Hi I'm thinking of spending a week by myself in Cuba...
hopefully do some day trips and stuff out of havana, possibly go to Trinidad if there's time.

Is it a safe place to travel for girls by themselves?

What's the story with hostels?
it seems to be mostly guesthouse/family residences that are on line.

Any tips,feedback- even suggested routes would be much appreciated. I'm hoping to do a group cycling trip for the second week so will be taking in the south part of the island then.

Learn some spanish - even if its just basic.

I haven't been there for 2 years but...

It's the safest latin country I've been to. Of course I'm a large male, so it might be a little different for you.

Don't stay in hotels- they're for tourists only. The gov. allows citizens to rent rooms in their apts., a system called casa familiares and for which they are registered and pay taxes. You get to meet a family, and get home cooked meals for cheap. There are lots of them everywhere, and they'll call ahead to a friend if you go to another city. This is one of the best aspects of Cuba. We found you just walk around and people will find you. Check their apt. and move on if you don't like it. I like old havana and wouldn't stay elswhere. Check out my blog on this site: http://blogs.bootsnall.com/troller/page/2

The biking looks awesome, lots of foreigners do it, don't over pack, it's hot there!
Trinidad is beautiful but touristy, we also went west-
Viniales, gorgeous, quiet;
Santa Clara, Che's monument, nice, conservative;
Playa Maria La Gorda- west coast, incredible diving, a european resort
Pinar del Rio- Capitol of a province, lively

Spent Jan 09 in Havana & most of Feb traveling the island from Vinales to Baracoa, all the above advise is correct. Stay in Casa Particulars but they are not as cheap as backpacker hostels in other Latin countries & their meals tent to be expensive.

Your biking group will most lilely be using campgrounds which are a lot cheaper. Get a Lonely Planet guide & check the Cubajunky web site. Cuba is probably the safest country you will visit but you will be constantly be asked for money.