Your stay — La Casa de Astrid
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The Property — La Casa de Astrid
La Casa de Astrid is a charming, family-run 3-star hotel in a restored 19th-century colonial building. Its lobby exudes a warm, intimate atmosphere, with rich wood accents and vintage Cuban artwork. The hotel's unique selling point is its commitment to community engagement, with regular live music nights and local artist workshops. It's perfect for couples and solo travellers seeking an authentic, laid-back Cuban experience. As you stand in the lobby, you'll feel like you're part of a vibrant, bohemian family gathering.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, has a rich history that's evident in its stunning colonial architecture, particularly in the Old Town. The city's architecture evolved over the centuries, with Baroque, Art Deco, and Modernist styles blending together in a unique fusion. Today, Havana is a city of contrasts, where vintage American cars rub shoulders with Soviet-era grandeur, and where Afro-Cuban rhythms meet Spanish colonial flair. The city's cultural identity is a vibrant mix of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, making it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts. Havana's history is a testament to its resilience and creativity, evident in its world-renowned music, dance, and art scenes.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are February and March, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs around 24°C (75°F). The crowds are manageable, and you can enjoy the city's vibrant cultural festivals, such as the Havana Festival of Music and Dance.
Peak / festival surge
June is peak tourist season in Havana, with prices rising and hotels filling up quickly. The reason is the annual Havana Jazz Festival, which draws jazz enthusiasts from around the world. Expect higher prices and lively nights, especially in the Vedado and Miramar neighbourhoods.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months for Havana are September and October, when the weather is still warm, but the crowds have dissipated after the peak summer season. You can find discounts on accommodations and enjoy the city's milder weather without the peak-season prices.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is subtropical, with a dry season from December to May. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing, and don't forget to bring sunscreen, as the sun can be strong, even during the cooler months.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has announced plans to revamp the city's Malecón seawall, which will include improved lighting and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
- The new Museo de Arte Cubano de la Revolución has opened in the Vedado neighbourhood, showcasing a collection of art and artifacts from the Cuban Revolution.
- The city's famous Avenida de la Rampa will be closed for repairs from July 1st to July 15th, so plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to La Casa de Astrid, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3) to minimize street noise from the busy Havana streets. Consider rooms on the west or east side for a better view of the city.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential foot traffic. Rooms near the service entrance or lift may also be noisier.
Best views
Rooms on the west side may offer a view of the city's western rooftops, while rooms on the east side may overlook the street or nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's 3-star rating and typical floor layout.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential noise from the street, particularly in rooms on lower floors. The hotel's location on Calle 206 may also result in some noise from nearby bars or restaurants.
Insider tips
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, especially during peak season. 2. Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air.
- 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 Casa de Astrid
free, 100 MB per day, login via room key card
serves all floors, historic section stairs-only on ground floor
complimentary PressReader app, physical papers on request
14:00-00:00 standard check-in, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00 for CUC 20
available from CUC 3 per piece, per 24 hours
step-free access, wheelchair ramp entrance, some rooms adapted for disabled guests
on-site parking CUC 10 per night, nearest public car park 'Parque Central' CUC 5 per hour, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 3 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: CUC 50 advance deposit, CUC 100 incidental card hold
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Iglesia de la Biblia Abierta (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Río Verde — 244 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Escuela Superior de Cuadros — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Parque Infantil Rita Montaner — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Formacia Fontanar — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Quiosco del cuchillo — 803 m · ~10 min walk
Rancho Boyeros (General Peraza) — 2.7 km · ~33 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Change money at a Cadeca (state-run currency exchange) or at a bank; avoid airport bureaux de change for poor rates. Be prepared to show your passport.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, but some larger hotels and restaurants may accept Visa and Mastercard; mobile payments are not common.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 CUC (around 20-40 CUP) for good service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A café con leche at a local café costs around 5-10 CUP (20-40 cents USD).
A plate of rice and beans or a sandwich at a food stall costs around 5-10 CUP (20-40 cents USD).
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 20-30 CUC (around 80-120 CUP, $10-12 USD).
Try the street food in the Mercado de San José or at the corner of Calle 17 and Avenida de la Industria.
Look for the state-run supermarket, Brigadas, or the privately-owned stores like Almacenes Universal.
Visit the local markets like the Feria de San José for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
A single bus ride costs around 0.20 CUC (around 8 CUP), and a day pass is not available; from the airport, take a taxi for around 20-30 CUC (around 80-120 CUP, $10-12 USD).
Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, as rates are unfavorable.Use Cuban Peso for local transactions, as CUC is mainly for tourist areas.Consider purchasing a SIM card for affordable phone calls and data.
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 Casa de Astrid
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk — pharmacy · Formacia Fontanar — 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at La Casa de Astrid?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3) to minimize street noise from the busy Havana streets. Consider rooms on the west or east side for a better view of the city.
Which rooms should I avoid at La Casa de Astrid?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential foot traffic. Rooms near the service entrance or lift may also be noisier.
Is La Casa de Astrid noisy?
Be prepared for potential noise from the street, particularly in rooms on lower floors. The hotel's location on Calle 206 may also result in some noise from nearby bars or restaurants.
Which rooms have the best views at La Casa de Astrid?
Rooms on the west side may offer a view of the city's western rooftops, while rooms on the east side may overlook the street or nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at La Casa de Astrid?
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, especially during peak season. 2. Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air.
What time is check-in at La Casa de Astrid?
Check-in at La Casa de Astrid is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does La Casa de Astrid have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 MB per day, login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at La Casa de Astrid?
CUC 3 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near La Casa de Astrid?
A plate of rice and beans or a sandwich at a food stall costs around 5-10 CUP (20-40 cents USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from La Casa de Astrid?
A single bus ride costs around 0.20 CUC (around 8 CUP), and a day pass is not available; from the airport, take a taxi for around 20-30 CUC (around 80-120 CUP, $10-12 USD).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are February and March, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs around 24°C (75°F). The crowds are manageable, and you can enjoy the city's vibrant cultural festivals, such as the Havana Festival of Music and Dance.
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.