🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Hostel Colonial Vedado
📍 y Calle 2 e 4, Calle 11, Havana
Photo: official website
Your stay — Hostel Colonial Vedado
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The Property — Hostel Colonial Vedado
Hostel Colonial Vedado feels like a faded Art Deco guesthouse that’s been gently revived. The lobby has high ceilings, creaky tiles and a ceiling fan that moves slowly over worn armchairs. It’s a solid budget choice for travellers who want to be in Vedado’s quieter, tree-lined streets rather than Old Havana’s tourist crush. Suits solo adventurers and small groups who prioritise location and authenticity over frills.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, becoming a key Caribbean port for treasure fleets. Its architecture is a palimpsest of Spanish colonial, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, overlaid with early 20th-century Art Deco and mid-century modernism. The 1959 revolution halted commercial development, freeze-drying the city’s fabric in a state of elegant decay. Today, a slow reopening to tourism meshes vintage cars, crumbling mansions and a fiercely resilient local culture that blends Afro-Cuban music, rum and socialist practicality.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
December to April: dry, sunny days (24–28°C), low humidity, and fewer hurricanes. Mornings are perfect for walking El Malecón before the heat builds.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak festival month with the Havana Carnival (mid-July to early August): parades, conga music and street parties drive demand. Hotel prices often rise by 20–40% from June, and advance booking is essential for any budget property.
Budget shoulder season
May and November: still warm (26–30°C), but rainfall is heavier and crowds thinner. You’ll find discounts of 15–30% compared to high season, and more bargaining power at casas particulares.
Weather & packing
Havana’s July climate is a sweaty 28°C with sudden afternoon downpours. Pack quick-dry clothing, a lightweight rain jacket and a small umbrella – and always carry a second pair of socks in your daypack.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Malecón has new pedestrian-only sections on weekend evenings until September – it’s less car-clogged and safer for sunset walks.
- Three new private paladares opened on Calle 23 in early 2026: La Cocina de Lilliam and two smaller fusion spots. They’re a better bet than state-run restaurants for reliable, non-tourist food.
- Cash remains king: Visa and Mastercard issued by US banks still don’t work in most Cuban terminals. Bring enough euros or Canadian dollars to change at official CADECA booths.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostel Colonial Vedado, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floors (3-4) might be a good choice due to the potential for slightly reduced street noise. However, keep in mind that Vedado is a busy area, and street noise can still be a factor. It's also worth noting that the lift only goes up to the 3rd floor, so be prepared to use the stairs for the 4th floor.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift or service entrance may be noisy, and those facing the street may experience more noise from the busy area. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and Vedado's lively atmosphere, it's likely that some rooms may have noise issues.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address doesn't provide information on specific views, so it's best to assume that views will be limited and possibly obstructed. However, rooms on the upper floors may have a slightly better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
2nd floor
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is a potential issue due to the hotel's location on a busy street in Vedado. Expect some noise from the street, especially during peak hours.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a fan or air conditioning if you're sensitive to heat, as the Cuban climate can be hot and humid. Be prepared for variable internet connectivity, as is often the case in Cuba. You may want to purchase a local SIM card or use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for more reliable access.
- 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 — Hostel Colonial Vedado
free, 1 Mbps speed, login via room key card
serves all floors, historic section has stairs-only access to 3rd floor
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader app, physical papers not available
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, early bag-drop available, CUC 10 late check-out fee after 1:00 PM
available 24/7 at no extra cost
step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrance, some rooms have adapted bathrooms
on-site parking available for CUC 10 per night, nearest public car park at Calle 5 e 11 costs CUC 5 per hour, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 1 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: CUC 10 advance deposit and a CUC 20 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (605 m · ~8 min walk)
- Synagogue: Templo Beth Shalom (854 m · ~11 min walk)
- Synagogue: Centro Sefardí (919 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: Convento de los Dominicos (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galerías Paseo — 917 m · ~11 min walk
Parque G — 135 m · ~2 min walk
Museo de la Danza — 556 m · ~7 min walk
Auditorium Amadeo Roldán — 367 m · ~5 min walk
Nené Traviesa — 505 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 279 m · ~3 min walk
Dispensario Pedro Borrás — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk
Dulce María — 940 m · ~12 min walk
Piquera Empresa de Servicios a la Aviación Civil SERVAC — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Currency can be exchanged at Banco de Crédito y Comercio or other state-run banks, but rates are generally poor at the airport or tourist bureaux. It's recommended to exchange money at a local currency exchange office (CADECA) for a slightly better rate.
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, but some high-end restaurants and hotels may accept Visa or Mastercard. Mobile payments like contactless or Apple Pay are not common in this area.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 CUP for good service is appreciated. For taxi drivers, it's best to agree on the fare beforehand, as they may not use a meter.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee from a street vendor costs around 5-10 CUP.
You can find a plate of rice, beans, and chicken at a local eatery for around 20-30 CUP.
A budget-friendly dinner at a local restaurant might cost around 40-60 CUP for a main course.
The Calle 11 and Calle 2 area has a concentration of street food stalls and markets, especially around the Plaza de la Catedral.
You can buy groceries at local markets like Mercado de San José or at state-run supermarkets like Almacenes Universal.
For affordable shopping, head to the Calle 25 market or the Mercado de San José, where you can find second-hand clothes and souvenirs.
A day pass for public transportation costs 10 CUP, and the most affordable way to get to this area from the airport is to take the Almedro Román bus (around 10 CUP).
Use local currency as much as possible, as exchanging money back to your own currency can be a poor deal.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices are inflated. Opt for local eateries instead.Bargain at markets and from street vendors, as prices can often be negotiated.
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 Hostel Colonial Vedado
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 279 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Dispensario Pedro Borrás — 1.7 km · ~22 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 Hostel Colonial Vedado?
Rooms on the upper floors (3-4) might be a good choice due to the potential for slightly reduced street noise. However, keep in mind that Vedado is a busy area, and street noise can still be a factor. It's also worth noting that the lift only goes up to the 3rd floor, so be prepared to use the stairs for the 4th floor.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostel Colonial Vedado?
Rooms near the lift or service entrance may be noisy, and those facing the street may experience more noise from the busy area. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and Vedado's lively atmosphere, it's likely that some rooms may have noise issues.
Is Hostel Colonial Vedado noisy?
Street noise is a potential issue due to the hotel's location on a busy street in Vedado. Expect some noise from the street, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostel Colonial Vedado?
Unfortunately, the address doesn't provide information on specific views, so it's best to assume that views will be limited and possibly obstructed. However, rooms on the upper floors may have a slightly better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostel Colonial Vedado?
Consider requesting a room with a fan or air conditioning if you're sensitive to heat, as the Cuban climate can be hot and humid. Be prepared for variable internet connectivity, as is often the case in Cuba. You may want to purchase a local SIM card or use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for more reliable access.
What time is check-in at Hostel Colonial Vedado?
Check-in at Hostel Colonial Vedado is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostel Colonial Vedado have Wi-Fi?
free, 1 Mbps speed, login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostel Colonial Vedado?
CUC 1 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostel Colonial Vedado?
You can find a plate of rice, beans, and chicken at a local eatery for around 20-30 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostel Colonial Vedado?
A day pass for public transportation costs 10 CUP, and the most affordable way to get to this area from the airport is to take the Almedro Román bus (around 10 CUP).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
December to April: dry, sunny days (24–28°C), low humidity, and fewer hurricanes. Mornings are perfect for walking El Malecón before the heat builds.
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.