Your stay — Casa de Andrea
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The Property — Casa de Andrea
Casa de Andrea is a faded-charming three-star guesthouse in a restored colonial townhouse in Centro Habana. The lobby feels like a time capsule from the 1950s, with high ceilings, original terrazzo floors and a worn sincerity that beats any chain hotel. It suits independent travellers who want genuine neighbourhood life over polished resorts, and who are fine with intermittent WiFi and a humming air-con unit.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish colonists as a key port for the treasure fleets, which attracted pirates and led to the massive fortress system that still rings the bay. The city grew rich in the 18th and 19th centuries on sugar and tobacco, leaving a skyline of baroque churches, neoclassical mansions and art deco cinemas. The 1959 revolution froze much of that architecture in place, creating a crumbling, melancholic beauty that UNESCO recognised in 1982. Today Havana is a dual city: a museum of peeling pastel façades for tourists, and a gritty, resourceful capital where locals queue for bread and lift repair is a prized skill.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November to March: dry season with average highs of 25–28°C, lower humidity, and strong sunshine. Crowds are moderate and hurricane risk low.
Peak / festival surge
December to February: peak tourist season driven by European and Canadian winter sun-seekers. Prices at Casa de Andrea can jump 30–50% above low-season rates. The Havana Jazz Festival in January adds extra demand.
Budget shoulder season
April and October: temperatures still warm (28–30°C) but fewer visitors, prices drop 20–30%, and April avoids the rain of May/June. October is the tail of hurricane season but often yields calm, sunny days.
Weather & packing
Havana’s humid subtropical climate means sudden tropical downpours even in dry season. You must pack a light, packable rain jacket or a compact umbrella.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana metro bus system (the ‘ruteros’) recently added a line along Malecón connecting Vedado to Old Havana, cutting taxi costs for visitors — but services are still unreliable and packed.
- Several new paladares (private restaurants) have opened in Centro Habana around Casa de Andrea, but many still require cash payment in Cuban pesos; check the exchange rate at a cadeca before you go.
- The Malecón seawall is undergoing a phased repair from May 2026, with a small section near Casa de Andrea closed off for the next two months, but the rest remains walkable.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa de Andrea, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor overlooking the inner courtyard. These floors are high enough to avoid ground-level street noise from Bayona, and the courtyard side reduces traffic sound. If available, ask for a corner room on these floors for more window area and cross-ventilation.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those facing Bayona street. Street-level noise from pedestrians, motorbikes, and occasional evening music will be intrusive. Also skip any room directly above or adjacent to the ground-floor reception and stairwell, where footfall and door activity carries.
Best views
Bayona is a narrow residential street in Old Havana. Front-facing upper rooms (third floor or higher) give a view of the street with life and local architecture, but the most pleasant outlook is into the inner courtyard—likely a central light well or small garden, offering greenery and quiet.
Quietest floors
Third and fourth floors are the quietest—further from the street and public areas, with less through traffic. In a typical Havana colonial building converted to a hotel, these upper floors benefit from thicker walls and fewer passing guests.
🔊 Noise notes
Bayona is a compact street in Old Havana, so expect daytime pedestrian noise, occasional motorbikes, and evening social sounds from neighbours or nearby bars. The building itself may have internal noise from the central stairwell and lift (if one exists—many 3-star Havana hotels have a small lift that can be audible).
Insider tips
1. Check in after 2pm to allow the earlier street bustle to settle, and specifically request a courtyard-facing room at booking—don’t leave it to chance. 2. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper; even the quieter floors can pick up the city’s pulse, and the hotel may not have double-glazing.
- 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 de Andrea
Free shared Wi-Fi via ETECSA modem in common areas, max 128 kbps; login voucher expires after 1 hour, guests request new code at desk.
No lift. Three-storey colonial house with stairs only.
No digital or physical newspapers provided.
Standard check-in 15:00–20:00; early bag-drop from 10:00 with notice; late check-out until 12:00 for 10 CUC (cash only).
Free baggage storage in locked ground-floor room, no time limit during stay.
No step-free access. Three steps at entrance; no ramp or wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
No on-site parking. Public car park at Plaza Vieja (100 m walk) costs 5 CUC per night; no EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking via bank transfer; no incidental hold taken on arrival.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia del Espíritu Santo (162 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia y convento de Belén (286 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia y convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (288 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: Convento Padres Paules (336 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Harry's Brothers — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Parque del Holocausto — 135 m · ~2 min walk
Centro de Programación e Investigación Audiovisual Tomás Gutiérrez Alea (Titón) — 379 m · ~5 min walk
La Colmenita — 571 m · ~7 min walk
Parque Infantil — 513 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 467 m · ~6 min walk
La Reunión — 471 m · ~6 min walk
Yerbero La Divina Ochún — 252 m · ~3 min walk
Emboque de Luz — 553 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Change money at official CADECA exchange booths (get a better rate than at the airport or hotels); some people trade informally on the street but it's risky and you might get fake notes.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in state-run hotels and some big shops, but most places are cash-only; American cards almost never work.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants (often already added to the bill for tourists), small change for taxi drivers, and 50-100 CUP per bag for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso (cafecito) from a street kiosk or corner stall costs around 20-30 CUP.
A menú del día (set meal) at a local paladar or state-run cafeteria runs 150-250 CUP for a main, rice, and beans.
A main dish at an average neighbourhood restaurant is 200-350 CUP (pork, chicken, or fish with sides).
Look for stalls selling pizza (10-20 CUP a slice), churros, or sandwiches along the Malecón and near Parque Central.
State-run Bodegas and small private kiosks (not supermarkets) are the norm for basics; there is no Walmart-style chain.
Buy from open-air markets like Plaza de Armas or Calle Mercaderes for cheap souvenirs and basics; for modern wear, head to the big shopping centre on Avenida 51 (but selection is slim).
Ride a shared taxi ('colectivo') along fixed routes for 20-40 CUP per trip; from the airport, take a local bus (P10 or P12) for 1 CUP to the centre, but it's slow—cheaper than a tourist taxi (25 USD).
Always carry small CUP notes because many places can't break large bills; eat at state-run cafeterias or 'paladares' for budget meals; haggle at markets and for taxi rides, especially with drivers waiting at tourist spots.
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 de Andrea
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 467 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · La Reunión — 471 m · ~6 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 de Andrea?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor overlooking the inner courtyard. These floors are high enough to avoid ground-level street noise from Bayona, and the courtyard side reduces traffic sound. If available, ask for a corner room on these floors for more window area and cross-ventilation.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa de Andrea?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those facing Bayona street. Street-level noise from pedestrians, motorbikes, and occasional evening music will be intrusive. Also skip any room directly above or adjacent to the ground-floor reception and stairwell, where footfall and door activity carries.
Is Casa de Andrea noisy?
Bayona is a compact street in Old Havana, so expect daytime pedestrian noise, occasional motorbikes, and evening social sounds from neighbours or nearby bars. The building itself may have internal noise from the central stairwell and lift (if one exists—many 3-star Havana hotels have a small lift that can be audible).
Which rooms have the best views at Casa de Andrea?
Bayona is a narrow residential street in Old Havana. Front-facing upper rooms (third floor or higher) give a view of the street with life and local architecture, but the most pleasant outlook is into the inner courtyard—likely a central light well or small garden, offering greenery and quiet.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa de Andrea?
1. Check in after 2pm to allow the earlier street bustle to settle, and specifically request a courtyard-facing room at booking—don’t leave it to chance. 2. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper; even the quieter floors can pick up the city’s pulse, and the hotel may not have double-glazing.
What time is check-in at Casa de Andrea?
Check-in at Casa de Andrea is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa de Andrea have Wi-Fi?
Free shared Wi-Fi via ETECSA modem in common areas, max 128 kbps; login voucher expires after 1 hour, guests request new code at desk.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa de Andrea?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa de Andrea?
A menú del día (set meal) at a local paladar or state-run cafeteria runs 150-250 CUP for a main, rice, and beans.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa de Andrea?
Ride a shared taxi ('colectivo') along fixed routes for 20-40 CUP per trip; from the airport, take a local bus (P10 or P12) for 1 CUP to the centre, but it's slow—cheaper than a tourist taxi (25 USD).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to March: dry season with average highs of 25–28°C, lower humidity, and strong sunshine. Crowds are moderate and hurricane risk low.
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.