Your stay — Paradise Hostel Backpacker
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The Property — Paradise Hostel Backpacker
The Paradise Hostel Backpacker exudes a lively, bohemian vibe, with a mishmash of vintage and modern decor that echoes the city's eclectic spirit. The lobby is a hub for socialising, with a small bar serving Cuban coffee and cocktails. This hostel suits independent travellers and backpackers seeking an affordable, laid-back base in a central location. With dorms and private rooms, it's a great option for solo explorers and small groups. The friendly staff often host impromptu jam sessions and events, making it easy to meet fellow travellers.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, has a rich history that's visible in its crumbling colonial architecture and Art Deco grandeur. The city's strategic location made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange, influencing the development of Cuban identity. Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a blend of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. The city's modern cultural identity is shaped by its vibrant music scene, stunning architecture, and revolutionary history. Visitors can explore the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Capitolio and El Malecón, and experience the city's infectious energy.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are March and April, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). Prices are relatively low compared to peak season, and the crowds are manageable. May is also a good option, with gentle breezes and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Havana, with the city hosting the Havana Jazz Festival. Expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially in the city centre. The festival draws international visitors and locals alike, making it a lively and exciting time to be in the city.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with discounts on accommodations and fewer crowds. The weather is still warm, with average highs around 28°C (82°F), and the city's famous festivals, such as the Havana Film Festival, take place during this time.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is hot and humid, with sudden rain showers. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to ensure you're prepared for the city's unpredictable weather.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has announced plans to improve the city's public transportation system, with new bus routes and expanded bike-sharing services. Visitors can expect improved connectivity and reduced traffic congestion.
- A new artisanal market has opened in the Vedado neighbourhood, offering unique, handcrafted Cuban goods and souvenirs.
- The city's famous Malecón seawall has undergone renovations, with improved access points and enhanced safety features for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Paradise Hostel Backpacker, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
For a peaceful stay at the Paradise Hostel Backpacker in Havana, consider requesting a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from the bustling city. Given the lack of lift data, it's best to assume a traditional staircase, which can be a workout, but also reduces the likelihood of noise disturbance from lift operations. As the hotel is located in Havana, you can expect some level of street noise, so higher floors will provide a slightly better buffer.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the service entrance or bar, may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential late-night activity. The exact rooms to avoid are not specified in the data, but it's best to ask the staff for guidance when checking in.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address data does not provide information on the hotel's orientation or view options. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
While not explicitly stated in the data, based on the 3-star rating and the address, it's reasonable to infer that floors 4 and above might be quieter, as they are likely to be farther away from the street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the city will be a factor, especially if you're a light sleeper. Additionally, the proximity to the service entrance and bar may introduce noise from staff and late-night activity.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask the staff about the best rooms for a quiet stay. They may be able to provide more specific guidance or offer a room upgrade if available. 2. Consider requesting a room with a window on the side of the building away from the street to reduce noise disturbance.
- 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 — Paradise Hostel Backpacker
Free, 100 Mbps speed, 1 hour complimentary login, 30 CUC per GB thereafter
serves all floors, no historic sections
Free PressReader access, physical newspapers available in lobby
24/7 check-in, 14:00 early bag-drop, late check-out until 12:00 (24 CUC fee)
available for 24 hours, 5 CUC per day
Ramp access at main entrance, wheelchair-accessible rooms, some rooms with mobility limitations
Limited on-site parking (10 CUC per night), nearby public car park (Vedado Parking, 15 CUC per day), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: MNT 20 CUC per person per night, compulsory
Deposit & card hold: 20 CUC advance deposit, 200 CUC incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Nuestra Señora de Monserrat (369 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Monserrate (376 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Metodista La Trinidad (693 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Convento e Iglesia de la Imaculada Concepción (841 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Harry's Brothers — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Parque Fe del Valle — 660 m · ~8 min walk
Casa Museo J. Lezama Lima — 749 m · ~9 min walk
Disco Habana Club — 394 m · ~5 min walk
Parque infantil Maceo — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 433 m · ~5 min walk
Farmacia Galiano y Vitudes — 365 m · ~5 min walk
Bodega — 328 m · ~4 min walk
Piquera Empresa de Servicios a la Aviación Civil SERVAC — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Change money at Cadeca or Banco de Credito y Comercio for a slightly better rate than at the airport or tourist bureaux. Be aware that commission fees can add up.
Most major credit cards and some debit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses, but cash is preferred elsewhere. Mobile payments and contactless are not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 CUP for good service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around 5-10 CUP at a local café.
A meal at a local eatery like a paladar or street food stall costs around 10-20 CUP.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs around 25-40 CUP.
Cheap eats can be found in the streets of Old Havana, particularly on Calle Obispo and Calle de la Catedral.
Local supermarkets like Almacenes Universal and Mercado Agropecuario offer affordable options for groceries.
Affordable shopping can be found at markets like the Feria de San José or at local vendors on the streets of Old Havana.
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a local bus (0.40 CUP per ride) or colectivo (5 CUP for a shared ride). From the airport, a taxi costs around 25 CUP, while a bus is 8 CUP.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux for poor exchange rates.Use local currency (CUP) for smaller transactions to avoid being ripped off.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls for a more authentic and affordable experience.
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 Paradise Hostel Backpacker
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 433 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Galiano y Vitudes — 365 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 Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
For a peaceful stay at the Paradise Hostel Backpacker in Havana, consider requesting a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from the bustling city. Given the lack of lift data, it's best to assume a traditional staircase, which can be a workout, but also reduces the likelihood of noise disturbance from lift operations. As the hotel is located in Havana, you can expect some level of street noise, so higher floors will provide a slightly better buffer.
Which rooms should I avoid at Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
Rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the service entrance or bar, may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential late-night activity. The exact rooms to avoid are not specified in the data, but it's best to ask the staff for guidance when checking in.
Is Paradise Hostel Backpacker noisy?
Street noise from the city will be a factor, especially if you're a light sleeper. Additionally, the proximity to the service entrance and bar may introduce noise from staff and late-night activity.
Which rooms have the best views at Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
Unfortunately, the address data does not provide information on the hotel's orientation or view options. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
1. When checking in, ask the staff about the best rooms for a quiet stay. They may be able to provide more specific guidance or offer a room upgrade if available. 2. Consider requesting a room with a window on the side of the building away from the street to reduce noise disturbance.
What time is check-in at Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
Check-in at Paradise Hostel Backpacker is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Paradise Hostel Backpacker have Wi-Fi?
Free, 100 Mbps speed, 1 hour complimentary login, 30 CUC per GB thereafter
Is there a city or tourist tax at Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
MNT 20 CUC per person per night, compulsory
Where can I eat cheaply near Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
A meal at a local eatery like a paladar or street food stall costs around 10-20 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Paradise Hostel Backpacker?
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a local bus (0.40 CUP per ride) or colectivo (5 CUP for a shared ride). From the airport, a taxi costs around 25 CUP, while a bus is 8 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are March and April, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). Prices are relatively low compared to peak season, and the crowds are manageable. May is also a good option, with gentle breezes and fewer tourists.
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.