Cuba is hot. So hot that there are reports some of the major hotels in places like Trinidad and Cienfuegos are moving their European clients to lesser properties to make room for all of the Americans trying to book. What does this mean for nonrev’s? Well don’t expect many, if any, interline rates at properties in Cuba any time soon.
In fact some forecasts call for Cuba not to have enough hotel rooms well into 2020. It takes a long time in Cuba to build new properties due to the shortage of construction material and the government red tape.
This is why cruises are expected to be popular, and full, for the next several years going to Cuba. Even they will be held back by the lack of infrastructure to handle the crowds.
So your best bet on a decent room in Cuba? [Content protected for Members of InterlineTravel.com only, Sign up and join today! No Charge!]
Jim Janelle says
This is a great help as I am thinking of non-revving to Cuba this fall. Already a member of AirBnB. Are there hostel options in Havana?
Steve Cosgrove says
Probably but I am not aware of them. The rates are so good with AirBnB I would go that route and you get to stay with locals which are very nice and great on giving you suggestions on where to go and how to get around.
Bonnie Morton says
Steve,
Can you give me any ideas on how to get to CUBA? I’ve checked out the Airbnb deals and they are fantastic. I’m wanting to go in April ’16. Can you advise the best way to go, ie.. flights, etc. Also, do you know of any tours I could get there??
ps.. I’m AA flight attendant.
Steve Cosgrove says
We can book you on a legal tour of Cuba. You are welcomed to try it also on your own. While Havana will be easy the rest of the island won’t be as there are no ATM’s and they don’t take US currency on the island. To get there buy a ticket on a charter from Miami (but you need to have booked a tour) or look at Cubana from CUN. There are also flights to Havana from Nassau, Montego Bay and Toronto.
Bonnie Morton says
Steve, Can you tell me how I can contact you
about booking a legal tour. The prices I have seen have been outrageously expensive. I’m not sure I want to take the chance of going from outside the US… Not sure how to book the charter… Help?!
Steve Cosgrove says
800 766-2911 is our number. The tours are not cheap as Fidel is keeping prices high for Americans and the tours have to include virtually everything from the tour guide to meals, to transportation to admissions to all sights, etc, etc. The hotels are packed to the point of kicking out the Europeans who pay less so they can cram in more American’s who have to pay more. Again, no cheap tours to Cuba. No interline rates, no interline discounts, right now it is what it is but well worth the trip as it is truely a step back in time going there. I went 2 years ago and do not regret it for a minute. In 10 years it will be commmercialized and a different destination than it is now.
Bonnie Morton says
Ok.. that is what I was afraid of… $$$ I don’t want to wait until it becomes too commercial. I just tried calling and left a msg with someone at your office with my number. Give me a call if you get a chance to talk about just how much the tours are.
thanks.
Bonnie
Steve Cosgrove says
I am in a rush as I leave town in the AM for NYC and the Anthem of the Seas. I have asked one of my agents who has some experience in these tours to call you tomorrow. If you still have questions I will be back on Saturday and will be able to call you then if you need me to.
dianne davis says
Are any of the cruise lines adding Cuba to any of their existing itineraries?
Steve Cosgrove says
not at this time. There are a couple of cruise options but none are cheap and all sail pretty much only to ports in Cuba. If that might be of interest to you call our office and any of the agents can get you quotes and get you booked.
Patricia Davis says
Hi do you have any updates of places to stay in Havana Cuba?
Steve Cosgrove says
US Travel agencies are not allowed to book hotels in Cuba unless they are part of a legal tour. Check Air BnB for options for now.