Your stay — Rey y Eli
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Havana.
The Property — Rey y Eli
The Rey y Eli hotel has a laid-back, family-run atmosphere, with its 3-star rating reflected in the simple yet clean rooms and friendly staff. Standing in the lobby, you notice the high ceilings and ornate details that evoke a sense of old Havana, while the overall feel remains casual and unpretentious. This hotel suits travellers looking for a no-frills, authentic Cuban experience, particularly those interested in exploring the local neighbourhoods and interacting with the community. Its location in the Vedado district means you're close to many restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions, but not in the midst of the most touristy areas.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, and its architectural evolution reflects this colonial past, with baroque and neoclassical styles prominent in the Old Town. Over the centuries, the city has developed a unique cultural identity, influenced by its indigenous, African, and European heritage. Today, Havana is a city of contrasts, where vintage American cars and modern Soviet-era architecture coexist, and where the sounds of salsa and rumba music fill the air. The city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features many beautifully restored buildings, while other areas, like the Malecón seaside promenade, showcase the city's more laid-back, oceanfront vibe. Havana's cultural scene is also thriving, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues, such as the famous Tropicana nightclub.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, when the weather is dry and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. These months also offer manageable crowds, as the peak tourist season hasn't yet begun, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Peak / festival surge
July is one of the peak months, as it coincides with the summer holidays and the Carnival season, which attracts large crowds and drives up hotel prices. During this time, the city hosts various festivals and events, such as the Havana Carnival, which features parades, music, and dancing, making it a lively but busy period to visit.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months are April, May, and June, when the weather is still pleasant, with temperatures in the mid-20s, and the crowds are smaller, resulting in discounts on accommodations and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is subtropical, with a rainy season from May to October, so it's essential to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and waterproof gear. When visiting in July, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and light layers for cooler evenings, as well as a compact umbrella to prepare for potential rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana MetroBus system has recently expanded its routes, making it easier for visitors to get around the city. The famous El Malecón seawall is undergoing renovations, but it's still open to the public, and the views of the ocean are as stunning as ever. The annual Havana Jazz Festival is scheduled to take place in December, featuring performances by local and international musicians, so it's a good idea to book accommodations and tickets in advance if you're planning to attend.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Rey y Eli, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor at the back of the building (facing away from Calle 23). These floors are high enough to reduce street noise but still served by the lift, and the rear orientation avoids the main road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor overlooking Calle 23 or near the lift lobby – street noise from this main Vedado artery is persistent, and the service entrance/baggage area can add early-morning clatter.
Best views
Rooms at the front on floors 4 or 5 offer a view over Vedado’s low-rise rooftops and the Malecón skyline (glimpses of the sea on clear days). Rear rooms look into quieter internal courtyards – less view, more peace.
Quietest floors
Floors 3–5 are the quietest: high enough to escape street-level noise, well within lift coverage, and away from the lobby’s footfall.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle 23 is a busy dual carriageway in Vedado with buses, taxis, and pedestrian traffic from early morning until late evening. The hotel’s lift, located near the lobby, can hum audibly on lower floors.
Insider tips
Park at Calle 23 No. 500 public car park (5 CUC/night) rather than the hotel’s limited 10 CUC spots – it’s a short walk and saves cash. For in-room WiFi, buy a 1-hour scratch card at reception rather than logging in piecemeal; the 1 Mbps speed is fine for messaging but not streaming.
- 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 — Rey y Eli
free in lobby, 5 CUC per hour in-room, 1 Mbps speed, login required
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand via hotel wifi
15:00-23:00 standard hours, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out 12:00-18:00 for 10 CUC per hour
available 08:00-20:00, 2 CUC per bag
step-free access at main entrance, wheelchair ramp, 1st floor rooms accessible
limited on-site parking for 10 CUC per night, nearest public car park at Calle 23 No. 500 for 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 Bautista (169 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia parroquial San Francisco de Paula (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Bautista “Nueva Jerusalén” Los pinos. (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Place of worship: Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Iglesia de Los Pinos (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Piso de Venta La Comercial — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Parque de los Leones — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Teatro Presidente Allende — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
2da y C — 201 m · ~3 min walk
Venta de peces — 287 m · ~4 min walk
Terminal Santa Amalia (P9-P10-P13) — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Exchange at local CADECAs (currency exchange offices) or withdraw from Banco de Crédito y Comercio ATMs; avoid the airport or hotel desks where rates are far worse.
Mastercard and Visa work at some hotels and larger state restaurants, but cash (CUP) is king for most taxis, paladares, and markets; contactless is rare.
Tipping is standard: 10% in restaurants, small change (5–20 CUP) for taxis, and 50–100 CUP per day for hotel cleaning staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso at a street stall or corner kiosk costs around 10–15 CUP (about 0.40 USD).
A set menu lunch of rice, beans, meat, and salad at a state cafeteria (paladar is pricier) is typically 100–150 CUP.
A main course in a decent paladar runs 250–400 CUP.
Street stalls near the Malecon and in Centro Habana sell cheap pizza, sandwiches (medianoche), and fried snacks for 20–40 CUP each.
State-run markets (mercados) and smaller bodegas are common; no big supermarket chains exist in this area.
For affordable new clothes, head to the informal street markets around Calle San Rafael or the open-air stalls near Parque Central.
Local shared taxis (colectivos) cost 20 CUP per ride within the city; the cheapest airport transfer is a shared taxi for about 200–300 CUP.
Always pay in CUP rather than dollars to avoid punitive conversion fees. Eat at paladares away from tourist-heavy plazas. Use colectivos or walk instead of hailing private taxis.
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 Rey y Eli
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk — pharmacy · 2da y C — 201 m · ~3 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 Rey y Eli?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor at the back of the building (facing away from Calle 23). These floors are high enough to reduce street noise but still served by the lift, and the rear orientation avoids the main road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Rey y Eli?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor overlooking Calle 23 or near the lift lobby – street noise from this main Vedado artery is persistent, and the service entrance/baggage area can add early-morning clatter.
Is Rey y Eli noisy?
Calle 23 is a busy dual carriageway in Vedado with buses, taxis, and pedestrian traffic from early morning until late evening. The hotel’s lift, located near the lobby, can hum audibly on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Rey y Eli?
Rooms at the front on floors 4 or 5 offer a view over Vedado’s low-rise rooftops and the Malecón skyline (glimpses of the sea on clear days). Rear rooms look into quieter internal courtyards – less view, more peace.
What are insider tips for staying at Rey y Eli?
Park at Calle 23 No. 500 public car park (5 CUC/night) rather than the hotel’s limited 10 CUC spots – it’s a short walk and saves cash. For in-room WiFi, buy a 1-hour scratch card at reception rather than logging in piecemeal; the 1 Mbps speed is fine for messaging but not streaming.
What time is check-in at Rey y Eli?
Check-in at Rey y Eli is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Rey y Eli have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby, 5 CUC per hour in-room, 1 Mbps speed, login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Rey y Eli?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Rey y Eli?
A set menu lunch of rice, beans, meat, and salad at a state cafeteria (paladar is pricier) is typically 100–150 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Rey y Eli?
Local shared taxis (colectivos) cost 20 CUP per ride within the city; the cheapest airport transfer is a shared taxi for about 200–300 CUP.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, when the weather is dry and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. These months also offer manageable crowds, as the peak tourist season hasn't yet begun, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
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.