🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Sylvain House
📍 951, 9na. (Línea), Havana, 10400
Your stay — Sylvain House
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 — Sylvain House
Sylvain House, a 3-star hotel in Havana, offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern comforts, making it an ideal choice for independent travellers and couples seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Standing in the lobby, you're surrounded by high ceilings, wooden beams, and elegant furnishings, which evoke a sense of traditional Havana. The hotel's intimate size and personalised service cater to those who prefer a more laid-back, boutique atmosphere. As you explore the property, you'll discover a charming courtyard and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana, founded in 1519 by the Spanish, has a rich and diverse history that is reflected in its architecture, which spans from colonial to art deco and modernist styles. The city's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features colourful buildings, narrow streets, and historic landmarks like the Capitolio and the Plaza Vieja. Havana's cultural identity is shaped by its African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, which are evident in its music, dance, and art. Today, the city is a thriving metropolis with a lively arts scene, a plethora of restaurants and bars, and a strong sense of community. As you wander through Havana's streets, you'll discover a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with vintage cars, street performers, and lively markets adding to the city's charm.
Best Time to Visit
Full Havana guide →Best months
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, when the weather is mild and dry, 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, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season in Havana, with the city hosting the Havana Carnival, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture, which attracts large crowds and drives up hotel prices. During this time, prices at Sylvain House may increase by up to 20%, so it's essential to book in advance.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months to visit Havana are April, May, and November, when the weather is still pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the crowds are smaller, resulting in discounts of up to 30% at Sylvain House.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterised by high humidity and occasional rain showers, even during the dry season, so it's essential to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and waterproof gear. Don't forget to bring a compact umbrella and a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially during the winter months.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana Metro bus system has recently expanded its routes, making it easier for visitors to explore the city. The famous Malecón seawall is currently undergoing renovations, but it's still a great spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the local street performers. The 2026 Havana Jazz Festival is scheduled to take place in December, featuring performances by local and international artists, so book your stay at Sylvain House early to avoid the crowds.
Hotel Facilities — Sylvain House
free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required with room number and surname
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader
15:00-20:00, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out until 18:00 for 20 CUC
available 24/7, free for guests, 5 CUC per day for non-guests
step-free access to lobby and rooms, wheelchair entry at main door, no structural limitations
no on-site parking, nearest public car park at Paseo Street, 5 CUC per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10 CUC per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 100 CUC advance deposit + 50 CUC incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Santa Catalina de Siena (368 m · ~5 min walk)
- Place of worship: Asociación de Autorrealización Paramahansa Yogananda (Yoga) (428 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Catedral Espiscopal (714 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Catedral Espiscopal (723 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galerías Paseo — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Parque John Lennon — 593 m · ~7 min walk
Museo Biblioteca Servando Cabrera Moreno — 494 m · ~6 min walk
Abelardo Estorino — 709 m · ~9 min walk
Nené Traviesa — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 538 m · ~7 min walk
Farmacia El Vedado — 417 m · ~5 min walk
Bodega 17 y 4 — 368 m · ~5 min walk
Viazul Bus Station — 1.9 km · ~23 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 Sylvain House
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 538 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia El Vedado — 417 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 time is check-in at Sylvain House?
Check-in at Sylvain House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sylvain House have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required with room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sylvain House?
10 CUC per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Sylvain House?
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 Sylvain House?
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?
The best months to visit Havana are December, January, and February, when the weather is mild and dry, 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, 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.