Cuba hotels; Semana Santa holiday

[Halcon]

All,

I may be in Cuba or Panama during Semana Santa.  Does anyone know whether and to what degree these countries celebrate this holiday?  I suspect it may be tough to find a hotel during this holiday and I want to be prepared.

Also, I heard one needs a hotel reservation for two nights to enter Havana.  Does anyone know any cheap hotels where I can make reservations before I get there?

Halcon

[bret]

... in response to Cuba hotels; Semana Santa holiday, posted by Halcon on Feb 9, 2002

try the "hotel caribbean". it's cheap and has a good location. you do need to pay for the two nights in advance and have a reciept, or they will try to sell you an exexpensive hotel when you pass imigration.

stay in a hotel two nights, and then move into a casa particular, like the other guy said. they will cook for you, and it's a great way to practice your spanish and get close to the culture. it can be very loud in a casa particular, however.

semana santa is not big in cuba. they prefer santeria (thank god!).

[pgitano]

... in response to Cuba hotels; Semana Santa holiday, posted by Halcon on Feb 9, 2002

Cuba is not big on Santa Semana. I do not know about
Panama.  

The Cuban Immigration will ask where you are staying
at. Stay at a hotel for a night or two and find a nice casa
particular for half of the money (it is more politically
correct  anyway)  Even if you make a reservation, there
is no guarantee that you have a room. (it happened to
me at the Lido) For more info email me private.