Your stay — Bella Costa
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The Property — Bella Costa
You step into a lobby with worn terrazzo floors and a slow ceiling fan stirring the humid air. The Bella Costa is a straightforward three-star on the Malecón, so the sea is always in earshot. It feels like a practical base for walkers and budget-conscious travellers who want a sea-view room and don't mind threadbare towels; this is not a resort but a solid, slightly faded piece of Havana's tourist infrastructure.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and quickly became a key port for treasure fleets. Its colonial core, a Unesco World Heritage site, mixes baroque and neoclassical buildings with 20th-century Art Deco and Soviet-era blocks. After the 1959 revolution, much of the city froze in time, creating a unique architectural museum. Today its identity is defined by a resilient, creative culture of music, classic cars and a slow, street-level rhythm that survives economic hardship.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November to April: dry season, clear skies, temperatures around 24-28°C, and manageable tourist numbers outside Christmas/New Year.
Peak / festival surge
December and January: holidays bring high occupancy, prices at Bella Costa can double, and the city fills for Christmas and the Havana Jazz Festival (January).
Budget shoulder season
May and October: lower room rates, fewer crowds, temperatures still warm (but take rain). A good compromise if you can dodge showers and want discounts.
Weather & packing
June is the start of the wet season, so expect daily thundery downpours; pack a compact umbrella and a light raincoat for the Malecón walk. Sun protection remains essential—UV is fierce even under cloud.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Malecón seawall has been partially repaired after storm damage last winter; walking routes along it are mostly clear, but check for ongoing sections near the Vedado end.
- A new craft beer bar, 'Cervecería La Habana', opened in March 2026 in Centro Habana, popular with locals and travellers for its roof terrace and IPAs.
- The National Bus Company has restarted the Viazul coastal service to Varadero after a two-year hiatus, useful for a day trip from Havana's central station.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Bella Costa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor (the upper storey) at the rear of the building, away from Calle 23. The first floor is quieter as it is above street activity, and the rear side avoids the main road noise. The colonial building likely has high ceilings and fans, which work better upstairs for airflow.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid any room on the ground floor facing Calle 23, especially those near the entrance steps. Ground-floor rooms in a two-storey colonial are noisier from the street and internal passage, and lack elevation for a bit of peace. Also avoid rooms near the lobby or common areas on the ground floor if they are the only ones near the 'free limited Wi-Fi zone' — expect foot traffic.
Best views
The best view is from a first-floor room at the front (facing Calle 23) — you'll see the Vedado neighbourhood, nearby trees, and typical Havana architecture. However, this comes with street noise. If view is a priority over quiet, chose a front-facing first-floor room (rooms ending in odd numbers likely face the street). No ocean views — the hotel is inland, a few blocks from the sea.
Quietest floors
First floor (upper storey) — all rooms here are quieter than the ground floor, as the building has no lift and stairs only, so upper floors get less passing noise from the lobby and entrance.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle 23 is a main road with constant traffic, music from passing cars and nearby bars, and pedestrian chatter. The hotel's position between L and M streets means some cross-street noise from L and M. No lift means no lift machinery noise, but stairs create footfall from guests above. The lobby is the only Wi-Fi zone, so people gather there.
Insider tips
1. For parking: book a space at Estacionamiento de Calle L in advance if possible — it costs 1 CUC per night and is a 5-min walk. Otherwise, street parking is scarce and not always safe. 2. For check-in: ask for a room on the first floor (upper storey) at the rear — confirm numbers at the desk. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper; Havana music and traffic start early.
- 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 — Bella Costa
Free limited-speed Wi-Fi in lobby only (approx 1 Mbps). No login needed; no paid upgrade available. No coverage in most rooms.
No passenger lift. All guest rooms are in a two-storey colonial building with stairs only. No lift access.
No digital newsstand. One complimentary Cuban daily newspaper at reception table, first come first served. Property is a converted 1950s mansion with original terrazzo floors and ironwork.
Check-in from 15:00; early bag-drop allowed at front desk from 10:00 (no charge). Late check-out until 14:00 costs 25 CUC if available. Standard check-out 12:00.
Free luggage storage at reception for same-day arrivals and departures.
No wheelchair or step-free access. Main entrance has two steps; no ramps. All rooms accessible only via stairs. Not recommended for guests with mobility issues.
No on-site parking. The nearest public car park is Estacionamiento de Calle L at Calle L e/ 23 y 25, about 5 minutes walk, costs 1 CUC per night. No EV charging in Havana.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; no incidental hold taken at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Santa Rita de Casia (838 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia San Antonio de Padua (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Place of worship: FanClub CUBAYERN Bayern Munchen (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Place of worship: Capilla de las Esclavas del Sagrado Corazón (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
La Copa — 573 m · ~7 min walk
La Copa — 547 m · ~7 min walk
Casa Compay Segundo — 966 m · ~12 min walk
Teatro Carlos Marx — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Parque Infantil — 1.2 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 566 m · ~7 min walk
La Copa — 560 m · ~7 min walk
Ten Cent La Copa — 797 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Most travellers exchange cash at official CADECA booths; avoid the airport and tourist bureaux for better rates. The unofficial market (at a different rate) is common but risky.
Cards are not widely accepted, even in tourist spots; bring plenty of cash (CUP or EUR/USD) as contactless is rare.
10-15% in restaurants if service charge not included; small change for taxis; a few CUP for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Tiny espresso from a street stall or bar — about 10-20 CUP.
Pizza or sandwich from a local kiosk — around 30-50 CUP.
A simple main of rice, beans, and meat at a paladar — roughly 100-200 CUP.
Central Havana's streets near the Capitolio and Parque Central are dotted with stalls selling pizzas, churros, and ice cream.
State-run 'bodegas' are limited; better to buy from small private 'almacenes' or market stalls.
Havana has few proper markets; street vendors near the Malecón or Old Havana sell basic t-shirts and souvenirs.
Collective taxis (colectivos) along established routes cost 20-40 CUP per ride. From the airport, take a 'maquina' (shared classic car) into town for about 50 CUP per person.
(1) Eat at paladares away from tourist squares for half the price. (2) Use colectivos not tourist taxis. (3) Bring own water bottle to avoid overpriced bottled water.
Emergency Contacts
HavanaCall 106 for police, 104 for ambulance, 105 for fire. For tourist assistance, dial 103 (Cuban tourist police). Mobile networks work; local SIMs (ETECSA) are reliable. Save these offline.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Havana, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Bella Costa
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 566 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · La Copa — 560 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Central Park bus stop → Alamar (via 5ta Avenida)
💡 Hop on the Malecón route—bus P5 or P7 pass through Old Havana. Payment is by coin or phone card only; exact change essential. Expect the bus to be packed and hot during peak hours.
Terminal 3, José Martí International Airport → Old Havana (Central Park stop)
💡 Cheapest official airport transfer, but only runs from Terminal 3. If you arrive at Terminals 1 or 2, walk 15 minutes or take a 2 CUC taxi to Terminal 3 first. Space is first-come, first-served.
Old Havana taxi rank (e.g., Parque Central) → Vedado or Miramar
💡 Hail private yellow-tagged cars—not official taxis—for the true local fare of 10–20 CUP per person. Tell the driver 'Vedado' or your intersection. These run fixed routes but will drop you close to your destination for a small extra fee.
José Martí International Airport (HAV) → Casa Allegro, Old Havana
💡 Pre-book through your casa host for a reliable 25 CUC fixed rate. Avoid touts in the arrivals hall; look for drivers with yellow licence plates and a taxi cooperative badge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Bella Costa?
Request a room on the first floor (the upper storey) at the rear of the building, away from Calle 23. The first floor is quieter as it is above street activity, and the rear side avoids the main road noise. The colonial building likely has high ceilings and fans, which work better upstairs for airflow.
Which rooms should I avoid at Bella Costa?
Avoid any room on the ground floor facing Calle 23, especially those near the entrance steps. Ground-floor rooms in a two-storey colonial are noisier from the street and internal passage, and lack elevation for a bit of peace. Also avoid rooms near the lobby or common areas on the ground floor if they are the only ones near the 'free limited Wi-Fi zone' — expect foot traffic.
Is Bella Costa noisy?
Calle 23 is a main road with constant traffic, music from passing cars and nearby bars, and pedestrian chatter. The hotel's position between L and M streets means some cross-street noise from L and M. No lift means no lift machinery noise, but stairs create footfall from guests above. The lobby is the only Wi-Fi zone, so people gather there.
Which rooms have the best views at Bella Costa?
The best view is from a first-floor room at the front (facing Calle 23) — you'll see the Vedado neighbourhood, nearby trees, and typical Havana architecture. However, this comes with street noise. If view is a priority over quiet, chose a front-facing first-floor room (rooms ending in odd numbers likely face the street). No ocean views — the hotel is inland, a few blocks from the sea.
What are insider tips for staying at Bella Costa?
1. For parking: book a space at Estacionamiento de Calle L in advance if possible — it costs 1 CUC per night and is a 5-min walk. Otherwise, street parking is scarce and not always safe. 2. For check-in: ask for a room on the first floor (upper storey) at the rear — confirm numbers at the desk. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper; Havana music and traffic start early.
What time is check-in at Bella Costa?
Check-in at Bella Costa is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Bella Costa have Wi-Fi?
Free limited-speed Wi-Fi in lobby only (approx 1 Mbps). No login needed; no paid upgrade available. No coverage in most rooms.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Bella Costa?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Bella Costa?
Pizza or sandwich from a local kiosk — around 30-50 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Bella Costa?
Collective taxis (colectivos) along established routes cost 20-40 CUP per ride. From the airport, take a 'maquina' (shared classic car) into town for about 50 CUP per person.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to April: dry season, clear skies, temperatures around 24-28°C, and manageable tourist numbers outside Christmas/New Year.
Top Attractions in Havana
💡 Go early (8-9am) before tour groups arrive. The adjacent Museo de Arte Colonial costs a couple of CUP but gives rooftop views of the plaza for free once you're inside.
💡 Start at the Hotel Nacional end, walk east towards Havana Vieja during late afternoon when the breeze picks up. Watch for crumbling seawall sections after storms.
💡 Take a bus or taxi from central Havana (about 15 mins). No security or fences around it; it's a regular neighbourhood park. Best visited late afternoon when it's cooler and the sun makes the bronze glow. The nearest cafe sells decent iced coffee.
💡 Skip the overpriced audio guide. Bring small CUP notes for the locked donation boxes in some rooms. The Granma Memorial outside (the yacht used in the 1956 landing) is free to view through the fence; you can see it from outside the museum grounds.
💡 Arrive by 8pm on Thursday or Friday to avoid huge queues. Pay in CUP at the door if you have it; the card machine sometimes fails. Check their Facebook page for schedule changes.