Your stay — Plaza Colón
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 Gibara.
The Property — Plaza Colón
The Plaza Colón is a 3-star hotel in Gibara, Cuba, that exudes a charming, laid-back atmosphere. Its lobby features a mix of colonial and art deco elements, giving it a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The hotel's USP lies in its tranquil courtyard, where guests can unwind amidst lush greenery and the soothing sounds of a small fountain. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a relaxing getaway in a historic Cuban town. Inside, the hotel's decor is simple yet elegant, with pastel colours and vintage furniture adding to its nostalgic charm.
Chronicles of Gibara
Gibara was founded in 1829 as a small fishing village, but it quickly grew into a major port city due to its strategic location on the coast. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with many buildings showcasing a mix of colonial and art deco styles. Gibara's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Afro-Cuban heritage, with the city hosting the annual Festival de Cine Pobre (Poor Film Festival), which celebrates low-budget filmmaking. The city's vibrant music scene and stunning natural surroundings make it an attractive destination for artists and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can still see remnants of the city's former glory in its historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit
Full Gibara guide →Best months
The best months to visit Gibara are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F), and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season. The shoulder season is also a great time to explore the city's historic centre and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and snorkelling.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Gibara, with the city hosting the Festival de Cine Pobre, attracting film enthusiasts from around the world. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, and it's not uncommon to see a 20-30% surge in prices. The festival is a major draw for the city, with many events and screenings taking place in the historic centre.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of September to November offer the best value for money, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. It's an excellent time to explore the city's historic centre, visit local markets, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and snorkelling.
Weather & packing
Gibara is known for its high humidity, so it's essential to pack light, breathable clothing that can keep you cool and dry. Don't forget to bring a lightweight rain jacket, as the city experiences sudden rain showers during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Gibara
- The city's main bus station has been renovated, making it easier for visitors to get to and from Gibara. A new art gallery has opened in the historic centre, showcasing the work of local artists. The city's annual seafood festival is set to take place in August, celebrating the region's fresh seafood delicacies.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Plaza Colón, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3-5) of the hotel, preferably with an odd-numbered room number (e.g., 301, 303, 305). These rooms are likely to be farther from the street noise and the potential noise from the service entrance.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator), as it may be located on a lower floor and can be noisy. Also, rooms near the service entrance might be more prone to noise from staff and delivery vehicles.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address of Plaza Colón in Gibara does not provide any notable view options, as it's a small town. However, rooms on the higher floors might offer a slightly better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
Floors 3-5, as they are likely to be higher up and away from the street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise from the Joaquin Aguero street, as it's a main road in the town. Additionally, the hotel's location near the town center may lead to some noise from nearby bars or restaurants.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony, as it may offer a bit more natural light and a slightly better view. If you have a car, be aware that parking might be limited in the surrounding area, so it's a good idea to ask the hotel about parking options in advance.
- 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 — Plaza Colón
free; 1 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via hotel app, physical papers available on request
check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00, early bag-drop available; late check-out: CUC 20 (approximately USD 1) per hour
available; CUC 5 (approximately USD 0.25) per bag, per day
step-free access to main areas; wheelchair-accessible rooms available upon request, no structural limitations
on-site parking available; CUC 10 (approximately USD 0.50) per night; nearest public car park: 'Gibara Parking' (CUC 5, approximately USD 0.25) per hour; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: CUC 50 (approximately USD 2) as advance deposit + CUC 50 (approximately USD 2) incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia San fulgencio (271 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Los Amigos Quaqueros (734 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Liga Evangélica de Cuba (786 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia LPN (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Las Madres — 89 m · ~1 min walk
Museo Joaquín de la Vara Pi — 330 m · ~4 min walk
Parque Infantil "El Mambisito" — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco de Crédito y Comercio — 460 m · ~6 min walk
Farmacia Principal — 555 m · ~7 min walk
Terminal De Ómnibus Gibara — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers typically exchange money at banks or Cadeca currency exchange offices; avoid airport or tourist bureau exchanges for poor rates. You'll need to have cash to exchange or use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, especially for small purchases; some hotels and tourist establishments may accept major cards like Visa or Mastercard, but cash is king. Mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are not supported.
Tip around 5-10 CUP for good service in restaurants and bars; round up the bill or leave coins for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around 1-2 CUP at a local café; try a street vendor or a small café for the best deals.
A plate of ropa vieja or arroz con pollo costs around 5-7 CUP at a local paladar (private restaurant).
A main course at a mid-range paladar costs around 15-25 CUP; try a street food stall for a more affordable option around 5-10 CUP.
Street food is common in the city center, especially around the Plaza de la Revolución; try the local markets like Mercado de Abastos for a variety of street food options.
Local markets like Mercado de Abastos or smaller tiendas offer affordable grocery options; look for the 'peso corto' (short peso) price for the local currency.
Local markets like the Feria de Artesanías or smaller tiendas offer affordable clothing options, especially for traditional Cuban attire.
A single bus ride costs around 0.75 CUP; a day pass is not available, but you can buy a 'tarjeta' (card) for multiple rides.
Buy bottled water instead of sugary drinks, use public transportation, and avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist bureaus for the best rates.
Emergency Contacts
Gibara+53 24 94 5007 (Tourist Information Office), +53 24 94 5008 (Local Tourist Assistance Office)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Gibara, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Plaza Colón
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco de Crédito y Comercio — 460 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Principal — 555 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Frank País International Airport (HOG) → Villa Boqueron hotel in Gibara
💡 Book in advance through your hotel or a local taxi company to ensure availability and a fixed price.
Frank País International Airport (HOG) → Gibara town centre (then take a taxi to Villa Boqueron)
💡 Buy tickets at the airport or in the town centre. Be prepared for a scenic route with potential delays.
Holguin city centre → Gibara town centre (then take a taxi to Villa Boqueron)
💡 Buy tickets at the bus terminal in Holguin. Ask the driver to drop you off at the town centre for a short walk to your hotel.
Holguin city centre → Gibara town centre (then take a taxi to Villa Boqueron)
💡 Look for a collectivo (shared taxi) at the bus terminal in Holguin. Negotiate the price and agree on the route before departing.
About Gibara
Wikipedia ↗
Gibara (Spanish pronunciation: [xiˈβaɾa]) is a town and municipality of the Province of Holguín in the Republic of Cuba. Gibara is the fourth largest town by population and the ninth by area in Holguín.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Plaza Colón?
Request a room on the higher floors (3-5) of the hotel, preferably with an odd-numbered room number (e.g., 301, 303, 305). These rooms are likely to be farther from the street noise and the potential noise from the service entrance.
Which rooms should I avoid at Plaza Colón?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator), as it may be located on a lower floor and can be noisy. Also, rooms near the service entrance might be more prone to noise from staff and delivery vehicles.
Is Plaza Colón noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise from the Joaquin Aguero street, as it's a main road in the town. Additionally, the hotel's location near the town center may lead to some noise from nearby bars or restaurants.
Which rooms have the best views at Plaza Colón?
Unfortunately, the address of Plaza Colón in Gibara does not provide any notable view options, as it's a small town. However, rooms on the higher floors might offer a slightly better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Plaza Colón?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony, as it may offer a bit more natural light and a slightly better view. If you have a car, be aware that parking might be limited in the surrounding area, so it's a good idea to ask the hotel about parking options in advance.
What time is check-in at Plaza Colón?
Check-in at Plaza Colón is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Plaza Colón have Wi-Fi?
free; 1 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Plaza Colón?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Plaza Colón?
A plate of ropa vieja or arroz con pollo costs around 5-7 CUP at a local paladar (private restaurant).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Plaza Colón?
A single bus ride costs around 0.75 CUP; a day pass is not available, but you can buy a 'tarjeta' (card) for multiple rides.
When is the best time to visit Gibara?
The best months to visit Gibara are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F), and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season. The shoulder season is also a great time to explore the city's historic centre and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and snorkelling.
Top Attractions in Gibara
💡 Visit the park early in the morning to spot local birds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
💡 Take a moment to reflect on Martí's legacy and the importance of his contributions to Cuban culture.
💡 Visit the lighthouse at sunset for breathtaking views of Gibara and the surrounding landscape.
💡 Watch the sunset over the ocean from the Malecón for a truly unforgettable experience.
💡 Take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral's history and significance in the town.