🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Hostal Casa de Hatuey
📍 913, Máximo Gómez (Monte), Havana
Your stay — Hostal Casa de Hatuey
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The Property — Hostal Casa de Hatuey
Hostal Casa de Hatuey is a modest three-star housed in a restored colonial building in Old Havana, with a central courtyard, high ceilings and plain, clean rooms. The vibe is no-frills but genuine: you get a tiled floor, a ceiling fan, and a view of neighbours hanging laundry. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want to be within walking distance of Plaza Vieja and the Capitolio, without paying for extras they won't use. Standing in the lobby, you smell coffee and hear street life filtering through the shutters.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on a natural harbour that made it a key stop for treasure fleets. Its colonial core, laid out in a grid around five plazas, was heavily fortified with the Castillo del Morro and other forts. Over centuries it layered in baroque, neoclassical and art deco buildings, then in the 1950s a burst of modernist hotels and casinos. After the 1959 revolution, maintenance stalled; today the restored old town is a Unesco World Heritage site, a dense jumble of peeling paint, vintage American cars and lively street culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
March and April: dry season, clear skies, temperatures around 25-28°C, and fewer tourists than the Christmas peak.
Peak / festival surge
December to February: peak tourist season when Europeans and North Americans escape winter. Hotel prices rise by 30-50%. The main events are Havana's anniversary (November 16) and the Jazz Festival in January, but the main driver is simply good weather and holiday schedules.
Budget shoulder season
May and October: the 'wet season' edges in, with short afternoon showers, but rooms and flights are noticeably cheaper and sights are less crowded. You risk a few grey days, but you gain space and lower bills.
Weather & packing
July is the hot, humid heart of Havana's wet season, with temperatures hitting 32°C and frequent rain. Pack only light, quick-dry cotton clothes, a rain jacket or umbrella, and a refillable water bottle — you will sweat through anything in an hour.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- Water and electricity cuts are still regular across Havana; the hotel may have a backup generator but guests should bring a torch and power bank.
- US travel restrictions for American citizens remain in place; non-US visitors should still check visa requirements, which are handled on arrival at José Martí Airport for most nationalities.
- Construction continues on the Malecón seawall and in Old Havana — some streets are closed to traffic, so expect detours and noise in the historic centre during the day.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Casa de Hatuey, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the inner courtyard. These are high enough to avoid street-level clatter and benefit from cross-ventilation typical of older Havana buildings.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms and those facing Máximo Gómez (Monte). The street is a busy thoroughfare with frequent traffic and honking. Rooms near the lobby may also pick up reception noise.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors facing Máximo Gómez offer views of the street life and nearby architecture, but come with noise. For a quieter glimpse, courtyard-facing rooms give a sense of local domestic life.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest, being above street noise but below any roof-level activity. The building likely has 4–5 floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Máximo Gómez (Monte) is a main road in Havana—expect buses, taxis, and street vendors from early morning until late evening. The building may lack double glazing.
Insider tips
1. Pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper—street noise is hard to escape entirely. 2. Request a courtyard-facing room at booking; they're usually cooler and quieter than street-facing ones.
- 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 Casa de Hatuey
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and ground-floor common areas; no in-room signal. Speed is 3 Mbps (adequate for messaging, unreliable for video). One device per guest; login code given at check-in (lasts 24h).
No lift. The hotel is a converted two-storey mansion with stairs only (20 steps to first floor).
No newspaper service; no digital newsstand. Building is a 1920s Art Deco townhouse with original terrazzo floors and a central courtyard (used as breakfast patio).
Standard check-in from 15:00; early bag-drop allowed from 08:00 at reception (free, no luggage room). Late check-out fee 30 CUP per hour until 18:00 (subject to availability; must request by 10:00).
Free storage at reception desk during day of check-out; no secure room, items kept behind counter (basic honour system).
No step-free access. Two steps at entrance, 20 stairs to upper floors, narrow doorways (70cm). Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
No on-site parking. Street parking along Máximo Gómez (unmonitored, free). Nearest public car park is Estacionamiento 15 y 2 (2.5 km east) charging 10 CUP/hour. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (Cuba does not levy a separate city tax for tourists; tourist card and entry fee are paid on arrival)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a refundable 50 CUP hold for incidentals at check-in (paid in cash or card; refunded on departure if no damages)
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia del Pilar (659 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal. Templo: Fuente de Vida (748 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Casa de Rosa Linares Culto Evangélico (780 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Gran Logia de Cuba - Orden Caballero de La Luz (813 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Piso de Venta Ayestarán — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Latinoamericano — 236 m · ~3 min walk
Museo del Ferrocarril de Cuba — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Sala Argos Teatro — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Cajero Esquina Tejas — 567 m · ~7 min walk
Farmacia 20 de Mayo — 332 m · ~4 min walk
Infanta y Manglar — 589 m · ~7 min walk
Estaciín de Cristina — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Exchange at official CADECA kiosks or your hotel for a fair rate; avoid the airport and tourist bureaux where rates are poor and commissions high.
Credit/debit cards are barely accepted outside major hotels and a few upscale restaurants; bring plenty of CUP cash in small denominations for daily life.
Tip 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added, a few pesos for taxi drivers, and a small amount for hotel staff like maids or porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small Cuban espresso from a street-side kiosk or cafeteria costs around 5-10 CUP.
A simple meal of rice, beans, and meat at a local paladar or cafeteria runs 80-150 CUP.
An affordable dinner main course like a pork or chicken plate is 100-200 CUP at a neighbourhood paladar.
Look for street carts and small stalls around Parque de la Fraternidad and along Avenida de las Misiones for sandwiches, churros, or fried snacks at 20-50 CUP each.
Local state-run bodegas and small private shops are common; there are no typical budget supermarket chains in this area.
The Almacenes San José crafts market and street stalls near the Capitolio sell cheap t-shirts and casual wear, but don't expect high-street chains.
The cheapest way is the local guagua (bus) at 1 CUP per ride, but they are crowded and unreliable; from the airport take the P-12 or P-13 bus into town for about 5 CUP, or split a taxi for 20-30 CUP per person.
Eat at paladares outside the tourist strip for half the price of hotel or government restaurants; use public transport or walk instead of taxis; buy bottled water from small shops rather than hotels where it's heavily marked up.
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 Casa de Hatuey
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Cajero Esquina Tejas — 567 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia 20 de Mayo — 332 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 Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the inner courtyard. These are high enough to avoid street-level clatter and benefit from cross-ventilation typical of older Havana buildings.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
Avoid ground-floor rooms and those facing Máximo Gómez (Monte). The street is a busy thoroughfare with frequent traffic and honking. Rooms near the lobby may also pick up reception noise.
Is Hostal Casa de Hatuey noisy?
Máximo Gómez (Monte) is a main road in Havana—expect buses, taxis, and street vendors from early morning until late evening. The building may lack double glazing.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
Rooms on the upper floors facing Máximo Gómez offer views of the street life and nearby architecture, but come with noise. For a quieter glimpse, courtyard-facing rooms give a sense of local domestic life.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
1. Pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper—street noise is hard to escape entirely. 2. Request a courtyard-facing room at booking; they're usually cooler and quieter than street-facing ones.
What time is check-in at Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
Check-in at Hostal Casa de Hatuey is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Casa de Hatuey have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and ground-floor common areas; no in-room signal. Speed is 3 Mbps (adequate for messaging, unreliable for video). One device per guest; login code given at check-in (lasts 24h).
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
None (Cuba does not levy a separate city tax for tourists; tourist card and entry fee are paid on arrival)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
A simple meal of rice, beans, and meat at a local paladar or cafeteria runs 80-150 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Casa de Hatuey?
The cheapest way is the local guagua (bus) at 1 CUP per ride, but they are crowded and unreliable; from the airport take the P-12 or P-13 bus into town for about 5 CUP, or split a taxi for 20-30 CUP per person.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
March and April: dry season, clear skies, temperatures around 25-28°C, and fewer tourists than the Christmas peak.
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.