Holguin is a lovely city on the eastern end of Cuba that we’ve gotten to know more recently, and we fall in love with it more each time we visit. While José grew up in Havana, his entire extended family lives in the province of Holguín, meaning we can combine a family visit with exploring this lovely city.
The capital city of Holguin isn’t a major tourist hotspot in Cuba, but it’s a popular destination for those visiting the nearby Guardalavaca beach, one of Cuba’s loveliest beaches, and with some of the country’s most luxurious resorts. In the city of Holguin, plenty of locals rent rooms or entire homes – “casas particulares” – which are the most popular places to stay for the night.
What is a casa particular?
A casa particular is a room for rent or entire property for rent. Casas particulares range from a spare room in a local’s home to private mansions, and range in price from less than twenty dollars a night to hundreds.
Since they’ve been the most popular accommodation option in Cuba since long before Airbnb existed, casas particulares aren’t just rented through the Airbnb platform. I always find the best options for Cuba on Hotels.com – one of the platforms long used by renters in Cuba, and with the most listings!
Keep reading for some of the best casa particular Holguin has to offer! There are plenty to choose from, but these are our favorites for how they stand out with great features (like pools!) and excellent hosts who go above and beyond to make your trip to Cuba special.
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Our Ultimate Guide to Holguin, Cuba has all the details about things to see and do in Holguin – both the city and the province.
Villa Cristal
The beautiful Villa Cristal bed and breakfast is located in the center of Holguin, near the downtown center but removed from the hustle and bustle (read: street noise) and just a ten-minute walk from popular attractions. This house is midway between the Loma de la Cruz, a beautiful overlook for the city, and the downtown center, both of which are visible from the bed and breakfast.
The bed and breakfast has two rooms for rent, both with private bathrooms and access to a large, shaded patio for relaxing and escaping the heat. Plus, hosts have bikes available to rent and can easily organize local taxis or transport to the beach. Villa Cristal – Reviews and Availability.
Bed & Breakfast – $
Villa La Roca
Staying at Villa La Roca in many ways feels like staying in a hotel, though it has only three guest rooms – with large communal spaces including several patios it has some great amenities. The rooms are clean and simple, but the hosts are fantastic and go out of the way for their guests.
There is a restaurant on-site, and the hosts are also great cooks, meaning you won’t have to go far to try delicious Cuban food. You’ll also love the rooftop terrace for a great sunset over the city. Villa La Roca – Reviews and Availability.
Bed & Breakfast – $
Hostal La Casona
This bed and breakfast, Hostal La Casona, in Holguin is a great option if you’re looking for a pool! While the pool is small, it makes a big difference on a hot afternoon – plus, the shaded patio with a hammock is a great place to pass the hottest part of the afternoon.
Rooms here are simple but clean, and bathrooms are all modern and remodeled recently. Breakfast is included with the price of the room, and they’re lovingly prepared by the friendly and helpful hosts here. I know of several repeat visitors here, but the value and service speak for themselves. Hostal La Casona – Reviews and Availability.
Hostal Refugio de Reyes
The best part about this incredible bed and breakfast in the heart of town, Hostal Refugio de Reyes, is by far the incredible patio, complete with a pool and garden. This place will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a natural retreat – the owners are biologists and have painstakingly collected and created this incredible space to share with guests.
Beyond just the outdoor space, this bed and breakfast has it all – rooms are neat and modern, bathrooms are remodeled and clean, and the hosts are lovely and so helpful. Their breakfast spread is generous. Hostal Refugio de Reyes – Reviews and Availability.
Bed & Breakfast – $
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Casa Maria de los Angeles
This rental apartment, called Casa Maria de los Angeles, is spacious and private with a bedroom, bathroom, and living/dining area with a kitchenette included, making it a great option for more than just a one-night stay. Despite it being an apartment-style rental, hosts go out of their way to assist guests if needed, plus make breakfast, book transport, and more.
This apartment is located in the center of town and is within walking distance of all the major attractions in the city, and tons of restaurants, bars, and shops. And a major plus for Cuba, there is wifi available at the apartment! Casa Maria – Reviews and Availability.
Apartment Rental – $