Your stay — Casa Mario
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The Property — Casa Mario
Casa Mario is a laid-back 3-star hotel in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, blending vintage charm with modern comforts. The lobby's rustic wooden accents and bright Cuban tiles evoke a sense of colonial-era Cuba, with vintage photographs and antique furniture adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. This mid-range hotel is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a central location, clean and spacious rooms, and a friendly staff without breaking the bank. It's a great choice for those who want to experience the authentic Havana, minus the frills.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by Spanish settlers, has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. The city's architectural evolution is a testament to its strategic location on the Caribbean coast, with Spanish colonial, Art Deco, and neoclassical styles dominating the cityscape. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Afro-Cuban heritage, evident in its vibrant music, dance, and art scenes. Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a blend of old and new, from crumbling colonial buildings to modernist architecture. The city's history and cultural significance have made it a popular destination for travelers and artists alike.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are March, April, and November, when the weather is pleasant, with average highs in the mid-20s (°C), and the crowds are manageable. These months offer the perfect balance of good weather and lower prices, making it an ideal time for travelers on a budget.
Peak / festival surge
June is peak tourist season in Havana, with the city hosting the Havana World Music Festival, which attracts thousands of music lovers from around the world. Expect higher prices, larger crowds, and longer wait times for popular attractions. Hotel prices surge during this time, with a 20-30% increase compared to the shoulder season.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from May to June and September to November, offers the best value for money, with discounts on hotel prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is still pleasant, with average highs in the mid-20s (°C), and the crowds are smaller, making it easier to explore the city.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October, with the latter seeing more frequent and intense rain showers. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing that can withstand sudden rain showers, and consider bringing a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has announced plans to upgrade the Malecón seaside promenade, which will include improved lighting, public art installations, and increased security. The iconic Capitolio building in Old Havana has reopened after a major restoration project, offering guided tours and stunning views of the city. The Cuban Railway has introduced new tourist trains, offering scenic routes through the countryside and access to popular attractions like the Viñales Valley.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Mario, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the third or higher floors for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise. Given the hotel's address in Havana, you can expect some level of ambient noise from the city. Considering the hotel has a lift, it's likely that higher floors will be less affected by the sound of pedestrians and traffic. Additionally, rooms on the east side of the building may receive morning sun, making them a good choice for those who want natural light.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the front entrance, may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential foot traffic. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience some vibrations and noise from the elevator's operation.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Havana, rooms on the west side of the building will receive the best views of the city, with a possible glimpse of the Malecón seawall if you're on a higher floor.
Quietest floors
Floors 3-5 are likely to be the quietest, given the elevator's presence and the hotel's layout.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some level of ambient noise from the city, especially if you're a light sleeper. The hotel's proximity to the street means you may hear some noise from pedestrians, traffic, and possibly music from nearby bars or restaurants.
Insider tips
1. If you're arriving early, consider stopping by the hotel's bar for a coffee or snack before check-in, as they often open early and offer a quiet spot to wait. 2. If you're planning to explore the city, take advantage of the hotel's location and walk to the nearby Plaza de la Catedral, a short 10-15 minute stroll away.
- 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 Mario
Free tier: 500 MB per day, paid tier: 1 GB for 5 CUC; login via room key card
Serves all floors, but there is a stairs-only section for guests who prefer a historic, colonial-era experience
Complimentary access to PressReader digital newsstand, plus the Cuban newspaper Granma (Monday to Friday); physical papers are available on request
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (weekday), 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday); early bag-drop available from 8:00 AM; late check-out until 2:00 PM (MNT $30 CUC)
Available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (MNT $5 CUC per bag, per day)
Step-free access to the lobby and rooms, wheelchair entries available, but some historic areas have structural limitations
On-site parking available (MNT $20 CUC per night), valet parking also available; nearest public car park is 2 blocks away (MNT $10 CUC per night); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: MNT $20 CUC per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of 50% of the total stay, plus a credit card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad (304 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Presbiteriana (426 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: San Judas (434 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia (499 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Yumurí — 766 m · ~10 min walk
Jardín Aldama — 314 m · ~4 min walk
Museo de las Telecomunicaciones — 362 m · ~5 min walk
Teatro Campoamor — 760 m · ~10 min walk
Barbeparque — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 124 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacia Galiano y Vitudes — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Casa de Siumey — 411 m · ~5 min walk
La Habana — 1.2 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers can exchange money at the airport, but rates are unfavorable. For better rates, change money at a Cadeca (Casa de Cambio) or a hotel, or withdraw CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) from an ATM.
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, but some hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept Mastercard and Visa. Mobile payments are not common.
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 CUC is appreciated for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A strong coffee can be found for around 5 CUC at a local café.
A sandwich or snack at a street food stall costs around 5-10 CUC.
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 15-25 CUC for a main dish.
The streets around Plaza de la Catedral and the Malecón are popular for street food.
You can find budget supermarkets like Mercado de San José and Mercal.
Markets like the Rastro and San José offer affordable shopping.
A day pass for the Havana bus system (Alamar) costs 1 CUC. From the airport, take a taxi or bus (around 25 CUC) or a shared taxi (around 10 CUC).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport.Use CUP for local transactions and CUC for tourist services.Eat at paladares (private restaurants) for a more authentic experience and better value.
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 Mario
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 124 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Galiano y Vitudes — 1.0 km · ~13 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 Mario?
Request rooms on the third or higher floors for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise. Given the hotel's address in Havana, you can expect some level of ambient noise from the city. Considering the hotel has a lift, it's likely that higher floors will be less affected by the sound of pedestrians and traffic. Additionally, rooms on the east side of the building may receive morning sun, making them a good choice for those who want natural light.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Mario?
Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the front entrance, may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential foot traffic. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience some vibrations and noise from the elevator's operation.
Is Casa Mario noisy?
Be prepared for some level of ambient noise from the city, especially if you're a light sleeper. The hotel's proximity to the street means you may hear some noise from pedestrians, traffic, and possibly music from nearby bars or restaurants.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Mario?
Given the hotel's address in Havana, rooms on the west side of the building will receive the best views of the city, with a possible glimpse of the Malecón seawall if you're on a higher floor.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Mario?
1. If you're arriving early, consider stopping by the hotel's bar for a coffee or snack before check-in, as they often open early and offer a quiet spot to wait. 2. If you're planning to explore the city, take advantage of the hotel's location and walk to the nearby Plaza de la Catedral, a short 10-15 minute stroll away.
What time is check-in at Casa Mario?
Check-in at Casa Mario is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Mario have Wi-Fi?
Free tier: 500 MB per day, paid tier: 1 GB for 5 CUC; login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Mario?
MNT $20 CUC per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Mario?
A sandwich or snack at a street food stall costs around 5-10 CUC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Mario?
A day pass for the Havana bus system (Alamar) costs 1 CUC. From the airport, take a taxi or bus (around 25 CUC) or a shared taxi (around 10 CUC).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are March, April, and November, when the weather is pleasant, with average highs in the mid-20s (°C), and the crowds are manageable. These months offer the perfect balance of good weather and lower prices, making it an ideal time for travelers on a budget.
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.