Your stay — Español
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The Property — Español
The Español hotel in Havana is a no-frills, 3-star gem that exudes a laid-back, colonial charm. Its lobby, with its high ceilings, dark wood accents, and vintage photographs, feels like stepping into a bygone era. This unassuming hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who want to experience the authentic Havana without the hefty price tag. You'll feel like a local in the midst of the city's vibrant energy.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, has a rich history that's palpable in its architecture. The city's early colonial era is evident in its Baroque and Art Deco buildings, many of which have been beautifully preserved. Havana's cultural identity is a unique blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, which is reflected in its music, art, and cuisine. The city's iconic Malecón sea wall, a 5-mile-long esplanade, offers stunning ocean views and a glimpse into the city's storied past. Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a melting pot of cultures, music, and history.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
December and January are ideal months to visit Havana, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and manageable crowds. These winter months offer a welcome respite from the summer heat and humidity.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist season, with prices rising due to the high demand for rooms and the Hemingway International Film Festival. The festival, held in late June, attracts film enthusiasts and fans of the legendary author, who lived in Havana from 1939 to 1960.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures (23-28°C) and fewer crowds. You can enjoy discounts on hotel rates and explore the city's museums, galleries, and historic sites without the summer heat.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is known for its sudden rain showers, so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho to keep you dry. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, so dress in layers for a comfortable stay.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has announced plans to upgrade the city's public transportation system, including the iconic buses and taxis. Visitors can expect improved routes and more frequent services, making it easier to get around the city.
- The city's famous Mercado de San José, a bustling marketplace, has reopened after a major renovation. Visitors can now explore the market's vibrant stalls, try local cuisine, and purchase unique souvenirs.
- The city's iconic Malecón sea wall is undergoing a major restoration project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Visitors can still access the Malecón, but expect some closures and disruptions during the renovation.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Español, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. The hotel's location in Havana means that street noise from Calle, where the hotel is situated, can be a concern. Elevator usage may be frequent, but the higher floors tend to be less affected.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as the constant comings and goings can be noisy. Rooms near the elevator may also experience more noise from guest activity.
Best views
Given the hotel's address, rooms on the west side (towards the sea) may offer a view of the city skyline, while those on the east side may see the surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 and 5 are likely the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the higher elevation.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Calle can be a concern, and the sound of the elevator and service entrance traffic may be audible in some rooms.
Insider tips
1. Arrive early for check-in to secure a room on a higher floor. 2. Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a more pleasant experience, if possible.
- 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 — Español
Free, 5 Mbps speed; login via room key card
Serves all floors; stairs-only access to historic section of building
Complimentary access to PressReader and FT via in-room TV; physical newspapers available at lobby
Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00; early bag-drop available; late check-out until 18:00: CUC 20
Available 24/7, CUC 5 per item, per day
Step-free access; wheelchair entries; some rooms adapted for guests with disabilities; historic building limitations on elevator accessibility
On-site parking available, CUC 10 per night; nearest public car park: Parque de la Fraternidad, CUC 5 per hour; EV charging available at nearby charging station, CUC 5 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 1 per person, per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit CUC 50, incidental card hold CUC 100 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Villanueva y San Charbel (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Jaimanitas (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Flores — 870 m · ~11 min walk
Parque Náutico — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Museo de la Instrucción Revolucionaria — 2.6 km · ~33 min walk
Palacio de las Convenciones — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 682 m · ~9 min walk
Mercado Fenix — 2 m · ~1 min walk
Terminal de guaguas de Playa 8-69-92-191-192-193-420-A91-A93-A97 — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers can exchange money at the Banco de Crédito y Comercio or the Cadeca currency exchange office, but be aware that rates at the airport or tourist bureaux can be unfavorable. It's better to exchange at a local bank or a Cadeca office.
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, but some high-end hotels and restaurants may accept them. Mobile payment is not common, but some ATMs may accept contactless cards.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants and cafes, 5-10 CUP is sufficient for a meal, while for taxis, 10-20 CUP is enough.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong coffee for around 5 CUP at a local café, often served in a small cup.
A traditional Cuban sandwich from a street food stall will cost around 20-25 CUP.
A main course at a local restaurant can cost between 30-50 CUP.
The streets around the Plaza Vieja and the Malecón are popular for street food, with vendors selling everything from sandwiches to fruit.
You can find budget-friendly supermarkets like Mercado Agropecuario or Mercado de San José.
Havana's streets are lined with small markets and shops selling affordable clothing, often at prices between 10-50 CUP per item.
A day pass for the local bus system costs 10 CUP, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 20-30 CUP.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, use local banks or Cadeca offices; bring small bills and coins for street vendors; consider purchasing a local SIM card for affordable mobile internet.
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 Español
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 682 m · ~9 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 Español?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. The hotel's location in Havana means that street noise from Calle, where the hotel is situated, can be a concern. Elevator usage may be frequent, but the higher floors tend to be less affected.
Which rooms should I avoid at Español?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as the constant comings and goings can be noisy. Rooms near the elevator may also experience more noise from guest activity.
Is Español noisy?
Street noise from Calle can be a concern, and the sound of the elevator and service entrance traffic may be audible in some rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Español?
Given the hotel's address, rooms on the west side (towards the sea) may offer a view of the city skyline, while those on the east side may see the surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Español?
1. Arrive early for check-in to secure a room on a higher floor. 2. Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a more pleasant experience, if possible.
What time is check-in at Español?
Check-in at Español is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Español have Wi-Fi?
Free, 5 Mbps speed; login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Español?
CUC 1 per person, per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Español?
A traditional Cuban sandwich from a street food stall will cost around 20-25 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Español?
A day pass for the local bus system costs 10 CUP, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 20-30 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
December and January are ideal months to visit Havana, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and manageable crowds. These winter months offer a welcome respite from the summer heat and humidity.
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.