Your stay — prado colonial
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The Property — prado colonial
The Prado Colonial is a 3-star hotel in a restored 1920s building, blending colonial architecture with modern amenities. Its lobby, with its high ceilings and dark wood accents, feels like a step back in time. The hotel's USP lies in its prime location on the famous Paseo del Prado, within walking distance to the Malecón seaside promenade and the Museo de la Revolución. It's ideal for travellers seeking an authentic Cuban experience without the high price tag. As you stand in the lobby, you're surrounded by the sounds of classic Cuban music and the scent of fresh coffee wafting from the on-site café.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, the capital of Cuba, was founded in 1519 by the Spanish as San Cristóbal de la Habana, and its strategic location made it a key hub for the transatlantic trade. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of colonial, Art Deco, and modernist styles. In the 1950s, Havana became a popular destination for American tourists, earning it the nickname 'Paris of the Caribbean'. Today, the city is a vibrant cultural melting pot, with a strong focus on music, dance, and the arts. The city's iconic Malecón seaside promenade, a 5-mile esplanade along the coast, is a must-visit spot for people-watching and taking in the city's laid-back atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are March and April, with mild temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer crowds. These months also coincide with the city's vibrant cultural festivals, including the Havana International Jazz Festival.
Peak / festival surge
December is peak tourist season in Havana, driven by the city's festive atmosphere and the Fiestas de la Luz, a month-long celebration of lights and music. Hotel prices surge during this time, and popular attractions may be crowded.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are the best shoulder months to visit Havana, with comfortable temperatures (25-28°C) and lower prices. These months also offer a chance to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene without the crowds.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by high humidity and sudden rain showers, so it's essential to pack light, breathable clothing that can be easily layered. Don't forget to include a waterproof jacket or poncho to keep you dry in case of unexpected rain.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Cuban government has implemented new regulations for tourists, including a requirement to purchase a local SIM card for internet access. Visitors can now purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local telecommunication store.
- The iconic Habana Libre hotel has undergone a major renovation, offering new amenities and services for visitors. The hotel's rooftop bar now offers stunning views of the city and a range of cocktails.
- The city's public transportation system is undergoing a major overhaul, with new buses and a revamped route network expected to be introduced in 2026. Visitors can currently use the city's classic American cars for a unique and nostalgic experience.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to prado colonial, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the upper floors (3-4) for a quieter stay. The Prado Colonial is located on the Malecón waterfront, so you'll want to avoid rooms facing the ocean to minimize traffic noise. However, rooms on the higher floors will be farther from the Prado Street, which can get congested with pedestrians and vendors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (1) as they may be noisier due to potential street activity and the service entrance. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience noise from the elevator's frequent use.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (3-4) may offer views of the Malecón waterfront, but it's essential to request a room with a west or east-facing orientation to avoid direct sunlight and potential noise from the ocean.
Quietest floors
2-4
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware of potential noise from street performers, vendors, and pedestrians on the Prado Street. Additionally, the hotel's location near the Malecón may experience occasional noise from the ocean and nearby bars.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony to take in the ocean views and enjoy the sea breeze. Consider booking a room with a refrigerator, as it's not a standard amenity, but it's worth the extra request.
- 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 — prado colonial
free tier with speeds up to 5 Mbps, paid tier (CUC 5 per day) with speeds up to 10 Mbps; login via room key card
serves all floors, including historic sections with original colonial-era architectural details
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader and FT) available on in-room tablets; physical newspapers available at the front desk
24/7 standard hours; early bag-drop available from 8:00 AM; late check-out until 2:00 PM on weekdays, 1:00 PM on weekends
available for an additional CUC 5 per bag, per day
step-free access to the main entrance; wheelchair-accessible rooms available upon request, subject to availability
on-site parking available for CUC 10 per night; nearest public car park (Paseo del Prado) is 200 meters away, CUC 5 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 3 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: CUC 50 advance deposit + CUC 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje (396 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Santo Ángel Custodio (407 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia María Auxiliadora (557 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida (575 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Harry's Brothers — 142 m · ~2 min walk
Plaza Supervielle — 162 m · ~2 min walk
Edificio de Arte Cubano — 217 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Campoamor — 673 m · ~8 min walk
Barbeparque — 438 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 159 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacia Internacional Hotel Sevilla — 404 m · ~5 min walk
Extension Harry Brothers — 126 m · ~2 min walk
Terminal de Cruceros de La Habana — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Travellers can exchange money at the Caletas Airport, but rates are poor; it's better to exchange at a currency exchange office (CADECA) in the city or withdraw CUC at an ATM. Be aware that exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureau tends to be less favorable.
Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted in most tourist areas, but contactless payments are limited; mobile payments are not common. ATMs are available, but be prepared for withdrawal fees and limited availability.
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 CUC for exceptional service is appreciated. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is sufficient, while hotel staff may receive 1-2 CUC per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical Cuban coffee, known as a 'Café', can be found for around 3-5 CUP (0.10-0.15 USD) at a local café or bakery.
A meal at a local eatery, such as a paladar, can cost around 10-15 CUC (8-12 CUP) for a main course.
A dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 15-25 CUC (12-20 CUP) for a main course.
The Malecón and nearby streets in Havana have street food vendors offering snacks and light meals.
Local supermarkets like Bodeguitas and Supermercado Paisagro offer affordable options for groceries.
Local markets like the Almacenes San José offer affordable clothing and souvenirs.
A single ride on a public bus costs 0.40 CUC (0.32 CUP), while a day pass can be purchased for 4 CUC (3.20 CUP). From the airport, the most affordable option is a public bus (0.40 CUC) or a taxi (around 25 CUC).
Bargain for prices when shopping at local markets.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureau.Use local transportation instead of taxis for shorter distances.
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 prado colonial
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 159 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional Hotel Sevilla — 404 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 prado colonial?
Request rooms on the upper floors (3-4) for a quieter stay. The Prado Colonial is located on the Malecón waterfront, so you'll want to avoid rooms facing the ocean to minimize traffic noise. However, rooms on the higher floors will be farther from the Prado Street, which can get congested with pedestrians and vendors.
Which rooms should I avoid at prado colonial?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (1) as they may be noisier due to potential street activity and the service entrance. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience noise from the elevator's frequent use.
Is prado colonial noisy?
Be aware of potential noise from street performers, vendors, and pedestrians on the Prado Street. Additionally, the hotel's location near the Malecón may experience occasional noise from the ocean and nearby bars.
Which rooms have the best views at prado colonial?
Rooms on the higher floors (3-4) may offer views of the Malecón waterfront, but it's essential to request a room with a west or east-facing orientation to avoid direct sunlight and potential noise from the ocean.
What are insider tips for staying at prado colonial?
Request a room with a balcony to take in the ocean views and enjoy the sea breeze. Consider booking a room with a refrigerator, as it's not a standard amenity, but it's worth the extra request.
What time is check-in at prado colonial?
Check-in at prado colonial is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does prado colonial have Wi-Fi?
free tier with speeds up to 5 Mbps, paid tier (CUC 5 per day) with speeds up to 10 Mbps; login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at prado colonial?
CUC 3 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near prado colonial?
A meal at a local eatery, such as a paladar, can cost around 10-15 CUC (8-12 CUP) for a main course.
What is the cheapest way to get around from prado colonial?
A single ride on a public bus costs 0.40 CUC (0.32 CUP), while a day pass can be purchased for 4 CUC (3.20 CUP). From the airport, the most affordable option is a public bus (0.40 CUC) or a taxi (around 25 CUC).
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are March and April, with mild temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer crowds. These months also coincide with the city's vibrant cultural festivals, including the Havana International Jazz Festival.
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.