Jumping ahead of the airlines and hotel chains, Airbnb has opened its first list of lodgings available in Cuba, mostly rooms in existing “Casas Particulares,” which are private rentals of rooms in homes. Airbnb, famous for “disrupting” the lodging industry in general, says that this is a non-disruptive entry into Cuba because it works with existing structures.
Of course, starting to do business in Cuba has other issues, including many hosts who have no internet service and who operate on cash. Airbnb’s advance agents had to build a network of intermediaries to manage listings, and a licensed funds remitter to pay the hosts in cash.
There are about 1000 listings in the first group, mostly clustered in Havana. Bloomberg News for MORE
Photo: Airbnb Room: $27/night
It’s big news – BBC had an interview with one of the Airbnb guys this evening, talking about just this. I’m getting ready, just watched ‘Our Man in Havana’, (1959, Alec Guinness).
Garry, it seems like you were a naughty boy. I suspect you actually took part in some of these party line calls, rendering some good advice, I’m sure — whether wanted or not.
Apparently Airbnb in Cuba, so far, is only for Americans who have permission to go there.
Great film. Graham Greene novel and screenplay.
The internet is accessible for most people in Cuba.
Phone lines are still a rare item for private houses.
Many share a local service with business and families using the same web address.
Just like we used to – when we shared a public phone.
Yes – years ago – I know !
Did it go Brrr….Brrr… or was that the Polar Bear without his coat on ?
Yes party lines were great fun if you picked up the receiver when someone else was talking.
Don’t remember exactly what it sounded like, but I remember what my mother sounded like when she caught me listening…
Ours was 2 shorts and a long (or was it 2 longs and a short?), also early ’50s, Danville, California. It was an idyllic new subdivision in the rolling golden hills, golf course next door and a community pool under the oaks, a short walk from home. It would never have occurred to us that a party line made life any less wonderful.
Many of my Canadian friends travel independently to Cuba.
They all stay with these guys -Pinot and Agnia.
Too far from Havana to travel but it will give you a taste of what to expect from Casa Particulars.
http://www.hostalpinoyagnia.com/
I know this is open to double meaning in this context…but yes, I remember sharing a party line. Leavenworth, KS, 1951.
Our number was 779-J and we were #10 of the 12 families on the line. There was a distinct ring for each family…can’t remember ours (I was 7 at the time).