Your stay — la academia
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The Property — la academia
La Academia, a 3-star hotel, exudes a nostalgic charm with its restored colonial architecture and vibrant street art-adorned façade. The lobby's elegant, high-ceilinged space is a nod to Havana's rich academic heritage, with original wooden floors and intricate ironwork. This boutique hotel is perfect for history buffs, bookworms, and those seeking an authentic Cuban experience. As you step inside, you're enveloped in a world of old-world charm, where the sounds of salsa music and the scent of Cuban coffee fill the air.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, was a strategic colonial outpost that evolved into a cosmopolitan city, shaped by African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. The city's architecture reflects this rich cultural heritage, with a mix of colonial, art deco, and modernist styles. Havana's Malecón seaside promenade, a symbol of the city's resilience, was built in the 19th century, while the iconic Capitolio building, a testament to Cuba's republican era, dates back to the 1920s. Today, Havana is a city of passionate revolutionaries, artists, and musicians, where the past and present blend in a unique cultural identity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best time to visit Havana is from March to May and November to December, with pleasant temperatures (22-26°C/72-79°F) and manageable crowds. These periods offer ideal weather for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities like strolling along the Malecón or visiting the nearby beaches.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist season in Havana, with prices surging due to the annual Havana International Jazz Festival, which attracts thousands of music enthusiasts. The festival, held in late July, is a major draw for visitors, with many hotels and tourist facilities fully booked. Prices for accommodations and tourist services increase significantly during this time.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from September to November, offers the best value for money, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. This period is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, as prices for accommodations and tourist services are generally lower, and the weather is still pleasant.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by high humidity and occasional summer storms, so it's essential to pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket. Don't forget to bring a sun hat and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong even on cloudy days.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The new Havana Bus Tourist route, launched in 2024, offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the city's main attractions, with stops at the Capitolio, Plaza Vieja, and the Malecón.
- The iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a Havana landmark, has reopened its renovated pool and spa facilities after a major renovation, offering guests a luxurious oasis in the heart of the city.
- The Cuban government has announced plans to restore the historic Paseo de Martí promenade, which will enhance the city's scenic waterfront and provide new public spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to la academia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) to minimize the noise from the street below. These floors are likely to be quieter since they're away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential noise from the service entrance.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address 'Havana' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation, so it's difficult to determine the best view. However, rooms on the higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer a view of the city, but it's uncertain.
Quietest floors
The 4th and 5th floors are likely to be the quietest, considering the hotel's layout and the fact that it's a 3-star hotel in a bustling city.
🔊 Noise notes
As a 3-star hotel in a busy city like Havana, La Academia may experience some street noise, especially on lower floors. Additionally, the service entrance and lift may generate some noise, especially during peak hours.
Insider tips
Request a room with a double bed, as it's common for Cuban hotels to have a mix of single and double beds, and this may be the best option available. If you're planning to explore the city, consider requesting a room with a view of the street, as it may be easier to navigate and get a sense of the local atmosphere.
- 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 — la academia
free tier with speeds up to 5 Mbps, paid tier (CUC 5 per hour) with speeds up to 20 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
no complimentary digital newsstand, physical newspapers available in lobby
check-in from 15:00, early bag-drop available from 10:00, late check-out until 14:00:00, CUC 30 fee
available on request, CUC 5 per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, some structural limitations in older buildings
on-site parking available, CUC 20 per night, nearest public car park (CUC 15 per night), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: CUC 50 advance deposit + incidental card hold 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)
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, CADECA currency exchange offices, or with a licensed currency exchange service. Be cautious of poor rates at the airport or tourist bureaux.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, but some high-end establishments may accept Visa or Mastercard. Mobile payments like ETECSA's mobile app or contactless credit cards are also accepted at some locations.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. For restaurants, 5-10% is sufficient, while for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is acceptable.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee at a local cafe costs around 1-2 CUC (~ $1-$2 USD)
A budget-friendly lunch at a street food stall or local eatery costs around 5-10 CUC (~ $5-$10 USD)
A main course at a local restaurant costs around 10-20 CUC (~ $10-$20 USD)
Cheap eats can be found in the streets around Plaza de la Catedral and Calle Obispo
Supermarkets like Supermercado 5 de Septiembre and Mercado de San José are common in the area
Markets like Mercado de San José offer affordable shopping for clothing and souvenirs
A day pass for public transportation costs 5 CUP (~ $0.25 USD), and the cheapest way to get around from the airport is by taxi or bus (around 10 CUC ~ $10 USD)
Bargain for prices at local markets and street stallsAvoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, as rates tend to be unfavorableUse public transportation instead of taxis to save money
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 la academia
🕒 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 la academia?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) to minimize the noise from the street below. These floors are likely to be quieter since they're away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Which rooms should I avoid at la academia?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential noise from the service entrance.
Is la academia noisy?
As a 3-star hotel in a busy city like Havana, La Academia may experience some street noise, especially on lower floors. Additionally, the service entrance and lift may generate some noise, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at la academia?
Unfortunately, the address 'Havana' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation, so it's difficult to determine the best view. However, rooms on the higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer a view of the city, but it's uncertain.
What are insider tips for staying at la academia?
Request a room with a double bed, as it's common for Cuban hotels to have a mix of single and double beds, and this may be the best option available. If you're planning to explore the city, consider requesting a room with a view of the street, as it may be easier to navigate and get a sense of the local atmosphere.
What time is check-in at la academia?
Check-in at la academia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does la academia have Wi-Fi?
free tier with speeds up to 5 Mbps, paid tier (CUC 5 per hour) with speeds up to 20 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at la academia?
CUC 10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near la academia?
A budget-friendly lunch at a street food stall or local eatery costs around 5-10 CUC (~ $5-$10 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from la academia?
A day pass for public transportation costs 5 CUP (~ $0.25 USD), and the cheapest way to get around from the airport is by taxi or bus (around 10 CUC ~ $10 USD)
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best time to visit Havana is from March to May and November to December, with pleasant temperatures (22-26°C/72-79°F) and manageable crowds. These periods offer ideal weather for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities like strolling along the Malecón or visiting the nearby beaches.
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.