Your stay — Marelis-Rody
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The Property — Marelis-Rody
The Marelis-Rody is a humble, family-run 3-star hotel in a quiet Havana neighbourhood. Its lobby is a tranquil oasis with vintage furnishings and a hint of tropical flair. The hotel's USP lies in its authentic, no-frills Cuban experience, making it a great fit for budget-conscious travellers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. As you step into the lobby, you're enveloped in the warm, earthy tones and the scent of fresh flowers. The staff's friendly, laid-back attitude adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, has a rich history of colonial and baroque architecture. The city's architecture is a testament to its strategic location, with a blend of Spanish, Moorish, and Art Deco styles. Havana's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Afro-Cuban heritage, evident in its vibrant music, dance, and art scenes. The city's iconic Malecón seaside promenade is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana's historic centre is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets, ornate fountains, and picturesque plazas.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
December and January offer pleasant temperatures, mild winters, and manageable crowds, making them ideal months to visit Havana.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month, driven by the Havana International Jazz Festival and the warm summer weather. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds, but the energy is infectious. The festival attracts top musicians from around the world, and the hotel prices reflect the demand.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great budget-friendly shoulder months, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. You can find discounts on hotel rates, and the mild spring weather is perfect for exploring the city's outdoor spaces.
Weather & packing
Havana's tropical climate means that the temperature rarely drops below 20°C (68°F), but the sun can be intense, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Don't forget to bring a lightweight, breathable scarf to protect yourself from the sun's glare on the Malecón.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has introduced a new bus service connecting Havana to nearby Santa María del Mar, offering an alternative to taxis and ride-hailing services.
- The famous La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant, a Hemingway haunt, has reopened after a major renovation, offering a unique dining experience.
- The city's iconic Almendares River has undergone a major cleanup, making it a safer and more pleasant spot for a stroll or picnic.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Marelis-Rody, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (above the 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be subject to street noise from the address in Havana. Considering the hotel's 3-star rating and location, you can also ask for rooms on the west side of the building to reduce the impact of morning sun and potential street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Lower floors (1-3) are likely to be noisier due to the hotel's address in a populated area of Havana. Rooms near the lift may also experience more noise from the lift's mechanical operations.
Best views
Since the address is in Havana, rooms with a view of the city's skyline or the Malecón seaside promenade would be a bonus, but these are not explicitly mentioned in the data. It's best to request a room with a city view to get a glimpse of the local surroundings.
Quietest floors
5th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise and foot traffic, especially on lower floors and near the service entrance. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but it's always a good idea to request a room away from potential noise sources.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may have limited staff or peak-hour congestion. Take advantage of the hotel's location in Havana to explore the city on foot, but be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye on your surroundings, as pickpocketing can be a concern in tourist areas.
- 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 — Marelis-Rody
Paid (CUC 5 per hour; CUC 20 for 24 hours); login via room key card; 2mbps speed
Serves all floors; historic section on the 2nd floor has stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on the lobby's tablet; no physical newspapers available
Check-in from 14:00, late check-out until 13:00 (CUC 20 fee); early bag-drop from 08:00
Limited free storage available; additional CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrance; 2 rooms adapted for guests with disabilities on the ground floor
On-site valet parking available (CUC 15 per night); nearest public car park (CUC 10 per hour); electric vehicle charging available at CUC 5 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 5 per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of 20% of total stay via credit card; CUC 50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Iglesia Bautista del Cotorro (1.2 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol (1.6 km · ~19 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Santa María del Rosario (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Cotorro — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Parque del Cotorro — 1.6 km · ~19 min walk
Casa Ana's Moda — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Farmacia de calle 8 — 766 m · ~10 min walk
Cotorro — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
You can exchange currency at the airport or hotel, but rates are not favorable. It's better to exchange at the Cadeca (Casa de Cambio) or a local bank.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but contactless payments are not common. Mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Cuban staff often rely on tips, so rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 CUP per drink or service is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find cheap coffee at a street vendor or a local café for around 1-2 CUP (approximately $0.05-$0.10 USD).
A typical street food lunch at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 10-15 CUP (approximately $0.50-$0.75 USD).
A budget-friendly dinner at a state-run restaurant can cost around 20-30 CUP (approximately $1-$1.50 USD) for a main course.
Street food areas are common in Old Havana, particularly in the Calle Obispo and Calle Mercaderes areas.
Local markets like the Mercado de San José and Mercado de Abasto offer affordable grocery shopping options.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets or street vendors, or at stores like Havanatur.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus system, with a single ride costing 0.50 CUP (approximately $0.025 USD). A day pass is not available, but you can buy multiple single tickets.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotel, as rates are unfavorable.Use local currency (CUP) for small purchases, as many places do not accept USD or other foreign currencies.Eat at paladares (private restaurants) or street food stalls for a more affordable meal option.
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 Marelis-Rody
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia de calle 8 — 766 m · ~10 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 Marelis-Rody?
Request rooms on higher floors (above the 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be subject to street noise from the address in Havana. Considering the hotel's 3-star rating and location, you can also ask for rooms on the west side of the building to reduce the impact of morning sun and potential street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Marelis-Rody?
Lower floors (1-3) are likely to be noisier due to the hotel's address in a populated area of Havana. Rooms near the lift may also experience more noise from the lift's mechanical operations.
Is Marelis-Rody noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise and foot traffic, especially on lower floors and near the service entrance. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but it's always a good idea to request a room away from potential noise sources.
Which rooms have the best views at Marelis-Rody?
Since the address is in Havana, rooms with a view of the city's skyline or the Malecón seaside promenade would be a bonus, but these are not explicitly mentioned in the data. It's best to request a room with a city view to get a glimpse of the local surroundings.
What are insider tips for staying at Marelis-Rody?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may have limited staff or peak-hour congestion. Take advantage of the hotel's location in Havana to explore the city on foot, but be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye on your surroundings, as pickpocketing can be a concern in tourist areas.
What time is check-in at Marelis-Rody?
Check-in at Marelis-Rody is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Marelis-Rody have Wi-Fi?
Paid (CUC 5 per hour; CUC 20 for 24 hours); login via room key card; 2mbps speed
Is there a city or tourist tax at Marelis-Rody?
CUC 5 per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Marelis-Rody?
A typical street food lunch at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 10-15 CUP (approximately $0.50-$0.75 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Marelis-Rody?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus system, with a single ride costing 0.50 CUP (approximately $0.025 USD). A day pass is not available, but you can buy multiple single tickets.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
December and January offer pleasant temperatures, mild winters, and manageable crowds, making them ideal months to visit Havana.
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.