🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Hostal Casa de Palo
📍 502, Calle D, Havana, 10400
Your stay — Hostal Casa de Palo
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The Property — Hostal Casa de Palo
Hostal Casa de Palo is a charming, family-run 3-star hotel in Havana's Miramar neighborhood, offering a relaxed, boutique-hotel experience. The lobby's lush courtyard and vintage decor evoke a bygone era, while the rooms are equipped with modern amenities. This is a great choice for independent travellers and couples seeking a tranquil base from which to explore the city. The hotel's USP lies in its attentive staff and commitment to showcasing local art and music.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, who built the city's distinctive colonial architecture, including the iconic Plaza Vieja and Capitolio building. The city's fortunes ebbed and flowed throughout the centuries, with the American era bringing a unique blend of Art Deco and neoclassical styles. Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural richness and resilience. The city's music scene, from son to salsa, is an integral part of its identity, with the famous Tropicana nightclub still hosting live performances.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are December and February, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs of 24°C (75°F). These months also offer manageable crowds, allowing for a more authentic experience.
Peak / festival surge
The peak month is July, driven by the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival, which draws thousands of music enthusiasts. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, with some properties rising by as much as 50%.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of April and May offer a great balance of comfortable weather and lower prices, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with average highs of 28°C (82°F).
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by a relatively dry season from November to April, making it an excellent time to visit. Pack accordingly by bringing a light jacket for cooler evenings, even in the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has recently introduced a new app, Habana 500, which provides real-time information on transportation and cultural events. The Malecón seaside promenade has been renovated, offering improved walking and cycling paths. The city is also preparing for the upcoming Havana Biennial, with several new exhibitions and installations planned for the fall.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Casa de Palo, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) to minimize potential street noise from Calle D, a relatively busy street in Havana. Given the hotel's 3-star rating, you can expect decent amenities, but the floors with the elevator (likely 2nd to 4th) are probably the most convenient.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (1st) as they might be noisier due to the street traffic and potential noise from the service entrance. Additionally, rooms near the elevator might be more prone to noise from guests and staff.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address on Calle D does not offer a stunning view, but you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding colonial architecture or the street life from a higher floor.
Quietest floors
2nd to 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from Calle D, which can be lively, especially in the evenings. Additionally, the hotel's location in the heart of Havana means you're close to many attractions, but also close to the noise of the city.
Insider tips
Request a room with a window for some natural light and a glimpse of the city. If you're arriving early, consider visiting the nearby Plaza Vieja, a historic square with plenty of character and a great spot for 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 — Hostal Casa de Palo
free, 1 Mbps speed, login through room TV
serves all floors, but historic section on the top floor has stairs-only access
complimentary physical newspapers, including Granma and Juventud Rebelde
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop not available, late check-out until 13:00 with 50% of the room rate
available 24/7 with a fee of CUC 5 per piece
step-free access, wheelchair entry via main entrance, some rooms with bathtubs without grab bars
on-site parking available for CUC 10 per night, nearest public car park 'Calle 23 y L' is 5 minutes walk away for CUC 5 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: CUC 20 advance deposit + incidental CUC 50 card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Santa Catalina de Siena (569 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima (712 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Santa María Auxilio de los Cristianos (religiosas Siervas de María) (813 m · ~10 min walk)
- Synagogue: Centro Sefardí (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Tienda 24 — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Parque Mariana Grajales — 552 m · ~7 min walk
Museo Nacional del Deporte — 788 m · ~10 min walk
Teatro «Piti» Fajardo — 246 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 270 m · ~3 min walk
F y 29 — 597 m · ~7 min walk
Bodega 23 y E — 701 m · ~9 min walk
Viazul Bus Station — 935 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
You can change money at the airport, but rates are poor; it's better to exchange at a local bank or a Cadeca (CADECA) office. Be prepared for rates that are 5-10% worse compared to the official rate.
Most restaurants, cafes, and shops in the 10400 area accept credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, but some smaller establishments may only accept cash. Contactless payments are not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, typically 5-10 CUP for taxi drivers, 5-10 CUP for restaurant staff, and 1-2 CUP per bag for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong and affordable coffee at a local café for around 5-10 CUP.
A typical street food lunch, such as a Cuban sandwich or a plate of rice and beans, costs around 15-25 CUP at a local eatery.
A budget dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 30-50 CUP for a main course, with options like chicken, beef, or fish.
The 10400 area has a few streets with a high concentration of street food vendors, such as the ones around the main square and in the nearby market.
You can find a budget supermarket chain like Mercadito or Pola in the area, offering a range of products at affordable prices.
For affordable high-street shopping, head to the nearby shopping centers or the local market, where you can find a variety of clothing options at reasonable prices.
The cheapest way to get around the area is by using the local bus system, which costs around 1 CUP per ride. From the airport, take the bus 16 or 55 to the 10400 area, which costs around 5 CUP.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaus, as the rates are poor.Use the local bus system instead of taxis to get around, as it's cheaper and more convenient.Eat at local eateries and street food stalls, as they offer affordable and delicious options.
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 Palo
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 270 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · F y 29 — 597 m · ~7 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 Palo?
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) to minimize potential street noise from Calle D, a relatively busy street in Havana. Given the hotel's 3-star rating, you can expect decent amenities, but the floors with the elevator (likely 2nd to 4th) are probably the most convenient.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Casa de Palo?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (1st) as they might be noisier due to the street traffic and potential noise from the service entrance. Additionally, rooms near the elevator might be more prone to noise from guests and staff.
Is Hostal Casa de Palo noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from Calle D, which can be lively, especially in the evenings. Additionally, the hotel's location in the heart of Havana means you're close to many attractions, but also close to the noise of the city.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Casa de Palo?
Unfortunately, the address on Calle D does not offer a stunning view, but you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding colonial architecture or the street life from a higher floor.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Casa de Palo?
Request a room with a window for some natural light and a glimpse of the city. If you're arriving early, consider visiting the nearby Plaza Vieja, a historic square with plenty of character and a great spot for people-watching.
What time is check-in at Hostal Casa de Palo?
Check-in at Hostal Casa de Palo is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Casa de Palo have Wi-Fi?
free, 1 Mbps speed, login through room TV
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Casa de Palo?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Casa de Palo?
A typical street food lunch, such as a Cuban sandwich or a plate of rice and beans, costs around 15-25 CUP at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Casa de Palo?
The cheapest way to get around the area is by using the local bus system, which costs around 1 CUP per ride. From the airport, take the bus 16 or 55 to the 10400 area, which costs around 5 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are December and February, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs of 24°C (75°F). These months also offer manageable crowds, allowing for a more authentic experience.
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.