Airbnb In Cuba Offers Rooms That Are As Rustic And Retro As The Island’s Internet

Airbnb London, Airbnb Paris, Airbnb... Havana? That’s right, there are over 2,000 listings available for rental and hospitality website in a Cuba that’s be a little more libre. Many companies have eyed the island nation since it began thawing it’s cold-war era diplomatic relationship with the United States this year. Internet-based companies like Airbnb enjoys a certain edge -- they appear to be less regulated by the stiff Communist government, and hospitality companies even more so. But with limited internet access the company has to deal with unique challenges.

"We are an Internet company, and there is a 5 percent Internet penetration in Cuba," Turner said. "We couldn't expect that hosts would access the site on a daily basis." Molly Turner, global head of civic partnerships at Airbnb told NBC News.

Travelers report losing rooms due to 24-48 gaps in communication with hosts. Guest might be best off booking their stays way, way in advance. There’s also a wide range in the quality of the rooms. While most of the houses in Havana are retro to some extent, there’s a big difference between rustic -- for example a 19th century renovated colonial-style apartment -- and rusty -- thanks to the economic embargo and constricted economy, some of the soviet-era houses can be compared to run-down functionalist sardine cans.

With travel to Cuba easier for Americans than ever before, Cuban hospitality services can look forward to a possible spike in tourism this summer, not just from the East (Europeans have been visiting the Island for years), but from the north as well. Low-cost flights have already been announced by Jetblue, and ferry companies across south Florida have been approved to take travelers to Havana by boat.

Often cheaper than hotels, Airbnb properties attract a wide range of travelers, but they’re often in the pursuit of thrift and authenticity. They’re also an alternative for people who don’t want their money going into the hands of the Castro-led regime. U.S. politicians have called Airbnb an alternative to government-run hotels, and even debated making the service mandatory.

A cursory search on Airbnb shows listings all across the island. In Havana, the average room is about $30-$40 per night, even those just a few blocks from the ocean. But good luck trying to find reviews! Most of the postings we read were by host who joined in May, and hadn’t been reviewed yet. Will you be the first?