The Rough Guide to Cuba, 1st Edition (Rough Guides)

The central part of the guide (accommodations, restaurants and sights) is one of the most accurate on the market (though McAuslan's comments are very terse). The maps were easy to use and above the average found in most other Cuban guides. This guide has one of the best bibliographies on Cuba found in a guide book today, but sadly lacks any mention of notable films that can be viewed to gain an appreciation of this country.

On the downside, the index DID NOT list hotels or restaurants and this required that you flip through the section until you find the listing you wanted (especially a hassle in Havana). There were NO email or Internet addresses to speak of (especially useful for the hotels) even though the published date is 2000. That is disappointing considering that almost every hotel listed in this book is, and have been using cyberspace for the past few years.

The strength of this guide, as with most Rough Guides, is its first hand knowledge that is geared for the budgeted adventure traveler. The selections that list accommodations and restaurants, included budget hostels and eateries that are often disregarded in other guides. A trademark to Rough Guides is the placement of the history, culture, people, etc. at the end of the guide instead of at the beginning.

Over all this is a VERY GOOD, and informative guide, that I strongly recommend. Only slightly better is "Cuba" by Christopher Baker's (Moon Travel Guides, [see review]) and just a notch behind is "Cuba" by David Stanley (Lonely Planet [see review]). Regardless, you will not go wrong with any of these three guides. Recommended


Roughing it Caribbean style   October 9, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Anyone who's travelled anywhere on a budget is no doubt familiar with the Rough Guide series, the definitive answer to what's hot and what's not in your destination of choice. This book is no exception. With carefully researched short pieces on Cuban history, music and culture in general, they provide an insight into what makes the place the diverse experience it is. Minus points awarded for organisation in the chapter on Havana, and one restaurant highly recommended did not, on personal experience, measure up. In general though the book made getting around easier and gave a good introduction to the place and the people. Reviews are kept to the point and accomodation listings usefully gave an indication of price and facilities. Worth the asking price..