Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Cuba

Cuba is oodles of undefinable magic wrapped in a timeless, magnificent layer. Its cobblestoned streets still tell tales of musket-totting pirates, with heritage structures and grandiose squares. At the same time, you’ll also find everything from modern architecture to avant-garde art studios. And of course, there are the pristine white-sand beaches. As compared to other Caribbean islands, Cuba is relatively progressive when it comes to gay rights. So, you’ll find many gay friendly hotels in Cuba’s cities like Havana, Varadero, and even Santiago de Cuba. Moreover, LGBTQ travelers are welcomed warmly everywhere, right from hotels to casa particulares, or private homestays. In fact, casa particulares are the popular option for staying in the inner parts of the country.

So, although the gay scene here isn’t as flamboyant as the Riviera Maya or even St. Croix, gay Cuba is a thing. Most of the gay Cuban life is limited to bigger cities like Havana and Varadero, but there’s also a lively one in Santa Clara. In fact, Havana is famous for a riotous gay life. What’s more, Cuba even has an unofficial gay beach, Mi Cayito, which lies a little east of Havana.

That said, LGBTQ travelers seek more than just gay life in this gorgeous country. In fact, you have many reasons to visit Cuba, and they rhyme with salsa, rum, beaches, and fun! Add to that stunning castles, museums, and a cool café and bar culture, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a destination to explore. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Cuba. You might also want to check out the 11 Best Hotels in Havana, Cuba.

Vapor 156 Boutique Hotel, Havana

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The Vapor 156 Boutique Hotel is one of the best gay hotels in Cuba’s capital Havana. It’s not just a place to stay, but also a cultural project showcasing the richness and beauty of authentic Cuban culture. The recently renovated house features canvas-esque white walls while retaining original features like windows, arches, colonial tiles, and the high ceilings.

The two-storied house has spacious common areas, right from the gorgeous lobby with period-era furniture and chandeliers. The reception is peppered with vintage curios like an old-style telephone, antique lampshades, etc. that lend character to the place. The cozy dining room with candelabras and stunning furnishings is where you can enjoy an authentic Cuban breakfast. Moreover, you can even tuck into breakfast on the sun-kissed patio, complete with sights of local life.

You can choose from a bevy of rooms from two floors, the best of which is the premium room which even has its own balcony and a welcome cocktail. Nevertheless, all rooms are spacious with modern bathrooms, soft beds, and added luxurious like a fridge and a safe-deposit box.

Casa Roberto & Martha, Varadero

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Located in the sunny seaside Varadero, Casa Roberto & Martha is one of the coziest gay friendly hotels in Cuba. The homely casa, complete with a pink flamingo at the entrance, lies in a serene neighborhood just minutes from the beach. If you want to get a real taste of how local Cubans live their life, then staying at this place offers you great insight and then some. The casa features multiple communal spaces for you to lounge and relax, beginning from the shared lounge, When the weather is less hot or during evenings, the terrace and the foliage-filled garden is a nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee or Cuban rum. A fantastic Cuban breakfast aside, the place also features room service and a 24-hour reception, as well as organizes tours.

The rooms at the casa are simple but elegant and very comfortable. Moreover, they all come with ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and even coffee and tea-making facilities. Also, they even have seating areas.

Casa Buenavista, Cienfuegos

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Casa Buenavista in Cienfuegos is nothing short of a revelation. It’s easily one of the most historically gorgeous gay hotels in Cuba. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior; for once you open the door and peek in, it’s a whole different story. The door of the casa opens to a stunning outdoor courtyard patio peppered with period-era furniture, vibrant throw pillows, and antique accouterments. Even the communal area is chock-full with edgy furnishings and a stunning yet calming water feature. Meals here warrant special mention, and they’re easily one of the best you’ll eat in Cuba! Even breakfast is a grand affair in the dining area, which is filled with colorful furniture, artwork, and lots of lush greenery. Finally, the sun-kissed terrace is the perfect place to relax on the property.

Even the rooms here at this stunning gay Cuba hotel are super-cool, all of which feature patios overlooking the foliage-filled internal courtyard. If you’re looking to splash, then go for the two-floored maisonette-style room with a separate seating area and modern bathroom. Moreover, vintage furniture makes an appearance in every room, lending the room character.

Colonial House Daymela

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If you want luxury in Havana, ditch the run-of-the-mill hotel and turn to Casa Colonial Daymela, a decadent Cuban mansion in the heart of the city. It’s not only one of the best gay friendly hotels in Cuba, but it also lies just three blocks from Malecón, making it the perfect base to explore all the Top 10 Things to Do In Havana. With a central location, luxurious design, and sun-kissed lush gardens, it’s more of a five-star B&B and better than most of the traditional hotels in the city.

Run by the fun-loving Daymela and Leo, the 1919-built villa is one of the most gorgeous and Instagrammable B&Bs you’ll ever live in. It features a spacious and beautiful terrace with period-era white furniture and lots of plants. The place is perfect to watch everyday Havanaian life go by while enjoying a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Every morning, a lip-smacking, homecooked breakfast awaits you in the dining room, or you can choose to eat in the comfort of your room. The comfortable lounge features a flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player, and more for you to break the ice and mingle with other guests. And of course, all around the house lie some of the loveliest gardens you’d have ever seen.

You can choose from seven bedrooms, each of which features an ensuite bathroom, closets, and extra-long beds with plush linens. Plus, all rooms are spacious, done up in vibrant colors, and feature fresh flowers everywhere.

Boutique Casa 1932

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The Boutique Casa 1932 is one of the most gorgeous gay hotels in Cuba. It sits in the heart of the gritty Havana Centro and is within walking distance of both Vedado and Old Habana. The hotel is one amazing Cuban treasure trove.  On a street full of pretty, faded pastel structures this structure with a regal cast-iron emblem at the entrance stands out – and how. The 1932-built home is actually where Cuba’s first jazz band rehearsed. So, the entire home features black-and-white photographs capturing its terribly fascinating history.

Even though Casa 1932 doesn’t offer a hotel’s features, it’s worth staying here for the gorgeous lounging areas. For one, there’s a spacious, sun-kissed rooftop with seating street views. Downstairs, there’s the spectacular yet cozy living room, which opens out to the sunlit atrium courtyard. A delicious homemade breakfast, as well as dinner, is on the offer in the dining room, along with unlimited fresh drinking water. What’s more, the host has an endless litany of local insight and information on Havana.  

You can choose from three bedrooms here, each of which feature ensuite bathrooms, Art-Deco flourishes, and genuine timber antiques. If you’re on a budget, then the Economic room is perfect, while the Deluxe is the grandest of them all.

Hotel Bella Perla Marina, Cienfuegos

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Hotel Bella Perla Marina is one of the best gay friendly hotels in Cuba’s gorgeous city of Cienfuegos. The hotel, which is more of a ’boutique’ private homestay, lies in the town center and is famous for the warm hospitality. Moreover, the owner loves all things antique, and so the whole place features things of the past like vinyl players and other vintage curios. The standout is the plant-filled terrace, complete with a wooden double swing to enjoy a Cuban sunset. The rooftop also has chairs and tables to enjoy delicious meals, books to borrow, a pool table, as well as a hot tub for unwinding. Even on the inside, the living room-cum-lounge with a grandfather clock, antique chairs, and heirlooms and collectibles makes for a cozy place to relax.

You can choose from three rooms, of which one is a super-modern rooftop suite. Nevertheless, all rooms feature stunning antique beds, refined chandeliers, and lots of romantic and sensuous art everywhere. Flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms are a mainstay in all.

Art Boutique Havana

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The Art Boutique Havana Hotel sitting on the leafy streets of La Habana is one of the best gay hotels in Cuba. The vibrant art-filled reception sets the tone for the rest of the place. The lush boulevards around the hotel are perfect for walking and cycling. So, it’s no surprise that the hotel rents out bikes for you to explore the neighborhood on your own.

The property boasts a gorgeous, foliage-filled terrace, complete with chairs and tables and fairy lights that light up the place in the evening. It’s the perfect place to tuck into a sumptuous continental breakfast or enjoy a drink in the evening. What’s more, the hotel can even arrange for a slew of activities, right from walking tours and dance classes to pub crawl and even in-room massages. There are even puzzles, board games, books, and DVDs in the common area, which is a fun place to hang out and mingle with other travelers. A shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk complete the amenities.

The rooms at Art Boutique, albeit small, are extremely charming and come with contemporary ensuite bathrooms. Some of them directly open out to the beautiful courtyard, while some rooms even have bathtubs. Fridges in each room even allow you to store leftovers.

Amarillo B&B, Santa Clara

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Amarillo B&B in Santa Clara is a rather special gay friendly hotel in Cuba. The hosts of this gay-friendly B&B are super-supporters of LGBTQ people and opened this quaint inclusive place in a bid to boost LGBT tourism in Santa Clara. A bright yellow door welcomes you to this gorgeous B&B, which has a spacious and tastefully done up living room. It also doubles as a lounge and has board games, a turntable with vinyl, magazines, and books in various languages. The central patio is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch life in Santa Clara go by. The foliage-fringed dining area is where you can dig into not one but three kinds of breakfasts, which is a real treat! What’s more, there are also delicious Cuban dinners that allow you to mingle with the hosts and other travelers.

When it comes to the accommodations, you’re going to be similarly impressed. Choose from one of four rooms, all of which are spacious and comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Fresh flowers, modern bathrooms, and cute extra furniture are excellent additions.

The best part is that this B&B is that it’s a mere three-minute walk from the thriving and dynamic LGBT cultural center of El Mujenje.

Paseo 206 Boutique Hotel Havana

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If you’re looking for a romantic gay nest in Havana, then the Paseo 206 Boutique Hotel Havana is perfect. The white-hued romantic jewel and gay hotel in Cuba’s La Habana, housed in an early-1900s mansion in the Vedado quarter. Moreover, it’s just a few blocks from the posse of gay bars in Old Havana and is surrounded by the best nightlife in town.

Paseo 206 is full of cozy corners and nooks perfect for spending some private romantic moments with your partner. Breakfast is a grand affair with made-to-order eggs, croissants, fruit platters, coffee, and more that can be enjoyed anywhere on the property. You can relax in the gorgeous Orangerie or the sun-kissed terrace and enjoy the sights of local life. There are even an oval room and a lovely library where you can lie back with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The fine-dining restaurant is like a slice of Italy in Havana. Finally, you can even enjoy an aperitif or dine on the rooftop, with stunning views of the lush neighborhood. The best part? Service is round-the-clock.

All rooms at Paseo 206 are decked out with Cuban art and handcrafted Italian lighting and furniture. The Hotel is a small luxury boutique hotel with 24 hours service. Immaculate and modern bathrooms aside, the rooms also have plush, four-poster beds, moody-lighting, and even in-room bathtubs.

La Rosa de Ortega, Havana

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If you’re looking for a gay hotel in Cuba with a pool, then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to La Rosa de Ortega, one of the most gay friendly hotels in Cuba. The gorgeous, 19th-century residence-turned-B&B lies atop a hill in La Vibora, a 20-minute drive from the city center. This striking, three-storied B&B is something of a hidden gem and resembles a European villa, complete with terraced grounds and lush floral gardens.

As you enter, the common living area is like a mini-museum of old-world artifacts, sitting underneath an exquisite crystal chandelier. The sunroom out at the back with alfresco furniture is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with panoramic city views. The highlight, however, is the heavenly courtyard pool, which is a rarity for B&Bs everywhere. What’s more, it’s fringed by deck chairs and is even large enough for laps. The rustic, open-air restaurant is where all meals are served, while the shaded courtyard grounds are perfect for long walks. Finally, there’s even a massage room for in-house treatments, which is again a rarity for a B&B.

All of La Rosa’s nine rooms are decked out in different manners but reflect a similar contemporary look. Nevertheless, all feature luxurious four-poster beds, mini-fridges, flatscreen TVs, and modern, white-marble bathrooms. If you’re looking for romance, then the Master Suite with its romantic whirlpool room is perfect.

Malecón 663 Boutique Hotel, Havana

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The swanky Malecón 663 Boutique Hotel sets the standard for ‘Habana’ chic in the city. Named after its street address on the Havana Malecón, it’s also one of the best gay hotels in Cuba. The beautifully eclectic yet cozy and welcoming space is rife with art and is a spectacle to behold. So, you’ll see a two-storied, vertical garden of plastic poppies, bar stools with bicycle wheels, and even a red spiral staircase.

The staff is immensely efficient and friendly and will point you in the right direction to explore the city. The rooftop whirlpool tub is a great place to unwind, and the rooftop is one of the most striking vantage points to enjoy a Cuban sunset. What’s more, there are even yoga sessions and Thai massages on the offer. Moreover, this place is a hotspot of sorts for local Cuban celebrities, whom you might run into at Sunday ‘Chillout Sunset’ soirées of the Thursday ‘Groovy Latin Jazz’ sessions. The leisurely Sunday brunch is a favorite, but the highlight is that breakfast is an all-day affair, and can literally be enjoyed anywhere on the property.

Every room at this gay friendly hotel reflects a different period in Cuba’s design, with an additional contemporary twist. What’s more, three rooms and a suite have their own private bars as well as a sea-facing balcony! If you’re here with your partner, go for the minimalist Gozando en La Habana or the sensual El Cuarto de Tula, which even has a bathtub.

Get Some Culture in Cuba:

• Havana Pride – Although Havana Pride has been celebrated since 2007, it’s been marred by government policies. Nevertheless, Havana Pride continues to go from strength to strength amongst the masses.
• Since 2013, Havana has celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia with a week-long roster of cultural and social events. Think vibrant marches, drag shows, parties, and lots of fun-filled celebrations.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Cuba:

• Cabaret Las Vegas – The state-run Cabaret Las Vegas is one of the longest-standing gay bars and hangouts in Cuba.
• Cafe Cantante Mi Habana – A hip disco in Old Havana, it even hosts a gay party on Saturdays.
• El Mejunje – Cuba’s gay oasis is actually this Cuban LGBT cultural center in Santa Clara, Cuba.

Best Gay Saunas in Cuba:

Unfortunately, Cuba doesn’t have an out-and-out gay sauna yet. However, with gorgeous beaches along its entire coastline, who needs saunas?