Havana

Great post Ivon,

I agree the Tian Tan is the best and worth the extra $. I'm off to Habana on the 9th so i hope the clubs pick up. Any pics?

Hi,

Thanks Ivon for the informative post. Can anyone reccomend an independent 2 bedroom casa particular around the Habana Libre and the Colina Hotel. I have one possibility but would like a 2nd. Also, are there any good bars to meet girls at on La Rampa or nearby?

Thanks,

KW Kids

White Stang Boy,

Sorry, I did not bring a camara with me and have no pics.

Ivon,

The first time I went to Havana I stayed at Berta's casa. I booked through Havana rentals. This was only a one bedroom apt. and located just down the street from the Hotel National. On their website they have many other casa's in the area which might suit you.

Hope this helps,

Q

KW Kids,

There are a couple of outside type bars on the opposite side of Hotel Libre going away from Sophia's that don't seem to get much mention on this board but I've had some success at both. The first one is a little place right next to the bus stop across the street from a park. It is kind of a dive but it's a good place to have a beer and people watch because there are so many people in this area. I've seen girls who are waiting for the bus come over and just stand in front of this bar if they see tourists are sitting there. I guess they have to wait for the bus anyway so why not see if they can score some tourist, right. Another place is right across from this bar just up the road a block or so called Siette Mars. Nice place to have a beer or some food and people watch. Sometimes girls sit across the street waiting for a tourist to go into the place and then they will come over.

Dran Reb,

Thanks for the tips, I appreciate them and I plan to use them. Again, if anyone is going to be in Habana in May let me know in the next 2 days and we can compare notes.

KW Kids

Two years ago, that I have been there, but maybe it is an idea to have a look at. If you walk down la Rampa, at Malecon turn right. After 20 meters there is a bigger building with a lot of flats. At the top flat there is a lady renting two rooms, 25 dollars each. Not a bad few outside at the terasse. Sorry, I have lost name and phone number. But what I can suggest: If you have a casa, take it. Then spend the first day with looking for other ones, and you can change if you want. And do not forget to have a look at the ladies too, while searching a casa.

Mucho suerte

Christian

Hey All,

I'm toying with the idea of coming down to Havana but was wondering if anyone could update me on the situation with being an American in Fidel land. I know about the currency surcharge and that's ok with me. Damn, the Cuban women are worth it. If memory serves me right. It was about 3 years ago. Anyway, any feedback from someone who's there or has been recently is mucho appreciated.

Jonny Rocker

Your being an American makes no difference to visiting Cuba as far as the Cubans are concerned; your only issue would be what your administration thinks IF they find out. I know of at least a hundred guys from all over the USA who have enjoyed Cuba with no repercussions. There are some excellent posts here telling you how to “get in” / “out” etc… depending on where in the USA your are based. A lot of my friends go via MEX / Cancun or indeed Canada.

You already know about the money issue. I would suggest exchanging say $30 at the airport for your taxi and extras, then exchange whatever you need in the city. I always use the bank just off the corner of the Habana Libre hotel, right hand turn as you face the hotel and few steps along the tiled walkway and it is on the left. It's next door a nice little ice cream shop (good pick up for chicas a la noche, as well as a nice place to take your chica to).

Gentlemen: I once again noticed something on my most recent visit (April 2005), of chicas offering unprotected action: this was offered twice out of 6 chicas: not a trend statistic, but alarming nonetheless. I guess I don’t have to say any more: just resist the temptation for your own safety, and by default that of the chica.

I hope this helps. The board has some really excellent masters who have posted really good reports. I should back-read and also ask specific questions.

Have a good trip. Havanaman

I am visiting Cuba in one month and I wondered whether the currency situation is, I hear all this stuff about convertable pesos, but I wondered whether cubans hustling whether it be girls or cab drivers still want dollars. Can people please tell me what the score is on the street.

Many thanks.

Havanaman, thanks for the note. I last visited Havana about 3 years ago and had a really great time. We stayed at the Hotel Nacional and although it wasn't quite the 4 stars that it was made out to be..well we made due..lol.

Anyway, I've been to several "monger" locations but what I liked most about Cuba was the fact that I could go to clubs(club havana, Johnny Rio's..etc..etc.) and pick and chose some really beautiful semi-pro girls.

I mean, yeah, they were pro's..but they were also college students, dancers, etc, etc, and we were able to walk into a hoping disco and negotiate with just about any girl in the joint(Club Havana). I believe most of them are no longer in biz and that is a bit of a bummer. I sense that the action is more "street" these days and that combined with the recent elevated tension between W & Fidel has more or less led me to revisit Sosua, D.R. in a couple of weeks..btw, does anyone know if you can fly from Puerto Plata to Havana? I think the only way is through Santo Domingo, D.R.

Anyway, I do appreciate your feedback and response and who knows, if Sosua sucks, well Havana here we come. LOL.

Upon arrival, you should change your money to the CUC.

The US dollar is discounted heavily in Cuba, I prefer to travel with the Euro, even though I am Cdn. Inspite of the fact that I have to pay a service fee to buy the Euro, the rate of exchange is very favourable.

Average Tycoon,

Truth Seeker is right: as I also said: "Upon arrival, you should change your money to the CUC". In general, no one is now accepting USD as they get the shaft when they exchange. That includes the chicas I had, shops etc...

Regards, Havanaman

Does anyone know the recent situation at the Playas del Este? Is it possible to go there together with a girl these days? Or is the police presence too high?
Does anyone know other beaches with less control - i.e. Cienfuegos, Trinidad?

Peterko,

I went to Santa Maria beach in April with a Cuban girlfriend and her brother and the police left us alone all day. I think Cuban girls that go there alone get hassled the most. I don't think I would go there to try and pick up girls but I don't think it's a problem to bring one depending on her past history with the police. If you do bring one make sure you act like a couple and try not to leave her alone for too long. Actually the heavy police presence may help you out some because nobody tries to steal your stuff or hassle you.