Your stay — Casa Maricel
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 Havana.
The Property — Casa Maricel
Casa Maricel is a 3-star hotel with a classic Cuban vibe, its lobby featuring elegant decor and a warm atmosphere that suits couples and solo travellers looking for a relaxed stay. The hotel's unique selling point is its location in the historic centre of Havana, within walking distance to major landmarks. Standing in the lobby, you feel the blend of old and new, with comfortable seating areas and friendly staff. This hotel is ideal for travellers who want to experience the authentic Cuban culture without breaking the bank.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and has since evolved into a city with a rich cultural heritage, featuring a mix of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco architectural styles. The city's historic centre, Old Havana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colourful buildings, lively plazas, and a strong sense of community. Over the centuries, Havana has been shaped by its strategic location, making it a melting pot of African, European, and American influences. Today, the city is known for its vibrant music scene, stunning beaches, and world-class museums, attracting visitors from around the globe. Havana's unique cultural identity is reflected in its lively festivals, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These months also offer manageable crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month, with the Havana Carnival taking place, attracting large crowds and driving up hotel prices. This festival features live music, dancing, and colourful costumes, making it a unique experience, but also a busy and expensive time to visit.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months are April, May, and June, offering discounts on accommodations and fewer crowds, with mild weather and average temperatures ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterised by high humidity and occasional rain showers, so it's essential to pack lightweight and breathable clothing, as well as a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the peak summer months.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana Metro system is currently under renovation, with some lines closed, so visitors are advised to use taxis or buses to get around the city. The famous Malecon seaside promenade is now open after renovations, offering stunning views of the ocean and a lively atmosphere, especially during sunset. The Havana Film Festival is scheduled to take place in December, featuring a showcase of Cuban and international films, and attracting a large crowd of film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Maricel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Guests looking for a quiet stay should request rooms on the upper floors (4th to 6th) as they are less likely to be affected by street noise from Calle G and the nearby Vedado nightlife. These floors also have direct lift access, making it easier to navigate the hotel.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance (ground floor) may experience more foot traffic and noise from staff and deliveries. Additionally, rooms facing the street (Calle G) may receive noise from passing cars and pedestrians, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's location in a residential area means that views are mostly of surrounding buildings. However, rooms on the higher floors (4th to 6th) may offer a glimpse of the city skyline.
Quietest floors
4th to 6th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Guests can expect some street noise from Calle G, particularly during evenings and weekends when the nearby bars and restaurants are in operation. The hotel's proximity to the city's nightlife means that noise can carry into the rooms.
Insider tips
To save time and money, consider parking at the nearby public car park at Calle 23 y O (5 CUC per night) rather than seeking alternative options. Be sure to request a room with an in-room login for the hotel's WiFi, as the 1 Mbps speed can be slow and unreliable when using the lobby login.
- 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 Maricel
free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required with room number and surname
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand via hotel wifi, no physical papers
15:00-23:00, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out fee 10 CUC per hour until 18:00
available 24/7, free of charge for staying guests
step-free access to lobby and rooms, wheelchair entries available, no structural limitations
no on-site parking, nearest public car park at Calle 23 y O, 5 CUC per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 10 CUC advance deposit per room + 20 CUC incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia La Milagrosa (427 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia La Milagrosa (437 m · ~5 min walk)
- Place of worship: garage (992 m · ~12 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Asambleas de Dios Puerta de Esperanza (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Piso de Venta La Comercial — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Las Pipas — 227 m · ~3 min walk
Museo del Cerro — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk
Ballet Español de Cuba — 288 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 364 m · ~5 min walk
Juan Delgado y General Lee — 227 m · ~3 min walk
Bodega — 328 m · ~4 min walk
Oficina Central de Aguas de La Habana — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Convertible Peso, CUC
Change money at a CADECA (Casa de Cambio) or a local bank, as airport bureaux often have poor exchange rates. Be prepared to show your passport.
Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but some smaller establishments may only accept cash. Mobile payments are not common.
Tip 5-10% in restaurants and bars, and 1-2 CUC for taxi drivers. Hotel staff may not expect tips, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 CUC per day is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical Cuban coffee ( café cubano) costs around 1-2 CUC at a local café or street vendor.
A plate of rice, beans, and chicken at a local eatery costs around 5-7 CUC.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs around 10-15 CUC.
The area around Calle 23 is known for its street food, with vendors selling snacks and small meals.
Supermercado 5 y 26 and Mercado de 19 y 20 are popular supermarket chains in the area.
Local markets like the one on Calle 23 offer affordable clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for the city's bus system costs 0.40 CUC, and the cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by taxi (around 25-30 CUC).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotels, as the rates are often poor.Use the local buses or walk/bike whenever possible to save money.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of touristy restaurants.
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 Maricel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 364 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Juan Delgado y General Lee — 227 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 Maricel?
Guests looking for a quiet stay should request rooms on the upper floors (4th to 6th) as they are less likely to be affected by street noise from Calle G and the nearby Vedado nightlife. These floors also have direct lift access, making it easier to navigate the hotel.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Maricel?
Rooms near the service entrance (ground floor) may experience more foot traffic and noise from staff and deliveries. Additionally, rooms facing the street (Calle G) may receive noise from passing cars and pedestrians, especially during peak hours.
Is Casa Maricel noisy?
Guests can expect some street noise from Calle G, particularly during evenings and weekends when the nearby bars and restaurants are in operation. The hotel's proximity to the city's nightlife means that noise can carry into the rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Maricel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's location in a residential area means that views are mostly of surrounding buildings. However, rooms on the higher floors (4th to 6th) may offer a glimpse of the city skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Maricel?
To save time and money, consider parking at the nearby public car park at Calle 23 y O (5 CUC per night) rather than seeking alternative options. Be sure to request a room with an in-room login for the hotel's WiFi, as the 1 Mbps speed can be slow and unreliable when using the lobby login.
What time is check-in at Casa Maricel?
Check-in at Casa Maricel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Maricel have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required with room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Maricel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Maricel?
A plate of rice, beans, and chicken at a local eatery costs around 5-7 CUC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Maricel?
A day pass for the city's bus system costs 0.40 CUC, and the cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by taxi (around 25-30 CUC).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These months also offer manageable crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
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.