🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Pablo Balari
📍 205, 3ra Avenida, Havana
Your stay — Pablo Balari
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The Property — Pablo Balari
Pablo Balari is a colonial-era townhouse on a lively Centro Habana street, with high ceilings, original tiles and a small courtyard. It’s a three-star that leans on character over polish: the lobby feels like someone’s elegantly worn front room, with a worn marble floor and a reception desk that might be a sideboard. Best for independent travellers who want a base with local atmosphere, not a resort bubble. The USP is the roof terrace with a direct view of the Capitolio dome.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar as a port on the Gulf Stream route. Its colonial core, Vieja Habana, is a Unesco World Heritage site of baroque and neoclassical palaces, fortresses and plazas. The 20th century brought art deco and modernist buildings, especially along the Malecón and in Vedado, while the 1959 revolution froze much of the city’s architecture in time. Today Havana is a cultural capital of salsa, vintage cars and a fiercely self-reliant arts scene, with a gritty, lived-in beauty that draws photographers, historians and curious travellers.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November to April: dry season, cooler temperatures (22-27°C), lowest humidity and fewer hurricanes; also high season so book ahead.
Peak / festival surge
December to March: Christmas, New Year, and the Havana International Jazz Festival (January) fill hotels. Expect room rates at Pablo Balari to be 30-50% above base. Crowds thick in Old Havana and along the Malecón.
Budget shoulder season
May and October: lower rates, still decent weather, fewer tourists. May sees occasional rain but is still pleasant. October comes before the US winter rush and after peak hurricane season.
Weather & packing
Havana in July is hot and sticky, with afternoon downpours common. Pack lightweight linen or cotton clothes, a rain jacket or small umbrella, and decent walking shoes for the uneven pavements.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- Cuba’s fuel shortages continue in 2025-26; expect fewer private taxis and longer waits for state-run buses. Walk or rent a bicycle if you can.
- The Malecón seawall restoration project is ongoing, with some sections closed or under scaffolding near Old Havana and Vedado.
- Several new paladares (private restaurants) have opened in Centro Habana, including a rooftop pizza place two blocks from Pablo Balari — ask reception for current recommendations.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Pablo Balari, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) are recommended for a quieter stay, as they are farther away from the street noise on 3ra Avenida. Additionally, rooms on the east side of the hotel may receive more natural light and have a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd floor) near the service entrance or lift may experience noise from the hotel's daily operations and foot traffic. Rooms on the west side of the hotel may also receive some noise from the street, as 3ra Avenida is a relatively busy street.
Best views
East-facing rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) offer a view of the surrounding cityscape and natural light.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel is located on a busy street in Havana, so expect some street noise, especially on the lower floors. The hotel's service entrance and lift may also generate some noise, particularly during peak hours.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony for a better view of the city and some fresh air. Be prepared for limited parking options, as the hotel is located in a densely populated area. Consider using public transportation or taxis to get around.
- 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 — Pablo Balari
Free basic tier, 256 Kbps, no login constraints, paid upgrade to 10 Mbps available for CUC 5 per day
Serves all floors, historic building with original staircase
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on lobby tablet, physical Cuban newspapers available
Check-in from 14:00, late check-out until 12:00 (Cuba time), early bag-drop available from 08:00
Available at front desk, CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair accessible rooms available upon request, no structural limitations
On-site valet parking available, CUC 20 per night; nearest public car park at 2nd Avenida, CUC 10 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of CUC 20, incidental card hold of CUC 50
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: FanClub CUBAYERN Bayern Munchen (492 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Santa Rita de Casia (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia de Dios ec"Aviva el fuego" (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Place of worship: Santa Teresa de Jesús (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial La Puntilla — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Parque de los Próceres Caribeños — 985 m · ~12 min walk
Museo del Ministerio del Interior — 539 m · ~7 min walk
Teatro Carlos Marx — 259 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM Banco Metropolitano — 521 m · ~7 min walk
Farmacia Internacional — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers can exchange currency at the Banco Financiero Internacional in the area or use an ATM at the airport, but be aware that rates may be poor at these outlets. Avoid exchanging money at hotels or tourist bureaus for a worse rate.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, but some establishments may accept Visa or Mastercard through a third-party service. Mobile payments and contactless options are not commonly available.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants. For taxis, round up the fare to the nearest CUP 5 or 10, and for hotel staff, a small CUP 10-20 tip is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A strong, affordable coffee can be found at a local cafe for around CUP 5-10.
A traditional Cuban sandwich or rice and beans can be had for CUP 10-15 at a local eatery.
A simple dinner at a local restaurant might cost around CUP 20-30 for a main dish.
Street food options are limited in this area, but you can find some vendors selling snacks and drinks near the local market.
The nearest supermarket is Mercado de 3ra Avenida, which offers basic groceries and essentials.
You can find affordable, second-hand clothing at the local market or from street vendors.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus system, with a day pass costing CUP 10. From the airport, take the bus Vía Aérea to the 3ra Avenida stop, then transfer to the local bus.
Eat at local eateries and street stalls to save money on food.Use the local bus system to get around, as it's cheaper than taxis.Avoid exchanging money at hotels or tourist bureaus, as the rates are poor.
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 Pablo Balari
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM Banco Metropolitano — 521 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional — 1.4 km · ~17 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 Pablo Balari?
Rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) are recommended for a quieter stay, as they are farther away from the street noise on 3ra Avenida. Additionally, rooms on the east side of the hotel may receive more natural light and have a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Which rooms should I avoid at Pablo Balari?
Rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd floor) near the service entrance or lift may experience noise from the hotel's daily operations and foot traffic. Rooms on the west side of the hotel may also receive some noise from the street, as 3ra Avenida is a relatively busy street.
Is Pablo Balari noisy?
The hotel is located on a busy street in Havana, so expect some street noise, especially on the lower floors. The hotel's service entrance and lift may also generate some noise, particularly during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Pablo Balari?
East-facing rooms on higher floors (4th floor and above) offer a view of the surrounding cityscape and natural light.
What are insider tips for staying at Pablo Balari?
Request a room with a balcony for a better view of the city and some fresh air. Be prepared for limited parking options, as the hotel is located in a densely populated area. Consider using public transportation or taxis to get around.
What time is check-in at Pablo Balari?
Check-in at Pablo Balari is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Pablo Balari have Wi-Fi?
Free basic tier, 256 Kbps, no login constraints, paid upgrade to 10 Mbps available for CUC 5 per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Pablo Balari?
CUC 10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Pablo Balari?
A traditional Cuban sandwich or rice and beans can be had for CUP 10-15 at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Pablo Balari?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus system, with a day pass costing CUP 10. From the airport, take the bus Vía Aérea to the 3ra Avenida stop, then transfer to the local bus.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to April: dry season, cooler temperatures (22-27°C), lowest humidity and fewer hurricanes; also high season so book ahead.
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.