Las Terrazas
A rural community in Cuba's Sierra del Rosario mountains, known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism efforts, though accommodation quality varies gr...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beach access is consistent
Las Terrazas
Best Time
Beach access is consistent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rural community in Cuba's Sierra del Rosario mountains, known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism efforts, though accommodation quality varies greatly.
"Reviews are sharply divided, with some praising the natural beauty and others detailing severe hygiene and maintenance issues."
Inspect Your Room First
Upon arrival, check for cleanliness and functioning amenities. Don't hesitate to request a different room if needed.
Pack Your Own Toiletries
Bring hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items, and possibly towels due to reported cleanliness issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Beach
Directly accessible
The only consistently praised aspect is the beach, offering a pleasant natural setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's Not the Photos
Hygiene & Amenities Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Inspect Your Room First
Upon arrival, check for cleanliness and functioning amenities. Don't hesitate to request a different room if needed. +1
Pack Your Own Toiletries
Bring hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items, and possibly towels due to reported cleanliness issues. +1
Consider Alternatives
Many reviewers suggest Casa Particulares for better value and a more authentic experience.
Be Prepared for Basic Amenities
Expect a rustic experience; hot water and consistent power can be unreliable.
Tips
from all over the internet
Inspect Your Room First
Upon arrival, check for cleanliness and functioning amenities. Don't hesitate to request a different room if needed. +1
Pack Your Own Toiletries
Bring hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items, and possibly towels due to reported cleanliness issues. +1
Consider Alternatives
Many reviewers suggest Casa Particulares for better value and a more authentic experience.
Be Prepared for Basic Amenities
Expect a rustic experience; hot water and consistent power can be unreliable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Las Terrazas offers a mixed bag of experiences, with some guests praising its natural beauty and staff attentiveness, while a significant number report severe issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and amenities. The beach is a consistent positive, but accommodation quality appears highly variable and often falls short of expectations. +4
"DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PHOTOS! The room in the photo does not exist in this hotel!
Honestly the worst hotel(if you can even call it so) I've ever been to. There's mold all over, everything is dirty and broken. There's not even a seat on the toilet!
We got moved to another room with less mold, but apart from that it's equally as bad. We checked out after 2 hours, but still had to pay for the full four days."
Damiano Paardekooper
"One of Dante's lesser-known circles of hell
This place is great, if you like cockroaches, smeared human faeces on your floor, rude staff and a plethora of juvenile prostitutes.
No amount of money saved is worth the stay there.
I'm a well-seasoned traveller and I've stayed in my lot of run-down hostels and travelled in many off-the-map destinations. I usually try to get the best bargains and I'm not picky, but this is another category altogether. Tried making a complaint, the staff was ridiculously unhelpful, and very rude to boot (the local Sunwing staff, however was very helpful).
This place is basically just a run-down brothel for old, fat first-world men looking to shag twelve year-old girls with the saddest eyes I have ever seen. Try drinking your beer with a clean conscience when you have this as to watch as a backdrop. The hotel is, apparently, in on this whole sex-traffic and gives suggestions to the male tourists.
I'm sick to my stomach just thinking of it.
The rooms are just filthy. When we checked in, there were pubes on the soap and hair on the pillow, as well as rotting food on the counter with a trail of ants. It was obvious they never bothered cleaning.
Also, you will get better prices and an amazing alternative if you stay at Casa Particulares.
Whatever you do, just don't come here.
If I could write a review with negative numbers, I would. (Does juvenile prostitution count as a children's activity?)"
Myriam Chebat
"Sinceramente yo y mi familia estamos sorprendidos, acabo de regresar del Hotel. Entré el día 30 de diciembre del 2021 hasta el 1 de enero del 2022, y prorrogamos 1 noche más para salir el 2, porque pasamos un fin de año espectacular. Quiero felicitar a la dirección y el personal en general del hotel, porque sin duda alguna lo mejor de todo fue la atención. Especialmente quiero reconocer la atención en el restaurante buffet, las atenciones con los niños, el detalle de llevarnos los kake de cumpleaños a la niña que era el 30 y al hermano de nuestro compadre que era el mismo 31. He visitado hoteles de 4 y 5 estrellas, y he pasado fin de año en otros también de mayor categoría, y realmente el Aparthotel Terrazas-Atlántico no tiene nada que envidiarles. Cualquier detalle que no me halla gustado, que si lo hubo como en todos los hoteles, porque ninguno es perfecto, son insignificantes en comparación con lo bien que la pasamos mi familia y yo. Hace muchos años que no visitaba este hotel y quede totalmente complacida, ya que superó mis espectativas. No quería dejar de expresarlo aquí para cualquiera que este pensando en visitarlo, de hecho pienso volver este año 2022 y siempre será una de mis opciones a elegir para pasar una fecha tan linda como el fin de año. !Muchas felicidades por tan buen trabajo, espero que sigan así y mejor!"
Leanedy tur villazan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Las Terrazas is a rural community in the Sierra del Rosario mountains. You can typically reach it by taxi or pre-booked tour from Havana. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Las Terrazas is a small community, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances or exploring the wider area, taxis or local transport might be available, though options can be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Las Terrazas is a community and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so there isn't a single entry ticket. However, some specific attractions within the area might have their own entrance fees.
Operating hours can vary significantly for different sites within Las Terrazas. It's best to check locally or with your accommodation for specific times, especially for restaurants and smaller attractions.
Yes, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Options range from hotels to private homes (Casa Particulares).
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Las Terrazas is known for its natural beauty, including the Sierra del Rosario mountains, a lake, and the San Juan River. It's also a community focused on sustainable tourism and art.
Yes, the area is ideal for hiking with numerous trails winding through the mountains and forests. Guided tours are often available.
As a Biosphere Reserve, Las Terrazas is home to diverse bird species and other wildlife. Birdwatching is a popular activity.
While the natural setting can be appealing, some reviews highlight significant hygiene and maintenance issues that might make it less ideal for families with very young children. +1
Historically, it was envisioned as a model eco-tourism community. However, recent reviews suggest a significant decline in maintenance and hygiene standards in some accommodations. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several restaurants and cafes, often serving local Cuban cuisine. Buffet options are sometimes available, but quality and availability can be inconsistent according to reviews.
Some visitors found food prices to be high, especially for breakfast, with limited options outside of the main establishments. +1
Options might be limited, as traditional Cuban cuisine often features meat. It's advisable to inquire at restaurants beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural landscapes, the lake, the San Juan River, and the surrounding mountains offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The architecture of the community can also be interesting.
With patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture images of the diverse birdlife. Early mornings are often best for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you choose to visit, it's highly recommended to thoroughly inspect your accommodation upon arrival and be prepared to address any issues immediately. Consider packing extra toiletries and perhaps even your own towels. Alternatively, exploring Casa Particulares might offer a more reliable and potentially cleaner experience for families seeking a comfortable stay.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be prepared for basic amenities and potential cleanliness issues. If budget is your absolute priority, thoroughly research your accommodation options and be ready to compromise on certain comforts. Always factor in the potential need for extra supplies or alternative dining if the onsite options are unsatisfactory.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Reviews: A Tale of Two Experiences
However, a significant number of reviews paint a grim picture, detailing severe issues with cleanliness, including mold, dirt, and pests. Guests have reported broken amenities, dirty bathrooms, and even alleged involvement in sex trafficking, though this is a more extreme claim. The discrepancy suggests potential inconsistencies in management, maintenance, and staff training across different parts of the accommodation or at different times. It's vital to be aware of these potential downsides and to manage expectations accordingly.
The Natural Beauty of Sierra del Rosario
Activities like hiking and birdwatching are popular here, with numerous trails catering to various fitness levels. The San Juan River provides opportunities for swimming and relaxation, while the lake offers scenic views. The community's commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in its integration with the natural environment, aiming to preserve the ecological balance of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit