Cuba
while timeshares are elusive in Cuba, so too are all other accommodations... and at an increasing rate! The Casa Particular is like a BNB. I have stayed in them when not in Havana however are now finding them to be more accessible than hotel rooms, esp with the right size travel group, given the large travel providers buying up most hotel rooms.
Casa particular (Spanish for "private house"; plural casas particulares) is a phrase meaning private accommodation or private homestays in Cuba, very similar to bed and breakfast although it can also take the form of vacation rental. When the meaning is clear the term is often shortened to simply casa.
A casa particular is basically a private family establishment that provides paid lodging, usually on a short-term basis. In general under this term you can find full apartment and houses, rooms inside people homes, mini-apartments or rooms with separate entrance (studio or efficiency type rooms).
Casas particulares can be recognised by a small sign on the door, with two blue triangles ('roofs') against a white background, which the owners obtain after paying a fixed per-room annual tax.
Casas particulares have several advantages over other types of lodgings: Guests can quickly develop genuine Cuban relationships and become deeply involved in the culture of the country also they will enjoy a free and easy atmosphere, feel at home in the casa particular and will be able to invite friends over.
In 1997, when the Cuban government allowed Cubans to rent out rooms in their houses or apartments to tourists, providing Cuban families with new sources of income. As any other type of accommodation in Cuba such as hotels, camping and motels were owned by the government, the term “casa particular” stated that this kind of paid lodging was privately operated.
Casas keep some similarity to Bed & Breakfast, where breakfast is usually included in the price, although you should ask first.
I've also experienced dinner made for us as well as a welcome 'diddly' (small drink of cuban rum) along with some local chocolates.
The casa can offer a 'retreat' feel in either the style of more laid back or, if you want a higher end/refined home, a private space for VIPS/executives to not be bothered by the service people interruptions in a hotel.
I hope this info is helpful...
