Your stay — Tamara and Chens
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The Property — Tamara and Chens
Tamara and Chens is a 3-star hotel that offers a humble, family-run atmosphere, making it suitable for independent travellers and couples looking for a laid-back experience. Standing in the lobby, you'll notice the simple yet elegant decor, which reflects the hotel's emphasis on comfort over luxury. The hotel's unique selling point is its location in a residential area, providing guests with a glimpse into local life. It's ideal for those who want to explore Havana's authentic culture without breaking the bank.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and has since evolved into a city with a rich cultural heritage. The city's architectural landscape is a mix of colonial, art deco, and Soviet-era styles, reflecting its complex history. Today, Havana is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, where you can find historic cars and buildings alongside contemporary art and music scenes. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, making it a unique and fascinating destination. Havana's iconic Malecon seaside promenade and the colourful streets of Old Havana are a testament to the city's enduring 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. These months offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season in Havana, with the city hosting various festivals and events, including the Havana Carnival, which drives up hotel prices and attracts large crowds. If you're planning to visit during this time, be prepared for higher prices and book your accommodations well in advance.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months to visit Havana are April, May, and November, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are smaller, resulting in discounts on accommodations and tourist services.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by a rainy season from May to October, with frequent short showers, so it's essential to pack lightweight waterproof clothing and umbrellas. When packing for your trip, include breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a light jacket for cooler evenings, as well as a waterproof bag or backpack to protect your belongings from sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana Metro bus system has recently expanded its routes, making it easier for visitors to get around the city. The famous El Capitolio building has reopened after renovations, offering guided tours and stunning views of the city. The summer months bring an increase in cultural events and festivals, including the Havana Jazz Festival, which takes place in July and features performances by local and international musicians.
Hotel Facilities — Tamara and Chens
free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand via hotel WiFi
15:00-23:00, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out fee 10 CUC per hour until 18:00
available 08:00-20:00, free for guests
step-free access to lobby and rooms, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, no structural limitations
no on-site parking, nearest public car park at Calle Cuba, 5 CUC per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 10 CUC advance deposit per room + 20 CUC incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: iglesia de San Agustín (185 m · ~2 min walk)
- Mosque: Mezquita Addallah (304 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asís (330 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: Antiguo Convento de San Francisco de Asís (357 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Harry's Brothers — 822 m · ~10 min walk
Parque Finlay — 130 m · ~2 min walk
Museo del automóvil — 109 m · ~1 min walk
Compañía Retazos — 117 m · ~1 min walk
Parque Infantil — 157 m · ~2 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco de Crédito y Comercio — 162 m · ~2 min walk
Old Pharmacy — 220 m · ~3 min walk
Terracota 4 — 136 m · ~2 min walk
Terminal de Cruceros de La Habana — 508 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
You can exchange money at the Cadeca (Casa de Cambio) offices, but be aware that rates are often unfavourable, especially at the airport. Consider exchanging some currency before arriving or using an ATM.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, but some hotels and tourist establishments accept US dollars or euros. Mobile payments and contactless cards are not common.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. For taxis, round up the fare to the nearest peso or leave 1-2 CUP.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong coffee for around 1-2 CUP at a local café.
A plate of rice, beans, and chicken at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 5-7 CUP.
A main course at a local restaurant costs around 10-15 CUP.
Street food is common in Calle 23 and Calle Línea, where you can find vendors selling snacks and drinks.
Local markets and small shops like Tienda de Barrio sell basic groceries.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets and smaller shops.
A single ride on a colectivo (shared taxi) costs 1-2 CUP, and a day pass is not available. From the airport, take a colectivo (around 10-15 CUP) or a taxi (around 20-25 CUP) to the city centre.
Use Cuban pesos for local transactions to avoid losing money to exchange rate differences.Eat at paladares (private restaurants) for a more authentic experience and lower prices.Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to save money and experience the local culture.
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 Tamara and Chens
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco de Crédito y Comercio — 162 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Old Pharmacy — 220 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 time is check-in at Tamara and Chens?
Check-in at Tamara and Chens is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tamara and Chens have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tamara and Chens?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Tamara and Chens?
A plate of rice, beans, and chicken at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 5-7 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tamara and Chens?
A single ride on a colectivo (shared taxi) costs 1-2 CUP, and a day pass is not available. From the airport, take a colectivo (around 10-15 CUP) or a taxi (around 20-25 CUP) to the city centre.
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. These months offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
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.