Your stay — Hospedaje
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The Property — Hospedaje
Hospedaje is a no-frills, family-run 3-star hotel in Havana's Vedado district, offering a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere amidst a faded colonial charm. The lobby's worn wooden floors and vintage furnishings evoke a bygone era, while the rooftop bar serves up classic Cuban mojitos and stunning city views. This unassuming gem is perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking an authentic Cuban experience, away from the luxury resorts. Expect a warm welcome from the hotel's friendly staff, who will treat you like part of the family.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, has evolved from a humble fishing village to a vibrant, eclectic city, shaped by its colonial past, African influences, and revolutionary spirit. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with Art Deco landmarks like the Capitolio building and grand colonial villas standing alongside crumbling, Baroque-era structures. Today, Havana pulsates with a unique blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms, American jazz, and revolutionary fervour, making it a city that's equal parts nostalgic and forward-thinking. The city's iconic Malecón seafront promenade is a must-visit, with its dramatic sea views and lively street performers.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
October to November and March to April are the best months to visit Havana, with pleasant temperatures (22-26°C/72-79°F) and manageable crowds, as the summer heat subsides and the winter chill sets in.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month, driven by the Havana Jazz Festival, which draws international musicians and fans. Expect higher hotel prices, especially in the Vedado district, and larger crowds in Old Havana. Be prepared for lively jazz performances, but also be aware of increased prices and potential accommodation scarcity.
Budget shoulder season
September and May are the shoulder months, offering discounts on hotel rooms, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds. You can enjoy the city's cultural events, like the Havana International Book Fair in May, without the peak-season prices.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterised by high humidity and sudden rain showers, so pack light, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to keep you dry. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, as the tropical sun can be intense, even during the shoulder season.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- Cuba has introduced a new visa policy for US citizens, allowing for easier travel to the island. However, visitors should still check the latest requirements and regulations before arrival.
- The Cuban government has announced plans to upgrade the Malecón seafront promenade, including improved lighting and pedestrianisation, to enhance the visitor experience.
- The Havana airport has introduced a new airport lounge, offering a more comfortable waiting area for international passengers, including free Wi-Fi and food and drink options.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hospedaje, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on an upper floor (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the lift can be a bit slow. Try to avoid rooms 101-200, as they're closer to the service entrance and may experience some noise from deliveries and staff chatter. For a room with a decent view, ask for a room on the north side (facing the city) on the 4th or 5th floor.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms 101-200, as they're closer to the service entrance and may experience noise from deliveries and staff chatter.
Best views
North-facing rooms on the 4th or 5th floor for a view of the city
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Calle Havana (a busy street) can be a concern, especially for rooms on lower floors. The lift may also be a bit slow, which could be frustrating for guests on upper floors.
Insider tips
Ask for a room with a fan, as air conditioning might not be available in all rooms. Take a short walk to the nearby Plaza de la Catedral for a glimpse of Cuban history and some great people-watching.
- 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 — Hospedaje
Free, 2 Mbps speed; requires valid Cuban SIM card or e-mail address to login
Serves all floors; historic section has stairs-only access
Digital newsstand with PressReader access; physical newspapers available in the lobby
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 12:00; early bag-drop available from 12:00; late check-out until 14:00 for CUC 20
Limited storage available for a fee of CUC 5 per bag, per day
Step-free access to main entrance; wheelchair-accessible rooms available on request; historic building has structural limitations
Limited on-site parking available for CUC 10 per night; nearest public car park is Parking La Rampa (CUC 5 per hour); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 2.50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: CUC 50 deposit on credit card at check-in, plus an additional CUC 50 hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Bautista (169 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia parroquial San Francisco de Paula (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Bautista “Nueva Jerusalén” Los pinos. (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Place of worship: Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Iglesia de Los Pinos (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Piso de Venta La Comercial — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Parque de los Leones — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Teatro Presidente Allende — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
2da y C — 201 m · ~3 min walk
Venta de peces — 287 m · ~4 min walk
Terminal Santa Amalia (P9-P10-P13) — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers can exchange currency at Cadeca exchange offices, but rates are poor. It's better to exchange at a hotel or change with locals on the street, but be prepared to haggle.
Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in tourist areas, but not always in local establishments. Contactless payments are not common.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated. CUC 1-2 for taxi drivers and hotel staff is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost CUC 1-2 at a local café or street vendor.
A budget lunch at a street food stall or local eatery costs around CUC 5-7.
A cheap dinner at a local restaurant can cost CUC 10-15 for a main course.
Havana Vieja and El Rastro are popular areas for street food.
Local supermarkets like Caribe and Almacenes Universales are common in the area.
Street markets in Havana Vieja offer affordable shopping for clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for the city bus costs CUC 0.40, and the cheapest way from the airport is by taxi (around CUC 25).
Use Cuban Pesos (CUP) instead of Convertible Pesos (CUC) for local transactions to get a better exchange rate.Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as rates are poor.Use public transportation, like buses and taxis, instead of renting a car to save money.
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 Hospedaje
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk — pharmacy · 2da y C — 201 m · ~3 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 Hospedaje?
Request a room on an upper floor (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the lift can be a bit slow. Try to avoid rooms 101-200, as they're closer to the service entrance and may experience some noise from deliveries and staff chatter. For a room with a decent view, ask for a room on the north side (facing the city) on the 4th or 5th floor.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hospedaje?
Rooms 101-200, as they're closer to the service entrance and may experience noise from deliveries and staff chatter.
Is Hospedaje noisy?
Street noise from Calle Havana (a busy street) can be a concern, especially for rooms on lower floors. The lift may also be a bit slow, which could be frustrating for guests on upper floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Hospedaje?
North-facing rooms on the 4th or 5th floor for a view of the city
What are insider tips for staying at Hospedaje?
Ask for a room with a fan, as air conditioning might not be available in all rooms. Take a short walk to the nearby Plaza de la Catedral for a glimpse of Cuban history and some great people-watching.
What time is check-in at Hospedaje?
Check-in at Hospedaje is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hospedaje have Wi-Fi?
Free, 2 Mbps speed; requires valid Cuban SIM card or e-mail address to login
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hospedaje?
CUC 2.50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hospedaje?
A budget lunch at a street food stall or local eatery costs around CUC 5-7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hospedaje?
A day pass for the city bus costs CUC 0.40, and the cheapest way from the airport is by taxi (around CUC 25).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
October to November and March to April are the best months to visit Havana, with pleasant temperatures (22-26°C/72-79°F) and manageable crowds, as the summer heat subsides and the winter chill sets in.
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.