Your stay — Casa Sotolongo
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The Property — Casa Sotolongo
Casa Sotolongo is a 3-star hotel that exudes a charming, laid-back atmosphere, with its 1930s colonial architecture and pastel-hued façade. The lobby's high ceilings and wooden accents evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the on-site restaurant serves up delicious Cuban cuisine. This property is perfect for travellers looking for a relaxed, unpretentious base to explore Havana's historic centre. As you step inside, you'll feel like you're in a bygone era, surrounded by the warm smiles of the staff and the sounds of classic Cuban music drifting from the courtyard.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, who built the city's earliest structures in the Baroque style. As the 18th century progressed, Havana's architecture evolved into a unique blend of Spanish colonial and Art Deco influences, with grand buildings like the Capitolio and the Hotel Nacional. Today, the city is a vibrant cultural melting pot, with a rich heritage of music, dance, and art. Visitors can experience this rich history by wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, taking in the iconic architecture and lively street life. The city's Afro-Cuban culture is also on full display, with the Afro-Cuban Museum and the famous Tropicana nightclub showcasing the country's unique cultural identity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
December and January offer pleasant winter temperatures (22-24°C) and smaller crowds, making them ideal months to visit Havana. The weather is dry and sunny, with minimal rainfall, allowing you to explore the city's historic sites without the summer heat. April is also a great time, with mild temperatures (24-26°C) and fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Havana, with the city hosting the Havana Jazz Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this time, so it's essential to book well in advance. The festival is a must-attend event, with top international and local musicians performing in the city's historic venues.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from September to November, offers the best value for money, with discounts on hotel prices and fewer tourists. The weather is still warm (26-28°C), with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the city's outdoor attractions.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is subtropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Pack layers for your visit, as the temperature can drop significantly in the evenings, even during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The new Havana Bus Tour system is now operational, offering a convenient and affordable way to explore the city's main attractions.
- The restoration of the iconic Capitolio building is nearing completion, with guided tours available to the public.
- The city is introducing new measures to reduce plastic waste, including a ban on single-use plastics in tourist areas.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Sotolongo, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th), as they tend to be quieter due to being further from the street noise. Also, consider a room on the east side of the building, as they receive the morning sun.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the street (1st and 2nd floors) due to potential noise from Havana's busy streets.
Best views
As this hotel is located in Havana, the 'best view' might be subjective, but rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) with an east orientation might offer a glimpse of the city's colonial architecture.
Quietest floors
3-4
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially from the nearby traffic and pedestrians. If you're a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs.
Insider tips
Be prepared for a potentially long check-in process due to the hotel's 3-star rating and local bureaucracy. Arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in experience. If you're looking for a nearby amenity, consider requesting a room near the service entrance, as it's likely to be closer to the hotel's amenities, such as the bar or restaurant.
- 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 Sotolongo
Free tier, 256KB/s, available 24/7, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some stairs-only access to rooftop bar on weekends
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via room TV
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 10:00, late check-out until 15:00 with CUC 20 fee
Limited available 24/7, CUC 5 per bag per 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair entry to main lobby, historic building has narrow corridors and stairs-only access to some rooms
On-site parking available, CUC 10 per night, nearest public car park is Parking Calzada, CUC 5 per hour, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 1 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of CUC 50, incidental card hold of CUC 100 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Templo Bautista Libre (573 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Cristo "Monte de Sión", Ministerios Gerizim. (614 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Ermita de San Francisco de Paula (732 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Casa de ogun laye (obbá lazaro) (736 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Finca Vigía — 326 m · ~4 min walk
Museo Ernest Hemingway — 330 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 931 m · ~12 min walk
Farmacia Mirador — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Bodega las piedras — 45 m · ~1 min walk
San Francisco de Paula — 968 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers can exchange currency at Cadeca currency exchange offices, but be aware that rates at airports and tourist bureaux are often poor. It's recommended to exchange at a Cadeca office or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Not all businesses accept credit cards, especially in local markets and street stalls, but many hotels and mid-range restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. Contactless and mobile pay are not commonly accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10 CUP (about $0.20-$0.40 USD) for a meal and 5 CUP (about $0.20 USD) for a taxi ride is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found for 2-3 CUP (about $0.10-$0.15 USD) at a street vendor or a local café.
A street food lunch can be had for 10-15 CUP (about $0.50-$0.75 USD) from a local food stall.
A budget dinner can be found for 25-35 CUP (about $1.25-$1.75 USD) at a local restaurant.
Street food is common in the Plaza Vieja and Calle Obispo areas.
Local supermarkets like Mercado Agroalimentario and Bodeguita del Medio offer a range of affordable groceries.
Affordable shopping can be found in the markets along Calle San Rafael.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (about 0.40-1.00 CUP, about $0.02-$0.05 USD), with a day pass available for 5 CUP (about $0.25 USD).
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use the local bus system instead of taxis.Buy water and snacks at local markets or supermarkets to avoid overpriced tourist shops.
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 Sotolongo
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 931 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Mirador — 1.9 km · ~24 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 Sotolongo?
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th), as they tend to be quieter due to being further from the street noise. Also, consider a room on the east side of the building, as they receive the morning sun.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Sotolongo?
Avoid rooms near the street (1st and 2nd floors) due to potential noise from Havana's busy streets.
Is Casa Sotolongo noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially from the nearby traffic and pedestrians. If you're a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Sotolongo?
As this hotel is located in Havana, the 'best view' might be subjective, but rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) with an east orientation might offer a glimpse of the city's colonial architecture.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Sotolongo?
Be prepared for a potentially long check-in process due to the hotel's 3-star rating and local bureaucracy. Arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in experience. If you're looking for a nearby amenity, consider requesting a room near the service entrance, as it's likely to be closer to the hotel's amenities, such as the bar or restaurant.
What time is check-in at Casa Sotolongo?
Check-in at Casa Sotolongo is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Sotolongo have Wi-Fi?
Free tier, 256KB/s, available 24/7, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Sotolongo?
CUC 1 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Sotolongo?
A street food lunch can be had for 10-15 CUP (about $0.50-$0.75 USD) from a local food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Sotolongo?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (about 0.40-1.00 CUP, about $0.02-$0.05 USD), with a day pass available for 5 CUP (about $0.25 USD).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
December and January offer pleasant winter temperatures (22-24°C) and smaller crowds, making them ideal months to visit Havana. The weather is dry and sunny, with minimal rainfall, allowing you to explore the city's historic sites without the summer heat. April is also a great time, with mild temperatures (24-26°C) and fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
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.