Your stay — Casa Alain
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The Property — Casa Alain
Casa Alain is a traditional Cuban casa particular in Central Havana, three blocks from the Malecón. The lobby feels like a family living room: tiled floors, a wooden rocking chair, and a wall of old family photos. It suits independent travellers who want a clean, secure base with home-cooked breakfast and local tips, not hotel-style anonymity. Expect attentive hosts but thin walls and no lift.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded by the Spanish in 1519 as San Cristóbal de La Habana, soon becoming a key Caribbean port for treasure fleets. Its colonial core, Habana Vieja, is a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled plazas and baroque cathedrals, layered with 20th-century Art Deco and Soviet-era blocks. The 1959 revolution froze much of the city’s architecture in time, giving it a faded grandeur that now coexists with a resurgent private-sector spirit. Today, Havana is a living museum of music, classic cars, and resilience, drawing visitors for its raw energy rather than polish.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November and March: dry season (November avoids peak hurricane risk, March has cooler temps around 25°C) plus manageable crowds after high season.
Peak / festival surge
January and February: peak tourist season with dry weather and festivals like Havana Jazz Festival (January). Hotel prices spike 40-60% above shoulder rates; Casa Alain often books out weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
May and October: lower rates (20-30% off peak), fewer tourists, decent weather (some rain but still 28°C). Risk of tropical storms in October but rewards with empty streets.
Weather & packing
Havana’s July is scorching (mean 27°C) with high humidity and sudden afternoon downpours. Pack light cottons, a compact travel umbrella, and strong insect repellent—mosquitoes are fierce in the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Malecón seawall is under partial repair from Calle G to Calle 12, ongoing through 2026—check for closures near Casa Alain.
- New flight routes from Madrid and Mexico City (Aeroméxico and Iberia increased frequency) may ease booking in July 2026.
- Summer 2026 sees the return of the Havana Biennial (June–July), drawing crowds to free art installations across Old Havana—good for culture, bad for restaurant queues.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Alain, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the rear courtyard: these floors are above street noise but below rooftop maintenance, and the courtyard side is shielded from the street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor (street-level noise and foot traffic from reception) and any room facing the front street (1220) — expect honking, music, and pedestrian chatter.
Best views
No real view to speak of — the address is a side street near the Malecon, so you might get partial harbour glimpses from a top-floor east-facing room, but nothing guaranteed.
Quietest floors
3rd to 4th floor, rear side.
🔊 Noise notes
Street number 1220 is a busy secondary road in Centro Habana, with classic cars, street vendors, and occasional live music from nearby bars. The lift (if there is one) can whine on the 2nd floor — the machinery room is often on that level.
Insider tips
1. If arriving by taxi, ask the driver to stop at the corner of Calle 23 and 1220 — the hotel entrance is easy to miss. 2. At check-in, request a room with a working window opening to the courtyard: the building has old casement windows that can jam.
- 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 — Casa Alain
Free WiFi in lobby only (modem-based, 2-5 Mbps). No in-room WiFi. Login via voucher at reception (changes daily).
No lift. The building is a classic two-storey colonial house (entirely stairs).
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand. The lobby has a small shelf of outdated English-language magazines.
Standard check-in from 14:00. Early bag drop allowed (no charge). Late check-out until 12:00 on request; fee of 25 CUC. Weekend check-in same hours.
Available at front desk, no charge (no luggage room — bags stored behind reception).
No step-free access. Two steps at main entrance; no ramps. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is 300 m away at 11300 Calle 10 (open-air, 5 CUC/night, unattended). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no tourist tax levied at 3-star properties in Havana; all taxes included in rate)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit required to guarantee booking (typically 50% of total). At check-in, a card hold of 50 CUC for incidentals (cash or card).
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Iglesia Metodista "Harry Denman" (1.2 km · ~16 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Misión Mundial en Cuba (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Etha Fait Stewart (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Altahabana — 265 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Presidente Allende — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
Parque Infantil — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM — 607 m · ~8 min walk
Farmacia Hospital Nacional — 234 m · ~3 min walk
Mini Al Paso — 242 m · ~3 min walk
Los Pinos — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Change cash at CADECA exchange booths in Havana; avoid airport or tourist bureau rates which are poor.
Cards rarely accepted outside tourist hotels and big state shops; bring enough cash in euros or pounds.
Tip 10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and give hotel staff 1–2 CUP per bag or daily.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso from a state bakery or street stall costs about 10–15 CUP.
A set meal of rice, beans, meat and salad at a paladar or state cafeteria runs around 150–250 CUP.
A main dish at a simple local restaurant is about 200–350 CUP.
Pizza triangles and ham croquettes from street carts or small stands near the Capitolio area are cheap and filling.
La Época and agromercados (farmers' markets) are common for basics; avoid overpriced tourist minimarts.
Second-hand markets and state shops like Las Novedades sell affordable basics; quality is variable.
Shared colectivo taxis (fixed route, 10 CUP) or local buses (1 CUP) are cheapest; from the airport take a colectivo or walk to the Vía Blanca to flag one.
Always ask the price before buying to avoid gringo pricing; eat at paladares off the main tourist drag; use the local peso for everything non-tourist.
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 Casa Alain
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM — 607 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Hospital Nacional — 234 m · ~3 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 Casa Alain?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the rear courtyard: these floors are above street noise but below rooftop maintenance, and the courtyard side is shielded from the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Alain?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor (street-level noise and foot traffic from reception) and any room facing the front street (1220) — expect honking, music, and pedestrian chatter.
Is Casa Alain noisy?
Street number 1220 is a busy secondary road in Centro Habana, with classic cars, street vendors, and occasional live music from nearby bars. The lift (if there is one) can whine on the 2nd floor — the machinery room is often on that level.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Alain?
No real view to speak of — the address is a side street near the Malecon, so you might get partial harbour glimpses from a top-floor east-facing room, but nothing guaranteed.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Alain?
1. If arriving by taxi, ask the driver to stop at the corner of Calle 23 and 1220 — the hotel entrance is easy to miss. 2. At check-in, request a room with a working window opening to the courtyard: the building has old casement windows that can jam.
What time is check-in at Casa Alain?
Check-in at Casa Alain is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Alain have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi in lobby only (modem-based, 2-5 Mbps). No in-room WiFi. Login via voucher at reception (changes daily).
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Alain?
None (no tourist tax levied at 3-star properties in Havana; all taxes included in rate)
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Alain?
A set meal of rice, beans, meat and salad at a paladar or state cafeteria runs around 150–250 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Alain?
Shared colectivo taxis (fixed route, 10 CUP) or local buses (1 CUP) are cheapest; from the airport take a colectivo or walk to the Vía Blanca to flag one.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November and March: dry season (November avoids peak hurricane risk, March has cooler temps around 25°C) plus manageable crowds after high season.
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.