Your stay — Casa Sandra
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The Property — Casa Sandra
Casa Sandra exudes a laid-back, colonial-era charm, its lobby and rooms adorned with vintage Cuban art and antique furniture. This 3-star hotel is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers who value character and location over luxury, and are looking to experience the authentic Havana. The hotel's narrow, high-ceilinged corridors and staircase evoke a sense of old Cuba, and the staff are warm and welcoming. It's a great spot for those who want to soak up the local atmosphere and explore the city on foot, with many attractions within walking distance.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, who established it as a strategic port city. Over the centuries, the city's architecture has been shaped by various European styles, from Baroque to Art Deco, with many buildings still retaining their original grandeur. Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and iconic landmarks such as the Malecón sea wall and the Capitolio building. The city's contemporary identity is a blend of Afro-Cuban music, dance, and art, with a strong sense of community and resilience.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are March and April, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 27°C (81°F), and the crowds are smaller than during the peak season. June and July can also be good, with minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month for tourism in Havana, with the city hosting the Havana International Jazz Festival, which draws large crowds and drives up hotel prices. Expect long lines and higher prices for accommodations, but the festival is a unique experience for music lovers.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are great shoulder months to visit Havana, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and discounts on hotel prices. This is a good time to explore the city's cultural scene, as many festivals and events take place during this period.
Weather & packing
Havana's weather is characterized by a distinct 'siesta' period, with temperatures rising in the afternoon and cooling down in the evening. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a light jacket for cooler evenings, and don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the sunny days.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has announced plans to upgrade the Malecón sea wall, which will affect some access points during 2026. Visitors can still access the Malecón, but should be prepared for some disruption. Additionally, the city's public transportation system is being improved, with new bus routes and upgraded stops being introduced. The iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba has reopened its renovated rooms and facilities, offering a luxurious experience for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Sandra, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (3rd or above) to minimize street noise from 2da street, which tends to be busier than other areas of Havana. Additionally, opting for a room on the west side of the hotel may provide some natural light and a more pleasant view of the surrounding neighborhood.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor near the service entrance or lift, as these areas tend to be busier and noisier due to foot traffic.
Best views
Since the hotel's address is on 2da street, the best views are likely to be from the west-facing rooms on the higher floors, which may offer a glimpse of the surrounding streets and architecture.
Quietest floors
Floors 3-5 are likely to be the quietest, as they are higher up and away from the street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests can expect some street noise from 2da street, which is a busy thoroughfare in Havana. The hotel's location near the service entrance and lift may also contribute to some background noise.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel's front desk may be busy with other guests. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the Cuban climate can be hot and humid, even in the mornings.
- 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 Sandra
Free, 2 Mbps, no login constraints
Serves all floors, including historic sections
Limited selection of physical newspapers in lobby, no digital newsstand
Check-in: 14:00-22:00, Early bag drop from 08:00, Late check-out until 13:00 available for CUC 20
Available at concierge desk, CUC 5 per item per day
Step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair accessible rooms available, historic building limitations in upper floors
On-site parking available, CUC 15 per night, nearest public car park is 500m away, CUC 10 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 3 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of 50% of total stay at check-in, + CUC 20 incidental card hold
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Rey espiritista (724 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Lyarte- Agencia de Marketing Digital (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Parroquia de San Juan Bosco (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Piso de Venta La Comercial — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Parque El Pescado — 447 m · ~6 min walk
Museo del Cerro — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
Edad de Oro — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 270 m · ~3 min walk
Lazo de los Ocujes — 172 m · ~2 min walk
La Mesita — 581 m · ~7 min walk
Terminal de Palatino — 879 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Change money at Cadeca (CADECA) offices or banks; avoid airport exchange offices for poor rates. If you're already in Cuba, exchange at a bank or hotel.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still king. Contactless payments and mobile pay are not common.
Round up to the nearest peso for taxis, 5-10 CUP for restaurant staff, and 1-2 CUP for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong Cuban coffee for around 1-2 CUP at a local café or street vendor.
A sandwich or snack at a local eatery costs around 5-10 CUP, while a meal at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 20-30 CUP.
A main course at a paladar costs around 30-40 CUP, while a street food option like a fried snack or sandwich costs around 5-10 CUP.
The area around Calle 23 and Calle L has many street food options, including food stalls and markets.
You can find basic groceries at local markets (mercados) or at the Bodegas (small convenience stores).
For affordable shopping, try the local markets or the shopping streets like Avenida de los Presidentes in Miramar.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (around 0.20-1.50 CUP), while a taxi ride costs around 5-10 CUP. You can buy a day pass for the bus system for around 10 CUP.
Eat at local paladares or street food stalls instead of touristy restaurants.Use local transportation instead of taxis.Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels for poor rates.
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 Sandra
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 270 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Lazo de los Ocujes — 172 m · ~2 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 Sandra?
Request rooms on the higher floors (3rd or above) to minimize street noise from 2da street, which tends to be busier than other areas of Havana. Additionally, opting for a room on the west side of the hotel may provide some natural light and a more pleasant view of the surrounding neighborhood.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Sandra?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor near the service entrance or lift, as these areas tend to be busier and noisier due to foot traffic.
Is Casa Sandra noisy?
Guests can expect some street noise from 2da street, which is a busy thoroughfare in Havana. The hotel's location near the service entrance and lift may also contribute to some background noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Sandra?
Since the hotel's address is on 2da street, the best views are likely to be from the west-facing rooms on the higher floors, which may offer a glimpse of the surrounding streets and architecture.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Sandra?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel's front desk may be busy with other guests. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the Cuban climate can be hot and humid, even in the mornings.
What time is check-in at Casa Sandra?
Check-in at Casa Sandra is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Sandra have Wi-Fi?
Free, 2 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Sandra?
CUC 3 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Sandra?
A sandwich or snack at a local eatery costs around 5-10 CUP, while a meal at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 20-30 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Sandra?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (around 0.20-1.50 CUP), while a taxi ride costs around 5-10 CUP. You can buy a day pass for the bus system for around 10 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are March and April, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 27°C (81°F), and the crowds are smaller than during the peak season. June and July can also be good, with minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
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.