🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Hostal Nos
📍 962, San Nicolás, Havana, 10200
Your stay — Hostal Nos
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Havana.
The Property — Hostal Nos
Hostal Nos feels like a private casa particular that grew up into a small hotel: a converted 1940s family home with a central courtyard, high ceilings, and a tiled lobby that smells faintly of coffee and old wood. The USP is its location on the edge of Vedado, a 15-minute walk from the Malecón and well clear of Old Havana’s tourist crush. This is a place for the independent traveller who wants a quiet base with a neighbourhood feel, not a resort or a party hostel. The staff are genuinely helpful and the breakfast is solid, but don’t expect lifts or luxury fittings—it’s a 3-star with real character.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 on its deep natural harbour and became Spain’s key Caribbean repair and resupply point for the treasure fleets, which attracted pirates and fortifications like El Morro. The city’s architecture is a layered timeline: colonial Baroque around Plaza Vieja, art deco and neoclassical along the Malecon, and mid-century brutalist government buildings from the revolution. After decades of decay, the old core was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 and is slowly being restored, but the city’s contemporary identity is a jolt of faded grandeur, classic cars, and a fierce local culture rooted in music, dance and resilience.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November to April: dry season with temperatures 22-28°C, blue skies, and low humidity. December and January also avoid the peak US spring-break crowd while keeping good weather.
Peak / festival surge
July and August: summer heat (30-33°C with high humidity), school holidays so domestic travel spikes, and the Havana International Jazz Festival sometimes pushes demand. Hotel prices can double from base. The annual Carnaval de La Habana (usually late July/early August) brings parades and street parties.
Budget shoulder season
May, June and October: lower hotel rates by 30-40%, fewer tourists, and still decent weather—though June and October are the wettest months with afternoon downpours. You trade some beach time for empty sights.
Weather & packing
Havana’s tropical savanna climate means it’s humid year-round, but July is both hot and wet with sudden thunderstorms. Pack light linen or cotton clothes, a rain shell or umbrella, and at least two pairs of comfortable walking shoes—old cobbles and cracked pavement will destroy flimsy footwear.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The ongoing fuel shortages mean intercity buses (Viazul) are less reliable than usual—book a shared taxi via your hotel or the local ‘botero’ system at least a day ahead.
- New US travel restrictions (2025 onwards) have reduced American cruise ship stops, so Old Havana feels a bit quieter on weekdays, but the city centre is still busy with Canadian and European tourists.
- WiFi is now available via ETECSA 4G cards, but speed varies wildly; most hotels including Hostal Nos offer a scratch-card system. Don’t rely on streaming—download offline maps and content before you arrive.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Nos, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd floor or higher, as the first floor is likely to be noisier due to the street traffic on San Nicolás. Additionally, rooms facing the interior courtyard may be quieter than those with a view of the street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they are more prone to street noise. Also, rooms near the lift may experience noise disturbance from its operation.
Best views
Rooms with a view of the street may offer a glimpse of the historic San Nicolás neighborhood, but keep in mind that this may also mean more noise from the street.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from San Nicolás, potential noise from the lift, especially on the first floor
Insider tips
Take a short walk to the nearby Plaza Vieja, a historic square with colonial architecture and lively street performers. Try to arrive at the hotel early to secure a parking spot, as parking options in the area can be limited.
- 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 Nos
Free in public areas, paid tier (CUC 5 per hour) with login via room keycard
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical newspapers available in lobby
15:00 to 23:00, early bag-drop available from 12:00, late check-out until 12:00 with a CUC 20 fee
Available for guests departing outside check-out time, CUC 5 per bag, per 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have structural limitations due to historic building constraints
On-site parking available, CUC 10 per night, nearest public car park is Calzada del Cerro, CUC 5 per hour, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 1 per person, per night (approximately CUC 2 for a 2-night stay)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit CUC 50, incidental card hold CUC 50 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad (304 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Presbiteriana (426 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: San Judas (434 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia (499 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Yumurí — 766 m · ~10 min walk
Jardín Aldama — 314 m · ~4 min walk
Museo de las Telecomunicaciones — 362 m · ~5 min walk
Teatro Campoamor — 760 m · ~10 min walk
Barbeparque — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 124 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacia Galiano y Vitudes — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Casa de Siumey — 411 m · ~5 min walk
La Habana — 1.2 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUC
You can exchange currency at the José Martí International Airport, but the rate is not favorable. It's better to exchange at a casa de cambio (currency exchange office) in the city, like the ones found on Calle Obispo or in the Vedado neighborhood.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, and contactless payments are rare. Mobile payments are not common. Some high-end businesses and hotels may accept cards, but it's best to use cash.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. Aim for 5-10 CUC for a taxi ride, and 1-2 CUC for restaurant staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee from a street vendor or a casual cafe costs around 1-2 CUC.
A meal from a street food stall or a budget restaurant costs around 5-8 CUC.
A main course at a local restaurant costs around 10-15 CUC.
Street food is common in the Vedado and Old Havana neighborhoods, especially around the Malecón seawall and in the Plaza Vieja.
The local supermarket chain, Mercado Agroalimentario, has several locations in the 10,200 area, including one on Avenida 23 y Calle 20.
Affordable shopping can be found in the markets like the Rastro market or in the street stalls along Calle 23.
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi (around 5-10 CUC), or by using the city's bus system (1 CUC per ride). The airport express bus (Vía Azul) costs 10 CUC.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or using tourist bureaux, as the rates are unfavorable.Use the local bus system or taxis to save money on transportation.Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls for affordable meals.
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 Nos
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 124 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Galiano y Vitudes — 1.0 km · ~13 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.
About Havana
Wikipedia ↗
Havana (, US also ; Spanish: La Habana [la‿aˈβana] ) is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center. It is the most populous city, the largest by area, and the second-largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region....
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostal Nos?
Request a room on the 2nd floor or higher, as the first floor is likely to be noisier due to the street traffic on San Nicolás. Additionally, rooms facing the interior courtyard may be quieter than those with a view of the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Nos?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they are more prone to street noise. Also, rooms near the lift may experience noise disturbance from its operation.
Is Hostal Nos noisy?
Street noise from San Nicolás, potential noise from the lift, especially on the first floor
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Nos?
Rooms with a view of the street may offer a glimpse of the historic San Nicolás neighborhood, but keep in mind that this may also mean more noise from the street.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Nos?
Take a short walk to the nearby Plaza Vieja, a historic square with colonial architecture and lively street performers. Try to arrive at the hotel early to secure a parking spot, as parking options in the area can be limited.
What time is check-in at Hostal Nos?
Check-in at Hostal Nos is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Nos have Wi-Fi?
Free in public areas, paid tier (CUC 5 per hour) with login via room keycard
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Nos?
CUC 1 per person, per night (approximately CUC 2 for a 2-night stay)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Nos?
A meal from a street food stall or a budget restaurant costs around 5-8 CUC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Nos?
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi (around 5-10 CUC), or by using the city's bus system (1 CUC per ride). The airport express bus (Vía Azul) costs 10 CUC.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to April: dry season with temperatures 22-28°C, blue skies, and low humidity. December and January also avoid the peak US spring-break crowd while keeping good weather.
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.