Your stay — María Castro
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The Property — María Castro
The María Castro hotel in Havana offers a modest yet charming atmosphere, with its 3-star facilities catering to budget-conscious travellers who prioritise location and authenticity over luxury. Standing in the lobby, you'll notice the blend of traditional Cuban decor and functional modern amenities. This hotel suits independent travellers and couples who want to experience the real Havana without breaking the bank. Its central location allows for easy exploration of the city's historic neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish colonisers and has since evolved into a unique blend of colonial, Art Deco, and Soviet architectural styles. The city's rich cultural identity is shaped by its African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, which are reflected in its music, cuisine, and vibrant arts scene. Havana's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features colourful buildings, picturesque plazas, and iconic landmarks like the Capitolio and the Malecón seaside promenade. Today, Havana is a thriving metropolis with a strong sense of community and a thriving cultural scene, from salsa music to contemporary art. The city's complex history and resilient people have created a fascinating and dynamic urban environment.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, when the weather is mild and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25°C. These months offer a pleasant climate and manageable crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and historic sites.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season in Havana, with the city hosting various festivals and events, including the Havana Carnival, which attracts large crowds and drives up hotel prices. During this time, the hotel prices at María Castro may increase by up to 20%, and it's essential to book well in advance to secure a room.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months to visit Havana are April, May, and November, when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller, resulting in discounts on hotel rooms and tourist services. These months offer a great opportunity to explore the city without the peak season prices.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterised by a wet season from May to October, with frequent rain showers and high humidity. When packing for your trip, be sure to include lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket to prepare for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana Metro bus system has recently expanded its routes, making it easier for visitors to get around the city. The famous Tropicana nightclub has reopened after renovations, offering an unforgettable night of music and dance. The Cuban government has introduced new regulations for taxi services, making it more convenient for tourists to hail a licensed cab on the street.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to María Castro, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (5th or above) to minimize noise from the street and surrounding Calle 91. The hotel's lift serves all floors, making it convenient to access rooms on upper floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the historic sections (likely on lower floors) if you're a light sleeper, as they may have stairs-only access and more foot traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, this hotel's address does not offer any notable views, given its location in the city.
Quietest floors
Floors 5 and above are likely the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the noise from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from Calle 91, a busy street in Havana. You may also hear some noise from the lift and other rooms, especially if you're on a lower floor.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in the lobby, and consider purchasing a daily pass for faster speeds in your room. If you plan to explore the city, consider purchasing a parking ticket in advance to secure a spot at the public car park near Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes.
- 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 — María Castro
free in lobby, 5 CUC per hour in rooms, 10 Mbps speed, login required
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary physical papers (Granma, Juventud Rebelde) in lobby
14:00-20:00 standard hours, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out until 18:00 for 10 CUC
available 24/7, free for guests, 5 CUC per day for non-guests
step-free access at main entrance, wheelchair ramp, one adapted room on ground floor
no on-site parking, nearest public car park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes, 5 CUC per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 10 CUC advance deposit per night + 20 CUC incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Santa Ana (778 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Capilla Santa Ana (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Nazareno Versalles (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Bautista Libre (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Área Vendedores por Cuenta Propia — 954 m · ~12 min walk
Paseo de La Lisa — 307 m · ~4 min walk
Fundación del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano. Sala Glauber Rocha — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Cajeros Automáticos — 322 m · ~4 min walk
L — 744 m · ~9 min walk
Bodega — 500 m · ~6 min walk
Terminal Lisa A44-A70-34-36-40-43-55-91-113-180-222-436-450A-486-487-490 — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
You can exchange currency at Casas de Cambio (CADECA) or banks, but rates are generally unfavorable at the airport or tourist bureaus. Be prepared to exchange a small commission fee.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, but you can use some at major hotels and restaurants in Calle 91. Mobile payments and contactless cards are not common.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. 5-10 CUP for taxi drivers and 5-10 CUP for hotel staff is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong Cuban coffee for around 5-10 CUP at a local cafeteria.
A plate of Cuban rice, beans, and chicken costs around 15-20 CUP at a local eatery.
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) can cost around 25-35 CUP for a main course.
Try the street food at the nearby Mercado de San José for affordable and authentic Cuban cuisine.
You can find basic groceries at the Supermercado Agrocaña in the area.
For affordable shopping, head to the nearby Calle San Rafael for local clothing stores.
A single ride on the city bus costs 0.50 CUP, and a day pass is 4 CUP. From the airport, take the taxi for around 30 CUP.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as rates are unfavorable.Use local buses or walk to get around the city to save money.Eat at local eateries or paladares instead of touristy restaurants for more affordable options.
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 María Castro
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Cajeros Automáticos — 322 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · L — 744 m · ~9 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 María Castro?
Request a room on a higher floor (5th or above) to minimize noise from the street and surrounding Calle 91. The hotel's lift serves all floors, making it convenient to access rooms on upper floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at María Castro?
Avoid rooms near the historic sections (likely on lower floors) if you're a light sleeper, as they may have stairs-only access and more foot traffic.
Is María Castro noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from Calle 91, a busy street in Havana. You may also hear some noise from the lift and other rooms, especially if you're on a lower floor.
Which rooms have the best views at María Castro?
Unfortunately, this hotel's address does not offer any notable views, given its location in the city.
What are insider tips for staying at María Castro?
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in the lobby, and consider purchasing a daily pass for faster speeds in your room. If you plan to explore the city, consider purchasing a parking ticket in advance to secure a spot at the public car park near Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes.
What time is check-in at María Castro?
Check-in at María Castro is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does María Castro have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby, 5 CUC per hour in rooms, 10 Mbps speed, login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at María Castro?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near María Castro?
A plate of Cuban rice, beans, and chicken costs around 15-20 CUP at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from María Castro?
A single ride on the city bus costs 0.50 CUP, and a day pass is 4 CUP. From the airport, take the taxi for around 30 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, when the weather is mild and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25°C. These months offer a pleasant climate and manageable crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and historic sites.
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.