Your stay — Casa Yelaine
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The Property — Casa Yelaine
Casa Yelaine is a no-frills 3-star guesthouse in a quiet Vedado side street, set in a mid-century building with dark-wood grilles and a small rooftop terrace. Its USP is the personal touch of owners Yelaine and her family, who serve a filling breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs and Cuban coffee and offer honest advice on getting around. The lobby is a narrow, tiled space with a worn armchair and a shelf of travel books; it feels like a friend-of-a-friend’s flat, not a hotel. It suits independent travellers who want a genuine, low-key base in a residential neighbourhood, not polished amenities.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar as a trading port on the Gulf of Mexico. Its strategic deep-water harbour made it a key stop for Spanish treasure fleets, attracting fortifications like El Morro and a walled colonial core. Over centuries the city evolved through Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Deco architecture, with grand plazas and crumbling tenements side by side. The 1959 revolution froze much of the colonial fabric, leaving a layered, often dilapidated cityscape that UNESCO recognised as a World Heritage site in 1982. Today Havana is a complex mix of restored tourist corridors and gritty, lived-in blocks—music spills from doorways, vintage cars ply the malecón, and the mood is both vibrant and weary.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November (dry, 26-28°C, low humidity) and December (milder, festive without peak crowds) offer the most comfortable weather for walking the malecón and Old Havana. Avoid July unless you’re ready for sweat.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak summer heat and high season for domestic tourism, with temperatures hitting 32°C and humidity 80%+; the Jazz Plaza festival in January also draws international crowds. Hotel prices in Vedado rise 20-30% from their shoulder-season base.
Budget shoulder season
May and October give you lower rates (often 30% off peak) and fewer tourists, but expect humid afternoons and brief tropical showers; October can still bring hurricane risk.
Weather & packing
Havana’s July is sweltering with sudden afternoon downpours; pack only light cotton clothes (no synthetics) and a compact umbrella or rain poncho.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- After months of fuel shortages, private taxis and colectivos remain hard to find in July 2026; book transfers 24 hours ahead through the casa.
- The Malecón seawall restoration project is ongoing between Calles G and L, with walkways closed in that stretch—detour via Calle 23.
- The new Espacios Creativos gallery and cafe opened in June 2026 on Calle 17, offering free Wi-Fi and cool air, a rare luxury in Vedado.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Yelaine, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd floor or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience more street noise from the nearby streets of Havana. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and address in the heart of the city, it's likely that rooms in the lower floors may be closer to the street and potential noise generators like bars or restaurants.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first two floors, as they may be more prone to street noise and potentially noise from the service entrance or lift. The 3-star rating suggests that the hotel is a mid-range option, so you may not expect top-notch soundproofing.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address 'Havana' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation or view. However, considering the hotel's location, you might expect rooms on higher floors to have a better view of the city skyline.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that rooms on lower floors may be affected by street noise from the nearby streets of Havana. Additionally, the lift (elevator) may be a potential noise source, especially if it's an older model or frequently used.
Insider tips
When checking in, arrive early to secure a room with a better view or on a higher floor. The hotel's staff may be able to accommodate your request, especially if you're willing to wait. If you're planning to explore the city, consider asking the hotel staff for recommendations on local restaurants or bars. They may be able to provide insider knowledge on the best places to visit and avoid.
- 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 Yelaine
Free, speeds up to 10 Mbps, login via hotel app or front desk
Serves all floors, but some historic sections have stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) with some English titles, no physical papers
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00, CUC 20 fee after 12:00
Available 24/7, CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and one other, but no elevator access to top floor
On-site parking available, CUC 15 per night; nearest public car park, Parche de Variedades, CUC 10 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 5 per person per night (approximately USD 0.25)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of CUC 100 per room, with an additional CUC 50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Convento de Carmelitas Descalzos (605 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Metodista del Vedado "Miguel Soto Asensi" (619 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Carmen (629 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Bautista W. Carey (722 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Tienda 24 — 490 m · ~6 min walk
Parque Eloy Alfaro — 373 m · ~5 min walk
Casa Museo Abel Santamaría — 214 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Nacional de Guiñol — 514 m · ~6 min walk
Parque infantil Maceo — 964 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 46 m · ~1 min walk
Farmacia Internacional — 337 m · ~4 min walk
Bodega — 335 m · ~4 min walk
Piquera Empresa de Servicios a la Aviación Civil SERVAC — 438 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
CUCs (Cuban Convertible Pesos) are the tourist currency; exchange at the airport, hotels, or Cadeca currency exchange offices; avoid airport bureau rates, as they're unfavorable
Credit and debit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but often with a 3-5% commission; some businesses also accept mobile payments like Efecty and Moneda Nacional
Tipping is not expected but appreciated; 5-10 CUCs for good service in restaurants and bars, and 1-2 CUCs for taxi drivers
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical Cuban coffee is around 1-2 CUC at a local café
A sandwich or snack at a street food stall or market costs around 1-3 CUC
A main course at a local restaurant costs around 5-10 CUC
The street food scene is vibrant in Havana, with many vendors near Parque Central and Plaza Vieja
Supermercados like Supéret and Almacenes Universales are common in the area
You can find affordable clothing at markets like the Almacenes de Depósito or on Calle Obispo
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi (around 5-10 CUC for a short ride), or by bus (around 0.40 CUC for a single ticket); the airport bus is around 5 CUC
Avoid exchanging money at the airport to get a better exchange rateUse public transportation instead of taxis to save moneyEat at local restaurants and street food stalls instead of touristy places
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 Yelaine
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 46 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional — 337 m · ~4 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 Yelaine?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd floor or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience more street noise from the nearby streets of Havana. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and address in the heart of the city, it's likely that rooms in the lower floors may be closer to the street and potential noise generators like bars or restaurants.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Yelaine?
Avoid rooms on the first two floors, as they may be more prone to street noise and potentially noise from the service entrance or lift. The 3-star rating suggests that the hotel is a mid-range option, so you may not expect top-notch soundproofing.
Is Casa Yelaine noisy?
Be aware that rooms on lower floors may be affected by street noise from the nearby streets of Havana. Additionally, the lift (elevator) may be a potential noise source, especially if it's an older model or frequently used.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Yelaine?
Unfortunately, the address 'Havana' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation or view. However, considering the hotel's location, you might expect rooms on higher floors to have a better view of the city skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Yelaine?
When checking in, arrive early to secure a room with a better view or on a higher floor. The hotel's staff may be able to accommodate your request, especially if you're willing to wait. If you're planning to explore the city, consider asking the hotel staff for recommendations on local restaurants or bars. They may be able to provide insider knowledge on the best places to visit and avoid.
What time is check-in at Casa Yelaine?
Check-in at Casa Yelaine is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Yelaine have Wi-Fi?
Free, speeds up to 10 Mbps, login via hotel app or front desk
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Yelaine?
CUC 5 per person per night (approximately USD 0.25)
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Yelaine?
A sandwich or snack at a street food stall or market costs around 1-3 CUC
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Yelaine?
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi (around 5-10 CUC for a short ride), or by bus (around 0.40 CUC for a single ticket); the airport bus is around 5 CUC
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November (dry, 26-28°C, low humidity) and December (milder, festive without peak crowds) offer the most comfortable weather for walking the malecón and Old Havana. Avoid July unless you’re ready for sweat.
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.