Santiago de Cuba Travel Guide

Santiago de Cuba, capital of the province of Santiago, is the second most important capital in the country, and is an artistic and cultural centre of great prominence in the history of Cuba.

Visitors have the chance to enjoy historical tours in the midst of marvelous natural landscapes.

In Cuba, it is common to come across private houses with rooms for rent at very reasonable prices. These houses are ideal options for those who wish to get to know a little more of the culture of the country. By staying with local people, you will have the chance to experience their customs and enjoy their hospitality. Among the most recommendable of these houses is the one belonging to Magdalena Grau Carbonell, close to the Parque Marte, on Calle Aguilera 772, and the Neda Lara Lara's house on Calle Sagarra, 524. Both of them offer spacious, clean and comfortable rooms, as well as excellent service and attention.

In the city centre there are several different options, among which is the Hotel Rex, on Avenida Victoriano Garzón 710, offering excellent accommodation only a few steps away from the Catedral de Santiago, at very reasonable prices indeed.

Hotel Libertad on Avenida Aguilera, recently refurbished, offers good service in a very central location. Hotel Venus on Calle Hartmann is the perfect option for those who are traveling on a tight budget, although it does not offer the same facilities as most other hotels in the area.

Hotel Las Américas, on the avenue bearing the same name is popular among tourists and Latin Americans alike, and offers good quality service and moderate prices. Other advantages of this hotel are its convenient location and its disco, Havana Club, a favorite among both Cubans and foreigners.

Balcón del Caribe on the Carretera del Morro, is on the outskirts of the city and is the obvious place to stay for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

If you are traveling with the whole family, Villa Gaviota on the Avenida Manduley and Villa San Juan on the road to Siboney are both excellent choices. They both have a wide range of services and facilities, and they are both on the outskirts of the city.

For business travelers, the Versailles hotel, very close to the airport, is the best option, as it offers all the facilities required by executives and business people stopping in the island.

For those who are after true comfort, try the Hotel Casa Granda, on Calle Heredia, in front of Parque Céspedes, right in the middle of the historical centre, with a pleasant terrace bar which offers a truly stunning view of the Bay of Santiago. The Santiago de Cuba hotel, on Avenida de las Américas, is part of the Spanish chain Meliá. It is a spacious building, and includes its own gym, swimming pools, disco and many other facilities which are bound to make your stay unforgettable.

The Hotel Balneario del Sol is in Baconao, in the east of Santiago, and is perfect for those into water sports. The Villa Daiquirí hotel is the perfect choice for those beach lovers out there.

There is, of course, another option for those adventurous and young spirits who enjoy camping. Camping Playa Larga offers the chance to enjoy the beach in the most natural and relaxed way, at very reasonable prices. There is also the Hotel Club Amigo Bucanero, on the road to Baconao, km. 4, for those who wish to get away from the stress of the city and relax, or practice water sports. The hotel has a private beach and very comfortable rooms.

If you come to Cuba, please don't miss out on coming to Santiago, the capital of the East; it is bound to be a truly unforgettable experience.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 320