Cuba’s best 5-star hotels in 2025: where to stay

Cuba is an island in the Caribbean and a unique place where culture, nature and history intertwine. Here you can relax on white-sand beaches and dive into the underwater world. It’s a pleasure to stroll through the narrow streets of ancient towns and sample traditional dishes. What else to do in Cuba? This question worries many travellers, because the choice is incredibly wide. In this article, we will answer it in detail.

Variety of entertainment on the island

The island attracts tourists with its exotic landscapes, warm ocean waters and rich heritage. Varadero is great for beach holidays. In Old Havana you can visit historical excursions. Active leisure lovers will enjoy diving, yachting and surfing. All this makes the trip bright and unforgettable.

Cuba’s beaches: where to find perfect sand and azure water

Golden sand and azure waters – the beaches here are known for being clean and exotic.

Cuba has over 200 beaches and each has its own unique atmosphere. The most popular ones are:

1. Varadero is Cuba’s main resort and offers a comfortable holiday environment. There are luxurious hotels, cosy restaurants and entertainment centres.
2. Playa Pilar is one of the most picturesque places on the island. The white sand, clear water and rich underwater world make it ideal for a secluded holiday.
3. Cayo Coco is a protected area with stunning nature. Here you can see pink flamingos, walk through mangrove forests and enjoy the silence.

For lovers of active holidays in Cuba, the beaches offer plenty of entertainment:

• Surfing – great waves at Playa Los Cocos and Playa Baracoa;
• Kitesurfing – popular spots in Cayo Guillermo and Punta Canaque;
• Diving – stunning underwater landscapes off the coast of Cayo Largo. Here you can see shipwrecks, caves and exotic marine life;
• Yachting – travelling along the coast of Cuba, exploring wild beaches and uninhabited islands.

The choice of beach depends on preference: a luxury hotel, diving by the reefs or surfing the ocean waves. Cuba offers a variety of holiday options, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.

Cuba’s colonial architecture: a living legacy of the Spanish era

Cuba’s architecture is the epitome of Spanish influence. The buildings built in the XVI-XVIII centuries still preserve the atmosphere of those times. The island is rich not only in natural beauty, but also in architectural monuments. Many of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Old Havana is a true open-air museum. Narrow streets, old houses, balconies with wrought iron lattices and majestic cathedrals. The central square, surrounded by baroque buildings, looks as if time has stopped here. In Trinidad, it feels like time has stood still. The narrow streets are paved with stone and the houses are painted in soft pastel colours. You can smell the aroma of cane rum in the air.

Camagüey is known for its confusing layout. The city was built to confuse the pirates who frequently raided the area.

Each city in Cuba tells its own story, intertwining culture, revolution and the heritage of past centuries.

What to see in Cuba: top historical and natural sights

Cuba is not only about beaches, but also about its rich history, nature and revolutionary spirit. Among the must-see places to visit, stand out:

1. The Che Guevara Mausoleum is a memorial complex in Santa Clara where the remains of the revolutionary rest. Personal belongings and photographs are displayed here. The exhibition tells about his life and his role in the Cuban Revolution.
2. Bellamar Cave is Cuba’s oldest cave, more than 300,000 years old. Its galleries are decorated with giant stalactites, stalagmites and underground reservoirs with crystal clear water.
3. Humboldt National Park is a protected natural area with a unique natural environment. It is home to rare species of birds, amphibians and plants. Walks along the reserve’s routes allow you to see Cuba in all its natural beauty.
4. The Viñales Valley is a natural park where the best tobacco in Cuba is grown. Here you can visit the farms and learn about the cigar-making process. The surrounding area is impressive with picturesque limestone mountains covered with dense greenery. These landscapes create an unforgettable atmosphere.
5. Santiago de Cuba is a city rich in history and culture. It is worth visiting the Castillo del Morro fortress, checking out the museums and enjoying live Cuban music in the local clubs.

Cuban cuisine: what to try

Cuba’s culinary traditions are a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean traditions. The main ingredients are rice, beans, pork, seafood, tropical fruits and aromatic spices.

National dishes that are worth trying:

1. Ropa Vieja – beef stewed with vegetables and spices in a rich tomato sauce. It is Cuba’s most famous dish, served with rice or fried bananas.
2. Moros y Cristianos is a traditional Cuban dish consisting of black beans and white rice. It symbolises the fusion of Spanish and African culinary traditions.
3. Tostones are fried green bananas that are first mashed, then re-roasted to achieve a crunchy texture. They are served with garlic sauce.
4. Vaca Frita – roasted beef with lime and onion, giving the meat a crispy crust and intense flavour.
5. Arroz con Pollo is a Cuban version of chicken and rice cooked with spices, vegetables and saffron.

Cuba’s best restaurants offer traditional dishes with rich flavours. In addition, street markets and small cafés offer authentic local cuisine. Here you can enjoy your meal in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

What to do in Cuba?

The island offers endless possibilities for holidays. Here you can enjoy the ocean, explore nature, diving, yachting or surfing. History lovers will discover fascinating excursions, and gourmets – new gastronomic experiences. Cuba is more than just a holiday. It is a complete immersion into the atmosphere of the Caribbean, where culture, history and exoticism are intertwined.

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.