January 2017

The opening of the borders between the United States and Cuba created a greater demand for additional lodging. Many development projects are underway to meet this new influx of tourists. Sheraton and Marriott have announced plans to expand here. Iberostar and Melia Hotels have started projects and have five-star properties in Havana and other Cuban cities. The elegant Parque Central in the very center of Havana offers spacious rooms and suites and is centrally located to nightlife, shopping and restaurants.

The Melia Cohiba and Melia Habana are out of the center of Havana but are both newer and internationally acclaimed hotels.

Jet Blue and Delta Airlines offer direct flights from the U.S. to Cuba and provide assistance for persons travelling to obtain a tourist card, which is Cuba’s tourist visa, and the OFAC certification (Office of Foreign Assets Control) which requires each traveler to fit into one of 12 categories of travel to Cuba. (For additional information regarding the OFAC license, refer to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.)

Opening the skies to Cuba will create an even greater demand for hotel rooms.

Naturally, the prices will rise on the limited supply of accommodations.

AirBnB is now listing properties in Cuba and several cruise ships are making weekly stops in one or more Cuban ports. Carnival Cruise Lines and Ponant Cruises have a variety of itineraries to attract passengers. These additions are just the beginning, with more changes coming soon.

Especially exciting is the new wave of family-owned restaurants called Paladares, located in private homes or deserted buildings, affording unique dining options in lovely settings that were previously not available. More than beans and rice, the restaurants offer a variety of cuisines plus excellent service; they have dramatically changed the food scene in all of Cuba, especially in Havana.  January 2017 • athomemms.com | 55