There's nothing fancy or especially luxurious in easygoing Baracoa -- except the spectacular views of the bay and surrounding mountains -- but one of the main hotels, in the oldest fortress in town, is a charmer. The little town is populated by more than 150 casas particulares, most right within the old town; several are excellent and among the best deals of their kind in Cuba. A 14-bed Gaviota hotel, La Liberación, on Calle Ciro Frias between Antonio Maceo and Rubert López, was under construction in 2010.
Inexpensive
There are more than 150 casas particulares in Baracoa. Recommended casas include Casa Daniel Salomón Paján, Calle Céspedes 28, between Rubert López and Maceo (tel. 21/64-1443 or 529-17403; fifi@toa.gtm.sld.cu), which is one of the friendliest casas in Cuba. Daniel works at the museum and knows a lot about Baracoa's history. He has one comfortable room with a large bathroom and a central covered patio. Mountain bikes are also available for rent. Casa Tropical, Calle Martí 175 (tel. 21/64-3437), has very comfortable rooms in a lovely colonial house with an enormous blue porch and courtyard, and is run by a friendly and welcoming family; the very tasty swordfish in coconut sauce is a good enough reason to stay. Adrian speaks excellent English. Casa Isabel Garrido, Calle Calixto García 164A (tel. 21/64-3515; ysabel@toa.gtm.sld.cu), has a large terrace and a small balcony overlooking the street; there's also a separate entrance to the two upstairs bedrooms that share a sitting room and small kitchen. Casa Walter, Calle Rubert López 47, between Céspedes and Coroneles Galanos (tel. 21/64-2346; wvazquez@enet.cu), is a central option with a third-floor terrace that has a high-pitched red-tile roof with dining tables and a bar. The two rooms share a sitting room and have independent entrances. Casa Mery y Dr Querol, Calle Maceo 222 between Limbano Sanchéz y Abel Diaz (tel. 21/64 2288; querol@toa.gtm.sld.cu), is a modest home run by Mery and her son, an orthopaedic specialist. They have a large comfortable room, private dining room, and terrace upstairs. Casa Brisas del Atlántico, Calle Frank País 3, between Avenida Malecón and Máximo Gómez (tel. 21/64-3457), has two rooms with a separate entrance and a huge rooftop terrace with sea views. At Casa La Colina, Calle Calixto García 158 altos, between Céspedes and Coroneles Gulano (tel. 21/64-2658 or 527-04365; proctologia@toa.gtm.sld.cu), which has a superb terrace, you'll want to take the large room fronting the terrace.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
