour.

Additionally, it is important to note that in some areas of the island, electricity is cut off according to a schedule, especially during peak consumption seasons. It is recommended to preload maps, reservations, and translations for offline access – unstable connection can disrupt plans even in the center of Havana.

Tips: what is important to know before traveling to Cuba

TOP 6 recommendations for preparation:

1. Currency exchange: it is more advantageous to exchange currency with certified individuals, rates are 20-30% higher compared to banks.
2. Food: “paladares” cafes in the private sector offer tastier and cheaper options than hotels.
3. Transportation: renting a car requires local connections and knowledge of routes – roads do not always have signs.
4. Communication: international roaming is extremely expensive – it is better to use local SIM cards.
5. City map: GPS works intermittently, it is better to use offline maps.
6. Clothing: lightweight, natural fabric. An umbrella is essential – rains can occur suddenly.

Additionally, it is important to check the operating hours of museums and attractions in advance – some sites close without warning. When planning your route, it is advisable to rely on real reviews rather than promotional brochures – this will help avoid disappointments.

Conclusion

Cuba is a country that promises unforgettable experiences, vibrant emotions, and full immersion in a unique culture. However, to ensure your trip goes smoothly and without unpleasant surprises, it is important to prepare in advance. Considering the peculiarities of the visa regime, climate specifics, and local infrastructure, you will be able to fully enjoy every minute on the Island of Freedom, leaving all worries behind.

Cuba has long ceased to be just a retro backdrop for social networks with shots of “Che Guevara, rum, convertible”. The island offers infrastructure for a full-fledged holiday at a level where the quality of service competes not with illusion, but with European standards.

The category of good 4-star hotels in Cuba has become the “golden mean” where price and comfort converge without unnecessary drama. The main thing is to choose correctly.

Varadero: an abundance of opportunities

The flagship resort concentrates the infrastructure for the demanding tourist. Here good hotels in Cuba 4 stars combine international level service with affordability and a wide choice.
Hotel Puntarena Playa Caleta offers an all-inclusive system, three swimming pools, three restaurants, direct access to the 20-kilometre beach and evening shows with live music.

The hotels breakfasts include not only the standard omelettes, but also fruit in season, Cuban coffee and freshly baked pastries.

Indicators of average booking value:

• July-August season – from 95 USD/night;
• low season – from 72 USD/night;
• The average check of the tour with flight – from 1100 USD for 7 nights for two people.

The resort offers not only luxurious beaches, but also a variety of comfortable accommodation options where quality is as good as price. It is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy their holidays in comfort without overpaying for exclusivity.

Capital overlooking the Malecon

Havana has long gone beyond stereotypes. Behind the colonial facades are boutique hotels where service is not an option, but the foundation.

The boutique complex Elegancia Suites Habana is positioned as an urban resort with a limited number of rooms and high personalised service. The staff speaks four languages, provides transfers and a choice of breakfast, and the interior is mid-twentieth-century style with signature accents.

Among Cuba’s good 4-star hotels, other standouts include:

1. La Siguaraya – ethno design, library, organic menu.
2. El Encanto de Perseverancia is a retro loft concept overlooking the Malecon.
3. La Rosa de Ortega is a secluded villa in the La Lisa area, with 6 rooms and a spa area.

The cost of accommodation in these locations starts from 110 USD/night in high season.

Unabridged reviews: what tourists write

Real reviews of Cuba 4 star hotels illustrate not only the facts, but also the sentiment. Among the key aspects noted by tourists:

1. Service Stability. The staff is trained to international standards and works without “Latin American rush”.
2. Diversity in nutrition. Even outside the major resorts, fresh fish, tropical fruits and natural juices are served.
3. Clean and tidy. Rooms are cleaned daily, beaches are cleaned twice a day.
4. Attention to detail. Personalised greetings, room compliments, bicycle hire and tour escorts are all included in the package.

It’s details like this that make a holiday not just enjoyable, but truly memorable. Tourists note that even with 4 stars you can feel care, which is not always found in five-star service.

East Leisure Line

On the east coast is the Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort, one of the leaders among Cuba’s good 4 star hotels with a focus on family holidays.
The complex has its own zoo, water park, kids clubs and certified diving school.

The Holguín resort provides quietness, distance from noisy tourist centres and nature without interference.

Another example is Memories Cayo Largo. The hotel is aimed at couples and organised groups and operates on an adults-only format. Guests appreciate private beaches, non-standard room design and a gastronomic zone with author’s cuisine.

Boutique versus mass-market

Havana offers La Reserva Vedado, an Art Deco architectural masterpiece restored after a renovation with original furnishings.

Boutique hotels like Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton are replacing standard accommodation models.

The all-inclusive format is giving way to “only the best offers” – in a package where the guest shapes the service to suit him or her: from personalised menus to excursions on request.

Top 7 good 4 star hotels in Cuba: a choice that won’t disappoint

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean holiday in comfort but without overpaying for luxury, these 4-star resorts are a great solution. The selection includes only tried and tested places with a high level of service, Cuban atmosphere and excellent reviews.

Sol Caribe Beach, Varadero:

• direct access to the beach;
• three swimming pools, water bar;
• all-inclusive system, five restaurants;
• average cost – from 120 USD/night.

Hotel Puntarena Playa Caleta:

• congress hall, gym, SPA;
• expanded breakfast menu;
• panoramic rooms with terraces.

Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton, Havana:

• loft design;
• haute cuisine restaurant;
• vintage car transfer is included in the package.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort:

• three levels of pools;
• activities for children and adults;
• private beach, surf school.

Memories Cayo Largo:

• for adults only;
• private gazebos on the beach;
• gastronomic parties.

La Rosa de Ortega:

• panoramic view of the city;
• eco-interior;
• breakfast with local ingredients.

El Encanto de Perseverancia:

• music lounge;
• author’s interior;
• location near the cultural centre.

These hotels are not just a place to sleep, but part of the Cuba experience: with its flavours, rhythms and morning coffee with a view. Each one is special in its own way, but all with a decent level of comfort and a real Cuban soul.

Reservations and prices: figures without surprises

Hotels 4 star Cuba prices range from 72 to 145 USD per night depending on season and geography.

Booking directly through the sites allows you to avoid commissions and get personalised offers: free upgrades, late check-out, dinner as a gift.

The statistics show:

• 83% of 4-star hotel bookings are made 2-4 weeks before the trip;
• over 65% of guests are tourists from Europe, particularly Germany, France and Italy;
• Up to 90% of positive reviews are accompanied by mention of a comfortable beach, high level of food and quality sleep.

With such great deals and high level of service, Cuba remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers from all over the world.

Tourism without surprises: expectations and reality

Good 4 star hotels in Cuba are up to the stated level when the right region and concept is chosen.

Havana provides a completely different dynamic. Boutique hotels such as La Siguaraya focus on privacy, signature architecture, atypical excursions, intellectual holidays. Here, the all-inclusive standard is replaced by an emphasis on cultural programmes, organic food, and local practices.

Islands, including Cayo Largo, offer ideal conditions for seclusion and immersion in untouched nature. In hotels like Memories Cayo Largo, tourists are accompanied rather than entertained. They do not compete in the number of cocktails, but create an atmosphere of being outside of time.

Breakfast is like a level litmus

Breakfast in 4* hotels serves as a marker of quality. It is here that the real level of service is revealed – not in the number of towels, but in the details.

Sol Caribe Beach serves fresh guava, omelette with a choice of fillings, traditional Cuban coffee, as well as local handmade desserts. Chefs are present at the buffet line, overseeing the serving of food, and responding to guest requests in real time.

Elegancia Suites Habana has introduced the concept of personalised breakfasts: each morning the menu is personalised, taking into account preferences and allergies.

Why 4 is not a compromise, but a choice

4-star hotels in Cuba are not “almost 5” or “slightly above average”, but a separate category with a clear logic.

Infrastructure is present here, but without pathos. Meals – varied, but not overloaded. Service – polite, but without intrusiveness. Tourists get comfort, privacy and stability without overpaying for marble in the bathroom and champagne on schedule.

According to reviews, 78 per cent of guests staying in good 4-star hotels in Cuba rated the value for money as “high” or “optimal”.

Good 4 star hotels in Cuba: conclusions

Cuba’s good 4-star hotels are forming a new tourist standard for the country. This is not a “convenient in-between”, but a conscious choice of those looking for balance: between service and nature, comfort and authenticity.

Choosing the right resort allows you to get the most out of your trip: a holiday that doesn’t require adjustments. A level proven in practice, an atmosphere that stays in the memory longer than a photo by the cabriolet.