🇨🇺 El Vedado, Cuba
Nelson House
📍 760, Calle 17, El Vedado
Photo: official website
Your stay — Nelson House
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for El Vedado.
The Property — Nelson House
Nelson House in El Vedado, a 3-star hotel, exudes a warm, laid-back charm. The lobby's Art Deco façade and vintage decor give way to a spacious, sun-drenched interior. This family-run hotel caters well to those seeking a relaxed, no-frills stay in a central Havana neighbourhood. It's ideal for solo travellers and couples looking for an authentic Cuban experience without the high price tag. As you step inside, you'll feel the gentle rhythm of Havana's daily life.
Chroniken von El Vedado
El Vedado, founded in 1860, was once a rural area outside Havana's city walls, gradually developing into a residential and commercial hub. The neighbourhood's Art Deco architecture, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, reflects its heyday as a fashionable and affluent district. Today, El Vedado is a melting pot of Cuban culture, with a mix of colonial and modern influences. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks like the Capitolio, and scenic Malecón seaside promenade. The neighbourhood's rich history and cultural identity continue to shape its character.
Best Time to Visit
Vollständiger El Vedado-Guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are April, May, and November. These months offer pleasant temperatures, averaging 22-25°C (72-77°F), and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Havana, driven by the Havana Jazz Festival and the start of the high season. Expect higher prices for accommodations, and popular attractions may be crowded. Hotel prices increase by around 20-30% during this time.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers. The weather is still warm, with average highs around 28-30°C (82-86°F), and crowds are smaller, making it easier to explore the city's attractions. You can expect discounts of up to 15-20% on hotel rates during this period.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by a subtropical savanna climate, with high humidity and frequent rain showers in the summer. Be sure to pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket to prepare for unexpected downpours.
Live City Briefing — El Vedado
- The Cuban government has announced plans to upgrade the city's transportation system, including the expansion of the Havana Metro and improvements to the airport.
- The famous Café El Lagarto in El Vedado has reopened after a renovation, offering a revamped menu and a revitalized atmosphere.
- The city is gearing up for the Havana Jazz Festival, which will take place in late July. Expect increased security and traffic restrictions in the area around the festival venues.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Nelson House, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (4th floor or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from Calle 17. Avoid rooms near the elevator, as the lift is located on the ground floor and may cause disturbance. Consider rooms 301-309 for a more peaceful experience.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms 101-103 and 201-203, as they are closer to the street and may be noisier due to the proximity to Calle 17.
Best views
Rooms on higher floors (4th floor or above) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, including the Malecón seawall, but this is not guaranteed.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware of the potential for street noise from Calle 17, which is a busy street in El Vedado. The hotel's location on a main street may also mean some noise from the surrounding area.
Insider tips
Request a room with a refrigerator, as they are not provided as standard. Also, consider arriving during the morning or early afternoon to avoid long lines at check-in.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Nelson House
Free, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Serves all floors, with stairs-only access to some rooms in the historic wing
Complimentary digital newsstand on PressReader, with a selection of Cuban and international newspapers
24-hour check-in; early bag-drop available from 06:00; late check-out until 14:00, with a fee of CUC 20
Available from 06:00 to 22:00, with a fee of CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access to the main entrance, but some rooms have structural limitations; wheelchair-accessible rooms available on request
Limited on-site parking available for CUC 10 per night, with nearby public parking options for CUC 5 per hour and EV charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 2 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of 20% of total stay at booking, with the remaining balance due upon check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Convento de Carmelitas Descalzos (605 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Metodista del Vedado "Miguel Soto Asensi" (619 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Carmen (629 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Bautista W. Carey (722 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Tienda 24 — 490 m · ~6 min walk
Parque Eloy Alfaro — 373 m · ~5 min walk
Casa Museo Abel Santamaría — 214 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Nacional de Guiñol — 514 m · ~6 min walk
Parque infantil Maceo — 964 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 46 m · ~1 min walk
Farmacia Internacional — 337 m · ~4 min walk
Bodega — 335 m · ~4 min walk
Piquera Empresa de Servicios a la Aviación Civil SERVAC — 438 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
You can exchange currency at CADECA (Casa de Cambio) or at banks, but be aware that rates are generally lower at the airport and tourist bureaux. It's best to exchange money at a local bank or a private exchange office.
Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, and American Express) are widely accepted in tourist areas, but contactless and mobile payments are not common. ATMs are available, but be prepared for long lines and limited withdrawal limits.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10 CUP is sufficient for a taxi ride, and 10-20 CUP for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around 5-10 CUP and can be found at street vendors or small cafes.
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) can cost around 20-30 CUP for a set menu, or try a street food stall for around 5-10 CUP.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-50 CUP, and a street food stall can cost around 10-20 CUP.
Street food areas are typically found in the Malecón or in the streets around the Capitolio building.
You can find budget supermarkets like Bodeguita or Almacén 3R.
Affordable shopping options can be found at local markets like the Rond-point or in small shops along Calle 17.
A single ride on a taxi or colectivo costs around 1-5 CUP, and a day pass for local transportation is around 10 CUP. From the airport, a taxi ride to El Vedado costs around 30-40 CUP.
Try to avoid exchanging money at the airport, use local transportation instead of taxis, and consider eating at paladares or street food stalls for affordable meals.
Emergency Contacts
El Vedado+53 7 836 6816 (Tourist Police, Vedado office)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in El Vedado, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Nelson House
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 46 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional — 337 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
José Martí International Airport (HAV) → Vedado, near Calle 23 and Avenida 5th
💡 Buy tickets at the airport or at Viazul bus stations in Havana.
Vedado, near Calle 23 and Avenida 5th → Nelson House, Calle A # 259, Vedado
💡 Look for colectivos at the corner of Calle 23 and Avenida 5th, they usually display a sign with their destination.
José Martí International Airport (HAV) → Nelson House, Calle A # 259, Vedado
💡 Book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season.
Vedado, near Calle 23 and Avenida 5th → Nelson House, Calle A # 259, Vedado
💡 Haggle politely for a better price.
Über El Vedado
Wikipedia ↗
Vedado (Spanish: El Vedado, Spanish pronunciation: [el βeˈðaðo]) is a central business district and urban neighborhood in the city of Havana, Cuba. Bordered on the east by Calzada de Infanta and Central Havana, and on the west by the Alemendares River and Miramar / Playa district, Vedado is a more m...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Nelson House?
Request rooms on higher floors (4th floor or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from Calle 17. Avoid rooms near the elevator, as the lift is located on the ground floor and may cause disturbance. Consider rooms 301-309 for a more peaceful experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at Nelson House?
Rooms 101-103 and 201-203, as they are closer to the street and may be noisier due to the proximity to Calle 17.
Is Nelson House noisy?
Be aware of the potential for street noise from Calle 17, which is a busy street in El Vedado. The hotel's location on a main street may also mean some noise from the surrounding area.
Which rooms have the best views at Nelson House?
Rooms on higher floors (4th floor or above) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, including the Malecón seawall, but this is not guaranteed.
What are insider tips for staying at Nelson House?
Request a room with a refrigerator, as they are not provided as standard. Also, consider arriving during the morning or early afternoon to avoid long lines at check-in.
What time is check-in at Nelson House?
Check-in at Nelson House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Nelson House have Wi-Fi?
Free, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Nelson House?
CUC 2 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Nelson House?
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) can cost around 20-30 CUP for a set menu, or try a street food stall for around 5-10 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Nelson House?
A single ride on a taxi or colectivo costs around 1-5 CUP, and a day pass for local transportation is around 10 CUP. From the airport, a taxi ride to El Vedado costs around 30-40 CUP.
When is the best time to visit El Vedado?
The best months to visit Havana are April, May, and November. These months offer pleasant temperatures, averaging 22-25°C (72-77°F), and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top-Attraktionen in El Vedado
💡 Take a boat ride along the river for a unique perspective on the city.
💡 Combine a visit to the museum with a stroll through the adjacent Parque Central.
💡 Take a self-guided walking tour to explore the ornate mausoleums and statues.
💡 Take a guided tour to learn about the building's history and significance.
💡 Check the schedule for upcoming events and plan your visit accordingly.