Cuban Culture is a Fascinating Mix
From Salsa to Santeria, Cuba has a reputation for posessing one of the most fascinating and colorful cultures in the world. More diverse than many such small countries, Cuban culture boasts a mixture of traditions, ethnicities, and even religious affiliations, all made their own by the Cuban people. In other words, you won’t find this combination of cultural aspects any where else on earth.
For example, many Cubans are both Catholic and Santerians. And, they have African, Spanish and European mixes of ethnicities, traditions, and histories all rolled into one Cuban mix. Salsa has its roots in Cuba. And don’t forget, one of the most famous and tenacious revolutionaries in history, is Cuban. We’re talking of course about Fidel Castro.
Cuban culture has an exponential effect in many corners of the globe, considering it’s a rather small island country in the Caribbean. Now, with the new administration in Washington, US citizens may yet become more a part of the Cuban experience, as they will possibly be allowed to travel to Cuba.
Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Malecón, Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the classic Cuba stay. By that we mean it’s grand, tropical, impressive, and bustling. Think you know grand? Hotel Nacional de Cuba features turrets, cannons, marble inlaid garden terraces, old Spanish tilework everywhere, and majestic gardens.
Not only is Hotel Nacional de Cuba majestic and exotic and luxurious, it’s got a rich history as well. Its ideal location on a high bluff overlooking the old town made it a key location when the British seiged Cuba for a short time. It’s also a spot where all sorts of pirates and ruffians landed in centuries past.
You can soak up all this rich history while relaxing in the gardens, the terraces, or inside at one of the four restaurants. There’s also a cabaret, six bars, and much much more. All class and elegance, from a bygone era.
Events at Hotel Nacional de Cuba include fasion shows, the Havana International Film Festival, and of course many live performances. Prices start at around US $100 for a standard room and up for more deluxe rooms.
Havana Hotels
Casa Particular Sandelis is clean, well run, and in a great part of Havana. Right across the street from Hotel Nacional, Casa Paraticular Sandelis is just that: a casa. As with many cheap hotels in Cuba, this is a small business, and doesn’t take up the entire building it occupies. It’s on just the sixth floor, and it is occupied frequently. Don’t worry though, the owners will refer you to another cheap hotel in Havana.
At roughtly USD$37 a night, don’t expect the lap of luxury. It’s street parking only, and they don’t take credit cards. Less like a cheap hotel, it’s more of a sublet. With great landlords. They are delightful, and they will even cook for your, or you can use the kitchen yourself. You can see teh Caribbean from the terrace, and the common areas are neat and tidy. It’s budget accommodations in Havana but very doable.
This gem is by far the most luxurious and beautiful hotel in the entire area of Trinidad, Cuba. Restored in 2006, the building faces a park and features marble stairway and atrium ceiling in the grand lobby. The very name: Gan Hotel Iberostar Trinidad is perfect, since just about everything is truly grand. Some rooms have balconies that face the park. The junior suites have separate bath and shower. The bathrooms have phones.
You’ll also love that there are no kids under 15 allowed. Truly grand! The historical building sits beautifully integrated with the rest of the neighborhood, but inside you’ll find completely new and grand decor, furnishings, and every luxury service you’d expect at such a hotel. If you’re staying in central Cuba, Gran Hotel Iborostar Trinidad should be your first choice in accommodations.
Historic Cuba Hotels
June 29, 2009 – Cuba says it’s ready with plenty of hotel rooms, should US citizens come knocking on their door. If the travel ban on USA to Cuba travel is lifted, the tourism industry, and in particular the hoteliers, are ready now. Miguel Figueras, of the Cuban travel ministry, says they’ve been working hard to build top notch Cuba hotels, and the influx of American tourists will be pleasantly surprised with accommodations in Cuba.
Over three quarters of a million U.S. tourists are expected to visit Cuba once the travel ban is lifted. And that’s not even counting families of Cubans from the US, or cruise ship passengers! Cuba will build 30 new hotels whether or not the US tourists come, says Miguel Figueras. That’s 10,000 more rooms, no matter what happens in Washington. Plus, they plan on building lots of golf courses for tourists as well, all by the year 2014.
Tourism experts in the US predict that USA to Cuba travel would increase to somewher between 554,000 and 1.1 million. And that’s from 171,000 in 2005. Will 10,000 Cuba hotel rooms even be enough?
