Palacio Baron Balbin

Whimsical casa particuar in the heart of Cienfuegos

Dating back to 1912, from its very inception the Palacio Baron Balbin was conceived as a grand private residence that set out to impress or, at the very least, make an impression.

And make an impression it certainly does. Although often described as baroque in style, the property is a mish-mash of styles of influences and as much a whimsical decorative folly as a family home.

Restored by its current owners over a number of years, and with furnishings as flamboyant as the décor, the Palacio Baron Balbin came second in a nationwide architectural competition.

The property boats five spacious and individually decorated rooms, all with a/c and ensuite bathrooms and some with an outside balcony.

Breakfast is included while the in-house restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, a rarity among many casa particulares. If you just want a quick drink before heading out, the rooftop terrace offers great views of both the city centre and the bay.

Located just a block from Parque Jose Marti in the city’s historic centre, and with the Bay of Cienfuegos just a few hundred metres away, the Palacio Baron Balbin is also ideally located for taking in the city’s key sites of interest.

As accommoation options in Cienfuegos are relatively limited, this is one property that needs booking as far in advance as possible.