Cuba in Oct for 7 days

Doublespresso

Hi
We're thinking of travelling to Cuba for 7 days in Oct.
Any tips or suggestions as to where to book from, which are the best resorts, etc?
Is the weather nice in Oct?
Also I've heard that food is not great out there... should we opt for an all inclusive deal (full board)? Or try our luck with local restaurants?

All help appreciated!

bingo_bango

I'm also thinking of heading to Cuba in September 2007 (possibly to get married). It's looking like I'll be heading for 14nts AI, starting in Varadero, then onto Havana.
Anyone done this? Any cheap deals? Places to see and eat? Anything to watch out for?

saveapenny

you could both try https://www.theholidayplace.co.uk
September/October you both need to know is the height of the hurrican season the American Labour day (around end September) as always been seen to be the height
For last minute deals try https://www.directholidays.co.uk last minute section
Historical the southern end around Holguin is less likely to be hit by hurricans
and as the best hotels

jellycat40

Went to Cuba 18months ago. I would love to go back. Eating out is not a good idea and most of the hotels are all inclusive.

Beaches at Varadeo is great.

Louise

elljay20

We were in cuba in january and loved it. Did a day trip to havana, swimming with dolphins etc. It was the best holiday ever. Got to go home now but if you have any questions just pm me or i'll try to remember to check back later.
Oh and we only ate out a few times but it was fine. Not a lot of choice in resteraunts but there was a very good one i can tell you where it is if you want. I had lobster other half had steak and it was nice. Any questions don't hesitate to ask

elljay20

Ok back now. i would advise you to book all inclusive as the restraunts don't hold a wide variety of stock because they can't get hold of it so what they do is all very samey. The country is poor but the people are wonderful. You don't get any hassle from beggars in varadero as the locals who don't work there are not allowed in and the ones who manage to sneak in just ask if you have any old t-shirts toothpast etc. i'm a very fussy eater and i always managed to find something to eat. hope you book it and have a great time.

Doublespresso

looked at some great offers at directholidays under £300/pp but when I went to book, it jumped to almost double!! very annoying.:mad:
I thought it was illegal

Any recommendations re hotel/resorts?
a few commented on the quality of food. Is full board a better bet or is the food lousy wherever?

kaya

remember the hurricane season, from memory the end of october/beginning of november is when it ends,

elljay20

Food is actually quite nice. It's just a bit bland and sometimes repetetive and they don't have access to a lot of sauces spices etc.
We stayed at the palma real and a week all inclusive was £480. The hotel was fine and in a good location. It was clean and ideal for us.

laughing_cow

I love eating out but Cuba was a bit disappointing. As others have mentioned, there's not a great deal of choice due to economic reasons and the food can be very bland. We found a couple of places in the Time Out Havana guide which were ok. Try a paradero(sp?) which are basically private restaurants in people's homes - the food is much better than the tourist restaurants.

The boyfriend got by ok, but I'm veggie so I really struggled. I ate a LOT of omelettes! Our hotel in Varadero's version of salad sandwiches was unripe tomato and white cabbage on value type bread. Mmmmm! I'd advise veggies to take some nuts/snacks etc to fill up on between the basic meals. I lost half a stone in weight - so it might be good if you're on a diet :rotfl: When I arrived home, before I'd even put the luggage down I was on the phone to our local Thai to order a tasty curry and some fresh veggies!