No Casa Particular in Varadero – Find Out Why

In formal terms, it was determined that operations of Casas Particulares would pose a threat to local hotel industry. The legislation was passed prohibiting the operation of Casas Particulares in Varadero, Playa Santa Lucia and Guardalavaca so the operation of hotels is not threatened.

That being said – even though you can’t rent a Casa Particular in Varadero, it only proves my earlier point that staying in a Casa Particular is a better and cheaper way to experience Cuba. International cartels operating hotels in Cuba realize that and ganged up against locals to stop Casas Particulares from existing in these popular tourist spots. Money won over healthy competition. Hotel chain owners could definitely afford whatever it took to have such legislation passed so as to eliminate competition that would mess with their incomes. They couldn’t get it passed all over Cuba, but most popular destinations, including Varadero were affected.

You can't rent a Casa Particular in Varadero. Only a hotel room, such as this one is hotel Arenas Doras. Photo: Patxi64, Flickr

It matters not. Varadero is a tourist resort. Going on vacation to Varadero is hardly any different than visiting Cancun or any other resort in the Caribbean. The real charm of Cuba lies outside of tourist resorts and an adventurer can (still) rent a Casa particular there.

One thing to remember – if you are offered a Casa Particular in Varadero, it is guaranteed to be illegally run and best avoided. Regardless of what you are told – nobody gets an exception to run a Casa Particular in Varadero. Closest towns to Varadero with legal Casas Particulares are Matanzas and Cardenas. If you do want to stay in a Casa Particular and remain relatively close to world’s finest beaches Varadero is notorious for, look in either of those towns.