Ask me anything about hobbying in Havana, Cuba

[world ruler]

Hi wetnose. I used to go to a casa in Miramar all the time to be close to the Ipanema disco at the Casablanca hotel...until it closed down. Do you know if it has re-opened? And if not where and what is your favourite casa now in Havana, preferably walking distance from the 'amenities'. Cost isn't an issue. Thanks.

 

[chiknlips]

I read a while ago that the government was changing their rules on allowing locals onto hotel grounds? Is this the case or do you still need a casa? I haven't been to Havana but I'm looking at going near the end of September. The more info I have up front the better If you plan on getting a casa, do you just get a flight to Havana than taxi to your casa? I've only done all inclusive in Cuba in the past but I was thinking about getting a hotel downtown Havana (part of a package through Itravel).

 

[wetnose]

I read a while ago that the government was changing their rules on allowing locals onto hotel grounds? Is this the case or do you still need a casa? I haven't been to Havana but I'm looking at going near the end of September. The more info I have up front the better If you plan on getting a casa, do you just get a flight to Havana than taxi to your casa? I've only done all inclusive in Cuba in the past but I was thinking about getting a hotel downtown Havana (part of a package through Itravel).

For cubans, they have to be paying guests to be allowed into the hotels. Which means a bribe is involved if you want to bring in a girl.

If you get a casa, then yes, just get their address then cab it in. Casas are the way to go, don't bother with hotels at all.

 

[loveisblind]

any tips on hobbying in other islands like jamaica?

 

[misterbrainwash]

The most important things I have to tell you about Cuba are:

1) Police enforcement - on some random occassion, the police may just decide to crack down on the discos and just shove every girl into military truck for "counter-revolutionary" activities. What this means = no pussy for you. Happened to me on 2 trips and it sucked. The girls were terrified of being spotted with a tourist like me.

2) If you're black...I hate to say it, but you're going to get a rough reception in Cuba. Blacks are second class in Cuba and you'll instantly feel it. Avoid Cuba if you're black.

3) Never ever ever drive. The signs are crap but the worst thing is if you accidentally kill a Cuban. See the Cuba travel advisory page of the department of foreign affairs and you'll see what I mean.

4) Don't bring any american-associated debit cards or credit cards to Cuba because they won't work. So leave your citibank card and capital one card at home because they won't work. Don't bring too much cash either - just use cash advances from your credit card.

5) Bring a suitcase that locks up tight - either with a combination or key. The chicas are dirt poor (remember - $20 a month salary) and have no reserves about stealing from you.

6) Never buy cigars from guys on the street. They're crap, rolled with inferior tabacco (if you're lucky) and won't burn right. You'll end up with a pounding migraine and a cigar that's only burning on the right side.

Whhaaaaaat? This one makes me skeptical about your advice.

 

[The Fruity Hare]

Whhaaaaaat? This one makes me skeptical about your advice.

Which part are you skeptical about?

 

[Master Baiter]

Gracias for this thread. Always wanted to go to Cuba. There was a hot little Cuban spinner dancer at the BR that gave me her brother's number who runs a casa particular and does tours etc but lost it. I don't think she works at the BR anymore unfortunately.