🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Hostal Armee
📍 109, San Lázaro, Entre Genie y Credo,, Havana
Your stay — Hostal Armee
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The Property — Hostal Armee
Hostal Armee is a compact three-star in Old Havana, built around a central courtyard where ceiling fans stir the humid air over tiles worn smooth by decades. The vibe is workmanlike but genuine: stripped-back rooms with good air-con, reliable wi-fi, and a rooftop terrace that gives you a sunbaked view of the Malecón. It suits independent travellers and couples who want a clean, no-frills base two blocks from the seafront, not those seeking boutique charm or full-service luxury.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on a natural deep-water harbour, soon becoming the prime staging post for the Spanish treasure fleets. Its architectural layers range from crumbling Baroque colonial mansions around Plaza Vieja to the Art Deco high-rises of the Centro Habana strip, punctuated by mid-century socialist brutalism from the revolutionary era. After decades of restricted development, the city is now a careful mix of restored tourist quarters and everyday neighbourhoods where life spills onto the street: domino games, vintage Ladas, and the constant soundtrack of salsa from open doorways. Culturally, Havana remains a fiercely creative capital, a place where literature, music and ballet coexist with the improvisation needed to get through daily shortages.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November to April — the dry season brings lower humidity and reliable blue skies, with temperatures around 25°C. December through February see the lowest rainfall and the most comfortable for walking, though crowds are moderate.
Peak / festival surge
January and February are the busiest: Havana's famous jazz festival (late January) draws international audiences, and February kicks off the Havana Biennial of contemporary art. Hotel prices can jump 30-50% over the winter average, so book one or two months ahead for Hostal Armee.
Budget shoulder season
May and October offer the best value: still warm (28-30°C), fewer tourists, and room rates at their lowest. You'll get patchy showers, but not enough to spoil a day out. June and November are good too, but June edges into rainy season and November sees prices start to rise.
Weather & packing
Havana has a distinct wet season from May to October with sudden, heavy downpours that can flood streets within minutes. Pack a compact umbrella and light rain jacket, and bring breathable cotton or linen layers — the humidity clings, and anything synthetic feels sticky after an hour.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has extended the new digital payment system (Tranzii) to most state-run hotels and shops, but Hostal Armee still operates on cash (CUP). Bring enough hard currency — preferably euros or US dollars — and exchange at official CADECA kiosks to avoid the black market.
- Old Havana's central pedestrian street, Obispo, is currently undergoing repaving work that should finish by late 2026, but some side streets near the Capitolio are closed to traffic until then. Allow extra time for walking detours if staying in the area.
- A new direct bus service from Havana airport to the city centre (route P-12) started in early 2026, costing a flat 20 CUP (about 80 US cents). It runs every 30 minutes from 6am to midnight, ending at Parque Central — a 10-minute walk from Hostal Armee.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Armee, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing away from San Lázaro street. The lift serves all floors, so upper rooms are quieter from street-level noise yet still easily accessible. Rooms on the inner courtyard side will be notably calmer than those facing the main road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those facing San Lázaro. The bar and street activity will carry clearly. Rooms near the lift on any floor can get footfall noise, so ask for a room not immediately next to the lift shaft.
Best views
Rooms facing San Lázaro offer classic Havana street views, but expect traffic and pedestrian noise. If you want a quieter outlook, request a room overlooking the inner courtyard – no real view, but far more peaceful.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest, away from ground-level commotion and above most street noise. The top floor (4th) is best if you’re a light sleeper.
🔊 Noise notes
San Lázaro is a main avenue in central Havana, so expect steady traffic noise, especially during daytime. The hotel’s own bar generates some evening chatter. There is no mention of soundproofing, so pack earplugs if you’re sensitive.
Insider tips
1. Use the valet parking (CUC 20) – the nearest public car park costs CUC 30 per day and is less secure. 2. The free WiFi (100 MB per day) is limited; buy a local SIM card or a separate data top-up for reliable internet, as the hotel tier is very low for anything beyond messaging.
- 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 — Hostal Armee
free tier, 100 MB per day, no login constraints
serves all floors, no historic sections
complimentary PressReader, physical papers not available
14:00-00:00, early bag-drop at 08:00, late check-out fee CUC 20 until 18:00
available, CUC 10 per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, no structural limitations
valet parking available, CUC 20 per night, nearest public car park CUC 30 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 3 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit CUC 50, incidental card hold CUC 20 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje (396 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Santo Ángel Custodio (407 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia María Auxiliadora (557 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida (575 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Harry's Brothers — 142 m · ~2 min walk
Plaza Supervielle — 162 m · ~2 min walk
Edificio de Arte Cubano — 217 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Campoamor — 673 m · ~8 min walk
Barbeparque — 438 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 159 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacia Internacional Hotel Sevilla — 404 m · ~5 min walk
Extension Harry Brothers — 126 m · ~2 min walk
Terminal de Cruceros de La Habana — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Use official CADECA exchange booths or your bank ATM for the best rate; avoid airport or hotel exchanges which give a poorer rate.
Cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels or tourist spots; bring enough cash (CUP or EUR/USD) for daily spending.
Tip 10% in restaurants if no service charge added; small change (10-20 CUP) for taxis and porters; a few pesos for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso from a street stall or state café is around 10-20 CUP.
A basic set meal (rice, beans, meat) at a paladar or local canteen runs 150-250 CUP.
A simple main dish of pork or fish with sides at a family-run eatery costs 200-350 CUP.
Look for street stalls selling pizzas, churros, or sandwiches around Parque Central and along Calle Obispo.
State-run ‘bodegas’ and small private shops (like La Esquina) are common, but stock is limited; bring snacks from home.
The Malecón flea market and second-hand 'ropa' shops near the Capitolio area offer budget clothing.
Shared taxis (almendrones) running fixed routes cost 10-20 CUP; from the airport, a shared colectivo into town is about 25-50 CUP per person.
Eat at paladares (private restaurants) away from tourist strips; buy bottled water from local kiosks not hotels; use local peso (CUP) for daily purchases, not convertible pesos.
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 Hostal Armee
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 159 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional Hotel Sevilla — 404 m · ~5 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 Hostal Armee?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing away from San Lázaro street. The lift serves all floors, so upper rooms are quieter from street-level noise yet still easily accessible. Rooms on the inner courtyard side will be notably calmer than those facing the main road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Armee?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those facing San Lázaro. The bar and street activity will carry clearly. Rooms near the lift on any floor can get footfall noise, so ask for a room not immediately next to the lift shaft.
Is Hostal Armee noisy?
San Lázaro is a main avenue in central Havana, so expect steady traffic noise, especially during daytime. The hotel’s own bar generates some evening chatter. There is no mention of soundproofing, so pack earplugs if you’re sensitive.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Armee?
Rooms facing San Lázaro offer classic Havana street views, but expect traffic and pedestrian noise. If you want a quieter outlook, request a room overlooking the inner courtyard – no real view, but far more peaceful.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Armee?
1. Use the valet parking (CUC 20) – the nearest public car park costs CUC 30 per day and is less secure. 2. The free WiFi (100 MB per day) is limited; buy a local SIM card or a separate data top-up for reliable internet, as the hotel tier is very low for anything beyond messaging.
What time is check-in at Hostal Armee?
Check-in at Hostal Armee is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Armee have Wi-Fi?
free tier, 100 MB per day, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Armee?
CUC 3 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Armee?
A basic set meal (rice, beans, meat) at a paladar or local canteen runs 150-250 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Armee?
Shared taxis (almendrones) running fixed routes cost 10-20 CUP; from the airport, a shared colectivo into town is about 25-50 CUP per person.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to April — the dry season brings lower humidity and reliable blue skies, with temperatures around 25°C. December through February see the lowest rainfall and the most comfortable for walking, though crowds are moderate.
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.