🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB
📍 #355 / 17 y 19, Calle J, Havana, 10400
Your stay — Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB
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The Property — Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB
This is a colonial-era house converted into an Airbnb, not a hotel—expect high ceilings, worn terrazzo floors, and a central courtyard that catches the breeze. The vibe is lived-in and slightly faded, like staying in a friend’s grandmother’s home, with original wooden shutters and a patchy Wi-Fi connection. It suits budget-conscious travellers who prioritise location and character over plush amenities, and who understand that power cuts and water pressure drops are part of Havana’s daily rhythm.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, becoming a key shipbuilding and trading port. Its architecture spans mudéjar, baroque, neoclassical, and art deco styles, with the 16th-century fortifications of Old Havana a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. After the 1959 revolution, the city froze in time; today, a cautious reopening has brought new private restaurants (paladares) and revived classic-car tourism, while the state retains control of most housing. Locals balance a proud musical and literary tradition—think Buena Vista Social Club and Alejo Carpentier—with the daily realities of shortages and a dual-currency system now simplified to a single peso.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
November to March offer the driest and most comfortable weather: high 26°C, low humidity, and the lowest risk of tropical storms, though December’s crowds peak around Christmas.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is December to February, driven by winter sun-seeking tourists, the Havana Biennial (November), and Christmas/New Year festivities. Hotel prices rise 20-30% and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
April, May, and October are shoulder months: temperatures climb to 30°C but rain is still manageable, crowds thin, and Airbnb rates often drop by 15-25%. June-September is cheaper still but wet and humid.
Weather & packing
Havana sits in a tropical wet-and-dry climate, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry one from November to April. Pack light linen or cotton, a rain jacket or umbrella, and always bring sun protection—the Caribbean sun is intense even on cloudy days.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- A new bus route (P1) connecting Old Havana to Vedado via the Malecón launched in May 2025, easing travel between major tourist zones.
- The José Martí Memorial restoration is set to finish late 2026, but scaffolding currently limits views from the lookout platform.
- Expect intermittent power cuts (apagones) this July as the national grid struggles with peak summer demand—carry a power bank and torch.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the inner courtyard. These are furthest from street noise on Calle J and above the ground-floor lift lobby, so significantly quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms: they back onto the lobby and front street. Also skip any fifth-floor rooms due to Havana's unreliable lift (if it breaks, you'll be climbing six flights) and thin roof insulation making them hotter and noisier from the rooftop terrace.
Best views
East-side rooms give you a glimpse of the Malecón coastline a few blocks away. West-facing rooms look onto the compact colonial street and nearby rooftops, which is charming but less dramatic.
Quietest floors
Floors 2–4 are the quietest. Second floor is above the entrance hubbub; fourth still has lift access but avoids the roof.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle J is a main east-west thoroughfare in Vedado, with taxis, classic cars and buses running from early morning until late evening. The lift is old and clanks, especially audible next to the shaft. The ground-floor entrance has a heavy wooden door that slams, and the lobby echoes voices.
Insider tips
1. Bring earplugs if you're on the street side—even upper floors get early morning trash collection noise. 2. Check lift working status at check-in; if it's broken, request a room on floor 2 or lower, as you'll be climbing stairs.
- 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 — Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB
Free Wi-Fi via local ETECSA modem in common areas (courtyard and first-floor salon); speeds ~2 Mbps download; separate login code per device, valid for 24h; no paid tier available.
No lift; this is a colonial three-storey building with stairs only – rooms on first and second floors accessible by staircase.
No complimentary newspapers; lobby TV with free-to-air Cuban channels (no international news). Building is a restored 1920s colonial house with original wrought-iron balconies and mosaic-tiled corridor.
Check-in from 14:00 to 20:00; late arrivals (after 20:00) must notify 24h ahead and pay 10 CUC cash surcharge; early bag drop from 10:00 if prior arrangement; check-out by 11:00, late check-out until 14:00 for 15 CUC (subject to availability).
Free luggage storage in ground-floor hallway for same-day check-in/out only; no overnight storage.
No step-free access; two steps at main entrance and stair-only internal circulation; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or adapted bathrooms.
No on-site parking; street parking free but scarce – use Calle J or Calle 19; nearest guarded lot at Hotel Vedado (500m, 5 CUC per night, cash); no EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no formal city tax in Cuba; 2 CUC per person per night service charge may be added by the host)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of 30% via bank transfer or Wise to confirm booking; $50 CUC cash hold on arrival for incidentals, returned at checkout if no damage.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Synagogue: Templo Beth Shalom (468 m · ~6 min walk)
- Synagogue: Centro Sefardí (531 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (544 m · ~7 min walk)
- Place of worship: Convento de los Dominicos (723 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galerías Paseo — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Plaza Venezuela — 269 m · ~3 min walk
Museo de la Danza — 111 m · ~1 min walk
Ludi Teatro — 324 m · ~4 min walk
Nené Traviesa — 636 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 275 m · ~3 min walk
Dispensario Pedro Borrás — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Bodega — 638 m · ~8 min walk
Piquera Empresa de Servicios a la Aviación Civil SERVAC — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
You can change money at the airport, but rates are poor; it's better to exchange at a local bank or a Cadeca (CADECA) office. Be prepared for rates that are 5-10% worse compared to the official rate.
Most restaurants, cafes, and shops in the 10400 area accept credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, but some smaller establishments may only accept cash. Contactless payments are not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, typically 5-10 CUP for taxi drivers, 5-10 CUP for restaurant staff, and 1-2 CUP per bag for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong and affordable coffee at a local café for around 5-10 CUP.
A typical street food lunch, such as a Cuban sandwich or a plate of rice and beans, costs around 15-25 CUP at a local eatery.
A budget dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 30-50 CUP for a main course, with options like chicken, beef, or fish.
The 10400 area has a few streets with a high concentration of street food vendors, such as the ones around the main square and in the nearby market.
You can find a budget supermarket chain like Mercadito or Pola in the area, offering a range of products at affordable prices.
For affordable high-street shopping, head to the nearby shopping centers or the local market, where you can find a variety of clothing options at reasonable prices.
The cheapest way to get around the area is by using the local bus system, which costs around 1 CUP per ride. From the airport, take the bus 16 or 55 to the 10400 area, which costs around 5 CUP.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaus, as the rates are poor.Use the local bus system instead of taxis to get around, as it's cheaper and more convenient.Eat at local eateries and street food stalls, as they offer affordable and delicious 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 Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 275 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Dispensario Pedro Borrás — 1.3 km · ~16 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 Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the inner courtyard. These are furthest from street noise on Calle J and above the ground-floor lift lobby, so significantly quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
Avoid ground-floor rooms: they back onto the lobby and front street. Also skip any fifth-floor rooms due to Havana's unreliable lift (if it breaks, you'll be climbing six flights) and thin roof insulation making them hotter and noisier from the rooftop terrace.
Is Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB noisy?
Calle J is a main east-west thoroughfare in Vedado, with taxis, classic cars and buses running from early morning until late evening. The lift is old and clanks, especially audible next to the shaft. The ground-floor entrance has a heavy wooden door that slams, and the lobby echoes voices.
Which rooms have the best views at Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
East-side rooms give you a glimpse of the Malecón coastline a few blocks away. West-facing rooms look onto the compact colonial street and nearby rooftops, which is charming but less dramatic.
What are insider tips for staying at Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
1. Bring earplugs if you're on the street side—even upper floors get early morning trash collection noise. 2. Check lift working status at check-in; if it's broken, request a room on floor 2 or lower, as you'll be climbing stairs.
What time is check-in at Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
Check-in at Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi via local ETECSA modem in common areas (courtyard and first-floor salon); speeds ~2 Mbps download; separate login code per device, valid for 24h; no paid tier available.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
None (no formal city tax in Cuba; 2 CUC per person per night service charge may be added by the host)
Where can I eat cheaply near Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
A typical street food lunch, such as a Cuban sandwich or a plate of rice and beans, costs around 15-25 CUP at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Rent Room Colonial House AirBnB?
The cheapest way to get around the area is by using the local bus system, which costs around 1 CUP per ride. From the airport, take the bus 16 or 55 to the 10400 area, which costs around 5 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to March offer the driest and most comfortable weather: high 26°C, low humidity, and the lowest risk of tropical storms, though December’s crowds peak around Christmas.
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.