10 Best Casas Particulares in Varadero: A Local’s Guide [2024]
It doesn’t get much nicer than Varadero, Cuba; considered one of the nicest beaches in the world, this beach resort town is just over two hours east of Havana, making it one of the most popular cities in Cuba for visitors. Planning your own visit to Varadero? These are the best rental properties to choose from in town.
As locals we’ve almost exhausted the list of places to stay in Varadero; from basic rooms for rent to the all inclusive resorts in Varadero, we’ve pretty much tried it all. Read on for the best Varadero casa particular guesthouses to choose from as you plan your ultimate Cuban beach trip.
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What is a Casa Particular?
Casa particular guest houses in Cuba have long been one of the most popular accommodation options in Cuba. But what is a casa particular, exactly?
Casa particular is a Cuban phrase meaning “private home,” describing properties that locals rent to travelers visiting Cuba. Simply, a casa particular in Cuba is like a vacation rental or AirBnb that you might have experienced before! However, in Cuba, there’s a bit more to it than that.
A casa particular can range from a basic room rental to an entire private mansion for rent, and everything in between. Read on for the best casas particulares to choose from in Varadero.
Read More: Casa Particular in Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
Varadero Casas Particulares
Whereas more remote beach destinations in Cuba like Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, or Cayo Coco don’t have any real town center or local presence where casa particular guest houses have popped up, Varadero is different. Varadero has all inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, and a vibrant but chill town center filled with casa particular guest houses to choose from.
In our opinion, this is part of what makes Varadero such a stellar choice for a beach getaway in Cuba: there are plenty of places to stay in Varadero, and really at all price points; you can get by on $50 a day in Cuba, potentially even in more expensive Varadero.
Where To Find Casas Particulares in Varadero
There are plenty of casas particulares in Varadero to choose from, most centering on the southern end of the Varadero beachfront. In contrast, the northern end of Varadero is mostly populated with oversized resorts, the golf course, and a small section of ecological reserve.
You really can’t go wrong wherever you stay in Varadero proper; the skinny nature of the beach zone peninsula means there are just two or three streets running parallel to the beachfront. Even the casa particular in Varadero that is furthest from the beach will just be a 5-10 minute walk to the sand.
Alternatively, just off the Hicacos peninsula that constitutes the Varadero beach zone is the town of Santa Marta. If you’re looking to save even more money, consider staying in one of the affordable rooms for rent in Santa Marta, a bit further from the beach but still easily accessible to Varadero proper.
Best Casas Particulares in Varadero
Villa Obdulia
When it comes to affordable accommodations in Varadero, there are few better casas particulares than Villa Obdulia. This simple casa particular offers just two basic rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms, but the excellent location, friendly welcome, and nice garden space make it a favorite. It’s one of our go-to spots for a great basic room rental in Varadero – we’d recommend it to anyone.
Reviews and Bookings: Villa Obdulia
What to Pack for Cuba
Check out our Ultimate Cuba Packing List to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.
Casa De Betty and Jorge
Casa De Betty and Jorge feels like a small boutique hotel in the heart of the town of Varadero, with all the best of a hotel stay and the thoughtful, friendly attention of a casa particular. A shady patio (with outdoor shower, perfect for after the beach!), spacious living and dining space, and comfortable if basic rooms make it one of the best casa particular guesthouses in Varadero.
With just two guest rooms for rent, there isn’t much to Casa De Betty and Jorge, but it’s worth every penny – even though it’s still quite an affordable option. This is one of the places that we return to time and time again in Varadero, whether we’re traveling by ourselves or with family in tow.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa De Betty and Jorge
Casa Marta Margarita
If you’re looking for an apartment-style stay in Varadero, make sure to check out the spaces at Casa Marta Margarita. With two apartments for rent, this excellent casa particular is great for groups of friends or families looking for a little more space and the convenience of an excellent location in the heart of town.
Rooms and outdoor spaces at Casa Marta Margarita are basic but nice, perfect for a laidback beach getaway. The staff at the casa particular are friendly and go out of their way to help, organizing everything from spa services to day trip excursions from Varadero.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Marta Margarita
Travel Essential
Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good VPN (Virtual Private Network). Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers. We’ve used NordVPN for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba.
Casa Elena y Leslie
Casa Elena y Leslie is located what feels like mere steps from the beach in the best part of Varadero, making it a hit with travelers looking to make the most of time in town. It’s located alongside some of Varadero’s best cafes, restaurants, and bars, meaning you’ll never be far from all the action.
Rooms at Casa Elena y Leslie are surprisingly spacious and spotlessly clean, with hosts offering both breakfast and dinner (for a cost) in the small but lush garden, which feels like a post-beach day retreat. The casa particular stays quite quiet despite its location, though the nearby bar can get a little noisy on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Elena y Leslie
Casa Ileana y Ray
We just love Casa Ileana y Ray – despite its basic mix-matched decor, it’s one of our personal favorite places to stay when we visit Varadero. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms with private kitchens, which makes it a great place to stay, especially if you’ll be in a town for a while or are traveling with family. Internet connection is a huge plus, and at just a block away from the ocean, it is incredibly convenient.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Ileana y Ray
Varadero D’Amelia
The incredibly welcoming service from friendly hosts at Varadero D’Amelia makes all the difference at this tiny two-room casa particular in Varadero. Just steps from the beachfront, it offers a can’t-be-beat location that feels like just an added bonus to its spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms.
The rooftop patio at Varadero D’Amelia is one of its highlights, with day beds for lounging if you’ve grown weary of the beach – though in Varadero, why would you? The property also provides continental breakfast and internet, both at a cost, though greatly convenient for guests.
Reviews and Bookings: Varadero D’Amelia
Casa Karelia
Casa Karelia offers two clean yet spacious rooms with friendly, warm service from the property’s hosts in the heart of Varadero – there really isn’t anything more you could ask for as you look for an affordable casa particular in Varadero! Spacious outdoor areas with umbrellas for shade and even a barbeque are huge bonuses for unwinding after a long day at the beach.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Karelia
Casa Papo’s House
Just steps from the beach – literally – Casa Papo’s House is a comfortable and spacious casa particular in Varadero that won’t break the bank but has plenty to offer travelers. There are just two rooms at Casa Papo’s House, but they’re both quite spacious and well-equipped, with strong air conditioning, refrigerators, and access to common outdoor spaces like a rooftop terrace. You’ll love it here.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Papo’s House
Villa Mercy
Two simple but cozy and comfortable rooms and plenty of outdoor space make Villa Mercy a solid option for travelers looking for a conveniently-located and affordable casa particular in Varadero. Just one block away from the beachfront, the property has warm, friendly staff and the convenience of a great breakfast spread provided (for a cost). It’s nothing extraordinary, but an excellent option for those looking for a great place to stay.
Reviews and Bookings: Villa Mercy
Travel Insurance
Cuba requires that all travelers have proof of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to enter the country. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. We recommend these brands for Cuba travel insurance:
- Visitors Coverage: Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries, though not currently available to residents of New York and Maryland in the United States.
- Insubuy: Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries and states of the United States.
Mara Hostal
Mara Hostal offers two spacious apartment-style rooms that we think are perfect for travelers looking for a longer stay in the Varadero area. Make note, Mara Hostal isn’t located in Varadero proper but just off the Hicacos peninsula.
Yes, Mara Hostal is farther from the beach (just a 10-minute drive), but you’ll get more for your money, including spacious apartments, an internet connection, and more for just a fraction of the price you’d be paying in Varadero.
Reviews and Bookings: Mara Hostal
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.