Your stay — Casa Boris
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The Property — Casa Boris
Casa Boris is a family-run 3-star hotel with a laid-back, vintage vibe, its 1950s Art Deco façade a testament to Havana's rich architectural heritage. The lobby's warm, high-ceilinged space is filled with antique furniture and local artwork, setting the tone for a stay that's equal parts nostalgic and authentic. This 24-room hotel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers and those seeking an immersive, local experience. Here, you're more likely to rub shoulders with Cubans than other tourists, making it a great choice for those looking to truly experience Havana's culture.
Chronicles of Havana
Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Havana's strategic location made it a key trading hub and colonial outpost. As the city grew, so did its architectural diversity, with Baroque, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles blending together to create a unique urban landscape. Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cobblestone streets lined with ornate colonial buildings, grand plazas, and a thriving arts scene. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its music, dance, and revolutionary history, making it a fascinating and vibrant destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are February and March, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 77°F (25°C), and the crowds are relatively small. These months also coincide with the city's vibrant arts scene, with numerous festivals and exhibitions celebrating music, dance, and visual arts.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Havana, with the city hosting the Havana Jazz Festival, which draws large crowds and drives up hotel prices. Expect to pay a premium for accommodations, and be prepared for larger crowds and longer lines at popular attractions.
Budget shoulder season
April and November are the best shoulder months to visit Havana, offering mild weather and significantly lower prices. These months also coincide with the city's shoulder season, making it easier to find deals on accommodations and tourist services.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by a distinct 'hole' in the summer, with a high-pressure system creating a dry and sunny period from May to October. Pack accordingly, bringing sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the intense midday sun.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana Metro is currently undergoing renovations, with several lines closed until 2027. Visitors can still get around the city using the iconic American-style yellow taxis or hop-on hop-off buses. The city's famous Malecón seaside promenade is also currently under renovation, with some sections closed until further notice.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Boris, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5) to minimize the possibility of street noise, but be aware that the hotel's 3-star rating and address in Havana suggest a relatively central location, which may still result in some traffic noise. Considering the hotel's layout, rooms on the north side (away from the street) might be quieter than those on the south side.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (1-3) may be noisier due to potential street noise, as well as possible noise from the service entrance or lift.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Havana, rooms on the higher floors may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, but the exact view will depend on the orientation of the room and the hotel's layout.
Quietest floors
Floors 6 and above are likely to be quieter, considering the hotel's height and the street noise from the lower floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a concern, especially on lower floors, due to the hotel's central location in Havana.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a better view of the city, but be aware that this may not be available on all floors. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for possible parking challenges in the area, as the hotel's address in Havana suggests a relatively urban location.
- 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 Boris
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available in the lobby
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 with fee of CUC 20
Available at the hotel's storage room, CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main door, some rooms with structural limitations
On-site parking available, CUC 20 per night, nearest public car park 'Calle Muralla 623' CUC 10 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 5 per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: CUC 50 advance deposit and CUC 50 incidental card hold 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)
You can exchange currency at the Caixa ATM at the airport or at Cadeca exchange offices, but rates are poor. It's better to exchange at a bank or a local currency exchange office.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at most tourist facilities, including restaurants and hotels, but it's still best to have some cash for small purchases and street food.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants and bars.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong cup of coffee for around 5-10 CUP ($0.25-$0.50 USD) at a local café.
A plate of Cuban cuisine like arroz con pollo can be found for around 20-30 CUP ($1-$1.50 USD) at a local eatery.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 50-80 CUP ($2.50-$4 USD).
The street food scene is vibrant in Old Havana, with popular spots like Calle Obispo and Plaza Vieja offering a variety of options.
The local market, Mercado de San José, is a good place to buy fresh produce and other essentials.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Calle 23 market, which offers a range of Cuban and international brands.
A single ride on the local bus costs 0.50 CUP ($0.025 USD), and a day pass can be purchased for 5 CUP ($0.25 USD).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux, as rates are poor.Use local currency for small purchases to avoid being ripped off.Consider buying a local SIM card for data and phone calls, as it's cheaper than international roaming.
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 Boris
🕒 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 Casa Boris?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5) to minimize the possibility of street noise, but be aware that the hotel's 3-star rating and address in Havana suggest a relatively central location, which may still result in some traffic noise. Considering the hotel's layout, rooms on the north side (away from the street) might be quieter than those on the south side.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Boris?
Rooms on the lower floors (1-3) may be noisier due to potential street noise, as well as possible noise from the service entrance or lift.
Is Casa Boris noisy?
Street noise may be a concern, especially on lower floors, due to the hotel's central location in Havana.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Boris?
Given the hotel's address in Havana, rooms on the higher floors may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, but the exact view will depend on the orientation of the room and the hotel's layout.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Boris?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a better view of the city, but be aware that this may not be available on all floors. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for possible parking challenges in the area, as the hotel's address in Havana suggests a relatively urban location.
What time is check-in at Casa Boris?
Check-in at Casa Boris is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Boris have Wi-Fi?
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Boris?
CUC 5 per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Boris?
A plate of Cuban cuisine like arroz con pollo can be found for around 20-30 CUP ($1-$1.50 USD) at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Boris?
A single ride on the local bus costs 0.50 CUP ($0.025 USD), and a day pass can be purchased for 5 CUP ($0.25 USD).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are February and March, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 77°F (25°C), and the crowds are relatively small. These months also coincide with the city's vibrant arts scene, with numerous festivals and exhibitions celebrating music, dance, and visual arts.
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.