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Summary: Experiencing the Real Cuba
Review: This is the only book that we brought with us to Cuba. We thought that it was very helpful. It taught us the tricks of going there as a US citizen. We made it there and back without any problems. Staying with families is an excellent way to really experience the culuture. It was a very safe place to see. We recommend Trinidad and Venjales especially. the prices were a little outdated, but not bad. Barely saw any other Americans there. It was a total culture shock, but wonderful. Espeically the Music.
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Summary: The best guide by far
Review: This LP guide is the best for information, history, prices and a good unbiased account of the Cuba-US relationship. This is far better than the Moon guide, the only exception is that the maps try and cram a lot in a small place -bigger maps please. But this is an minor grumble. I travelled around Cuba by myself speaking no Spanish and found my LP to be my second-best friend (after my Cuban hosts). Go to Cuba & take LP with you.
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Summary: Good but not enough
Review: This time, Lonely Planet has published something below their usual standard. The guide is good, interesting, and has some useful information. But there are also lots of information and data it does not contain - partly because Cuba is so unique and hard to know, partly because everything changes so quickly in that wonderful island. Definitely have a look at it, but this guide will never replace the personal advice with, no doubt, you will receive from new friends and acquaintances once you are in Cuba.
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Summary: I thoroughly enjoyed his upfront commentary on Cuba!
Review: Though David Stanley is a good, informative writer, he still knacks the expression and fire of the Cuban travel guide writer, Christopher Baker (see review). However, Stanley's economic analysis (in the Facts about Cuba section, which is also very good) is the best out in a guide book today.The strength of this guide, as with most all Lonely Planet guides, is that they are an excellent source for information that is often disregarded in other guides (i.e., paragliding, language schools, how to get a tour bus to transport you at a fraction of what you would pay for a taxi, etc.). Though I think this guide is ONE OF THE BEST, there are a few areas that, as in the old report card mark stated, N/I - needs improvement. I found this guide more difficult to navigate than other Cuban guides; mainly because of a paltry index. The index DID NOT list hotels or restaurants and this required that I to flip through each section until I found the listing I wanted information on (especially a hassle in Havana). The maps, though plentiful (68), could use improvement by adding color plates and clear/cleaner definition. The best guide book for clear, easy-to-use maps for Cuba are in Michelin's Neos Guides and Moon Travel. These points noted, I do not hesitate recommending Cuba by David Stanley - 2000. I thoroughly enjoyed his upfront commentary on Cuba - though some anti-Castro individuals will find him politically incorrect, I found his views on communist Cuba and Fidel refreshing. Recommended
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Summary: Anti-American bias spoils book content
Review: U.S. readers may tire of the book's anti-American sentiment. Unfortunately, it's expressed throughout the book, especially in the historical overview, which is incredibly biased. For a much more objective treatment, I recommend Christopher Baker's Cuba Handbook (Moon Travel). Mr. Baker doesn't seem to have an axe to grind, and simply delivers what one would expect to find in a decent travel guide: Good travel information without all the tedious politicizing. Disclaimer: The aforementioned is an expression of my *opinion* as protected under the U.S. Constitution.
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Summary: Candid Discussion - Bad on Entertainment & Hotels
Review: While Lonely Planet Cuba does a good job of discussing the country and its culture in an objective way, its discussion of hotels and entertainment is way off. Prices for hotels listed is correct, but reviews of the property and the surrounding area is terrible. In addition, the discussion of nightlife is ridiculously off - Cuba has very little nightlife!!!
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Summary: Most comprehensive guide to Cuba
Review: With a wealth of information and an easy-to-use format, Lonely Planet's guide to Cuba is probably the best on the market. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of the country, Lonely Planet gives information on the history, culture, religion and politics of the country in concise, yet detailed, synopses. The comprehensive Practical Information section is an in-depth guide to planning your trip, whether you prefer a package tour or to go it alone. You'll find information on Snowbird-style beach-only, all-inclusive packages, as well as information on city stays for the more urban among us. In contrast to many guides, Lonely Planet covers tour operators from a variety of countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas so that individuals may match their taste to a specific package. If you want to go it alone, Lonely Planet provides excellent information and contacts for airlines, hotels, restaurants, how to get your own visa, and the like. This is a rarity among modern Cuba guides. There are sections dealing with gay and lesbian travellers, the disabled, and students which provide contacts for things such as work/study programs, and other not-so-typical types of tourism. The island is covered in considerable detail, which is a real boon to those wanting to explore more than one location. Further, the would-be tourist is guided through the difficulties of local transportation and dining when you're not part of a tour group. For those wanting to visit the island without a clear idea of what to do once there, Lonely Planet really shines. It provides a Top Ten Best & Worst places to visit, and a great overview of the island so that you'll be able to find/explore exactly what you want. On the downside, although the book is new, the text style is vintage Lonely Planet. It may overwhelm those who just want a week at the beach, and may frighten those not accustomed to international travel with its comprehensive detail of the ins and outs of coming and going to and within Cuba. The book caters to the more adventurous, but is still an invaluable tool for the more cautious, who, at least, will enjoy beachchair travel throughout this fascinating island.
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