Slumming it in Cuba??

[destillat]

So I found a dirt cheap Redtag deal for the Cran Caribe Cayo Largo in Cuba. Just over $400 for 4 nights.
Never been to Cuba before, and never been to such a 'bargain basement' resort either.
Reviews are mostly good. I'll be travelling alone, so all I really care about is lots of booze and relaxation to decompress for a few days.
Anyone have any experience with these lower-end resorts, particularly in Cuba?
Also, since I've never been to Cuba before, do USD work? I've heard numerous stories that all seem to conflict each other.
Any advice/experience is greatly appreciated!

 

[danmand]

So I found a dirt cheap Redtag deal for the Cran Caribe Cayo Largo in Cuba. Just over $400 for 4 nights.
Never been to Cuba before, and never been to such a 'bargain basement' resort either.
Reviews are mostly good. I'll be travelling alone, so all I really care about is lots of booze and relaxation to decompress for a few days.
Anyone have any experience with these lower-end resorts, particularly in Cuba?
Also, since I've never been to Cuba before, do USD work? I've heard numerous stories that all seem to conflict each other.
Any advice/experience is greatly appreciated!

I go there quite often, next week, actually. The all inclusive resorts are dirt cheap right now. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the accomodation and the beach. The food is a little different because they have different raw materials than we have, but they import a lot from Europe, and the cheeses and the spanish wine is good. I would say in general, deduct 1 star from the rating.
I cannot comment on the availability of women, have never gone to Cuba for hobbying. It used to be that cubans were not allowed as guests on the resorts, but that sems to have changed lately, as I have seen cuban families there.

 

[destillat]

Thanks!
My goal isn't really to hobby, just to relax for a few days.
If I hook up with a fellow guest or the maid, then so be it, but if not, no biggie.
What about cash? Will USD suffice for buying stuff and tips?

 

[CUPID]

USD does work there but you get a much better rate on Canadian funds. Money can only be exchanged within the country and the rates are fixed at 1x1 ratio for the Cuc (tourists pesos) with a small exchange fee (typically $2 or so per $100).
I was in Cuba just last week and really enjoyed it. I stayed at Paradisio Princess Del Mar in Varadero, it was $1025 per person and very nice. Most places do charge a lot for a single supplement so if you can find someone to join you it's worth it. We traveled to The Bay Of Pigs and walked into a very lower end resort, it did feel like a horror movie set and made me happy we spent the extra money.
Food is really bad at the lower end resorts, I suggest bringing your own hot sauces and spices to cover the bland tastes. Also bring donations of old tools, eyeglasses, toys, clothing, shoes and things to give to locals. They really appreciate them.

 

[avxl1003]

So I found a dirt cheap Redtag deal for the Cran Caribe Cayo Largo in Cuba. Just over $400 for 4 nights.
Never been to Cuba before, and never been to such a 'bargain basement' resort either.
Reviews are mostly good. I'll be travelling alone, so all I really care about is lots of booze and relaxation to decompress for a few days.
Anyone have any experience with these lower-end resorts, particularly in Cuba?
Also, since I've never been to Cuba before, do USD work? I've heard numerous stories that all seem to conflict each other.
Any advice/experience is greatly appreciated!

Last I was in Cuba USD wasn't accepted anywhere (even at the banks). So don't bring it.

Generally you are expected convert your CAD to CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) at the airport or at your hotel. CUC is the "tourist dollar" (separate from the regular Cuban Peso) which is pegged at the American Dollar exchange rate... Do NOT get swindled into exchanging CAD for actual Cuban Pesos.. You will get ripped off.

Bear in mind they only convert bills, no coins. So leave the shrapnel at home.

I've been to both high end resorts and low end resorts.. I like the lower end ones better.. The reason is you get a better crowd at the lower end resorts.. People who are just there to enjoy the sun and get drunk (and fuck if you're lucky).. The higher end resorts tend to have a bunch of people that are too focused on their tans..

Also, don't expect anything good in the food department.. Unless you enjoy fresh seafood (which I don't), the food there is pretty miserable..

Be sure to bring "gifts" for the wait staff, gardeners, room service staff, etc.,. And by gifts I mean gently used clothing, hats, first-aid kits, etc.,. These people don't have access to much, and often material things are appreciated more than money.

 

[danmand]

Last I was in Cuba USD wasn't accepted anywhere (even at the banks). So don't bring it.

Generally you are expected convert your CAD to CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) at the airport or at your hotel. CUC is the "tourist dollar" (separate from the regular Cuban Peso) which is pegged at the American Dollar exchange rate... Do NOT get swindled into exchanging CAD for actual Cuban Pesos.. You will get ripped off.

Bear in mind they only convert bills, no coins. So leave the shrapnel at home.

I've been to both high end resorts and low end resorts.. I like the lower end ones better.. The reason is you get a better crowd at the lower end resorts.. People who are just there to enjoy the sun and get drunk (and fuck if you're lucky).. The higher end resorts tend to have a bunch of people that are too focused on their tans..

Also, don't expect anything good in the food department.. Unless you enjoy fresh seafood (which I don't), the food there is pretty miserable..

Be sure to bring "gifts" for the wait staff, gardeners, room service staff, etc.,. And by gifts I mean gently used clothing, hats, first-aid kits, etc.,. These people don't have access to much, and often material things are appreciated more than money.

$US is accepted, but there is a 10% tax on exchanges to the convertable peso.

 

[CUPID]

Last I was in Cuba USD wasn't accepted anywhere (even at the banks). So don't bring it.

It was excepted last week when I went there at the banks and hotels. Just a worse rate of exchange than Canadian.

 

[avxl1003]

It was excepted last week when I went there at the banks and hotels. Just a worse rate of exchange than Canadian.

Weird.. I thought they outright refused it.. Either way, as a Canadian there's no point in exchanging CAD to USD and THEN to CUC.. Just bring CAD..

 

[destillat]

thanks for all the info!! very helpful...
what about tipping? aside from gifts, is tipping done in CAD or the CUC? i heard that the CUC is useless for locals??

 

[danmand]

thanks for all the info!! very helpful...
what about tipping? aside from gifts, is tipping done in CAD or the CUC? i heard that the CUC is useless for locals??

CUC's are great for the locals, they can use them in special stores. CAD are great also for them, although they have to find someone who will change a bunch of coins into a bill for excjhange in the banks.

 

[destillat]

thank you!
what about off-resort? is it safe?
should i be concerned if i want to hop on a bicycle and go for a nice bike ride?

 

[CUPID]

thank you!
what about off-resort? is it safe?
should i be concerned if i want to hop on a bicycle and go for a nice bike ride?

Off resort is very safe, there is a very low crime rate due to the political situation in Cuba.
Not sure where you can rent bicycles, the resorts might have them available or you can bring yours with you if it is properly packed for the airline. I did see many people riding long distances on the roads, I was a bit envious of them as it is a great terrain and beautiful scenery.

 

[avxl1003]

thank you!
what about off-resort? is it safe?
should i be concerned if i want to hop on a bicycle and go for a nice bike ride?

It depends on where you go.. Like Canada, there are safer places than others.. Generally in Cuba you will find crime against tourists very low.. On two occasions I left a $500 camera on an excursion only to have it returned to me the next day by the excursion operator... I don't think you could even expect this here in Canada.

One local tour operator put it best.. "It is safe here.. Just don't be stupid and you'll be fine.."

Don't wear expensive watches, or jewellery, or flaunt your money, and (for the most part) you won't be bothered.

 

[destillat]

Don't wear expensive watches, or jewellery, or flaunt your money, and (for the most part) you won't be bothered.

LOL, thanks!
Flaunt my money? If I had money I wouldn't be going to a $400 resort! Oxygen Retreat would be more like it!

 

[danmand]

LOL, thanks!
Flaunt my money? If I had money I wouldn't be going to a $400 resort! Oxygen Retreat would be more like it!

Have a good trip. I think you will like it there.

 

[destillat]

So if I convert too much CAD to CUC, can I convert it back before I leave? Or will Canadian banks convert it back for me?
Also, like Dominican Republic, is there an 'exit tax'??

 

[CUPID]

So if I convert too much CAD to CUC, can I convert it back before I leave? Or will Canadian banks convert it back for me?
Also, like Dominican Republic, is there an 'exit tax'??

The exit tax is $25 CUC, you can't covert the money anywhere except in Cuba due to local and international laws. There is a money exchange in the airport should you have any extra once you trip is over.

 

[tba]

Make sure u check out Old Havana for the culture. U could easily pick up a freelancer there even during daylight hrs, they will know a place u can go for a short time.

 

[destillat]

Make sure u check out Old Havana for the culture. U could easily pick up a freelancer there even during daylight hrs, they will know a place u can go for a short time.

Any suggestions on how/where? I don't speak a word of Spanish, although I WILL have my handy Lonely Planet phrase book!

 

[night ride]

Skip peddling a bike and get a scooter. They are cheap and you see a lot more.

This is more of a question but I noticed resort bicylces don't have locks and yet I remember feeling uneasy about leaving a bike unlocked to go into craft markets etc. Not sure it is that safe??, so I'd bring a chainlock if this would make you uneasy on a bicycle.