Where and where not to go to get cigars in Cuba

[EJames]

My friends trip to Cuba was unfortunately delayed, but he's back up and ready to head out again.
Ive been doing some research about cigar buying in Cuba, and all i can find is warnings where not to buy, but none for where to, other than the airport, but that just seems like a boring way to buy cigars.

Can anyone recommend a good place to send my mate so he can bring back some authentic Cuban cigars. I don't want him buying knocked off ones or getting ripped off by inflated tourist prices.

Any advice is welcome

Cheers

[nicwing]

Go to either of the Havana factories (Partagas or Romeo y Julieta/also now known as the H Upmann factory) and buy in the shops (not from the guys rolling when you take the tour!)or the major hotels that have a store.

Do Not be tempted by anyone on the street who is a roller, who's best mate runs the factory!

If you are buying whole boxes always get a receipt/invoice for Cuban customs on the way out.

At many hotel shops you will find rollers, try their hand rolled cigars, they are usually out of this world!

Avoid the cigar store at el Ajibe!

[EJames]

Do you better deals at the hotels, or the factories? I'm guessing that a tour just to see how its all done is what my friend would want to do. I have read about not buying cigars from the people inside the factories, is it just because its not the done thing, or the cigars not up to scratch?

[bigbarneyhotdog]

This is the best place dude http://www.hotelcondedevillanueva.com/

[nicwing]

EJ, as all of the stores (Hotel or factory) are government controlled you will find that the prices are the same everywhere. If you get offered a better price be suspicious!

Oh and Big Barney is right!!!!

[sbthang]

Big Barney,

What a lovely looking hotel - have you stayed there?
Steve

[EJames]

Cheers Big Barney, looks like the place to send him

[EJames]

In fact it looks like the place to head to when I get out there, awesome pictures

[bigbarneyhotdog]

Yep, a couple of years ago, I went for a herf with a couple of buddies who are also members here. Great place to stay, and a delightful sampling lounge.

[nicwing]

Just watch out for the peacock, he is a serious show off!

[Deano]

Tip at the factory: they have LOADS in the VIP room, the main storage humidor is there, don't be put off by the small selection out front.

[Simon Bolivar]

Beat me to it Barney

[Simon Bolivar]

Nic Wing & I enjoyed a smoke there too, in Feb. Wonderful place but if your a light sleeper better just visit than stay, the peacock is very vocal, very early so I heard.

[PoohBore]

How do you get in the VIP humidor ?
Which factory shop has the biggest selection ?

Is it a simple matter of asking ?

[nicwing]

Partagas factory has a nice VIP room, usually a good stock. Melia Havana and Melia Cohiba also.

In my experience if you show that you are not just a tourist who wants to buy 'some cigars' you should be invited in. Go with a list and ask about box codes/ages, that should show you know what you are talking about..