🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
The Bl@ck
📍 401-A, Calzada de Infanta (Avenida Menocal), Havana, 10400
Your stay — The Bl@ck
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 — The Bl@ck
The Bl@ck hotel in Havana offers a modern and sleek atmosphere, with its 3-star rating reflecting a balance of comfort and affordability. Standing in the lobby, you'll notice the blend of contemporary design and Cuban flair, making it an ideal choice for independent travellers and couples looking for a laid-back stay. The hotel's unique selling point is its location, which provides easy access to Havana's historic centre and its famous Malecon seaside promenade. This hotel suits travellers who want to experience the city'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, reflected in its diverse architectural styles, from colonial to art deco. The city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features colourful buildings, lively plazas, and iconic landmarks like the Capitolio and the Gran Teatro. Havana's contemporary cultural identity is shaped by its African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, making it a unique and fascinating destination. The city is also known for its vibrant music scene, with salsa and rumba being an integral part of its cultural fabric. Today, Havana continues to thrive as a cultural and artistic hub, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals celebrating its heritage.
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 pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and enjoying its cultural events.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season in Havana, with the city hosting various festivals and events, including the Havana Carnival, which attracts large crowds and drives up hotel prices. During this time, hotel rates can increase by up to 20%, and popular attractions can get very busy.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months to visit Havana are April, May, and June, when the weather is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the crowds are smaller, resulting in discounts on hotel rates and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by high humidity and occasional rain showers, even during the dry season. To pack accordingly, bring lightweight and breathable clothing, as well as a compact umbrella to be prepared for 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 Malecon seaside promenade has undergone renovations, and its scenic views are now more accessible than ever. The annual Havana Jazz Festival is scheduled to take place in December, featuring performances by local and international musicians, and is expected to attract a large crowd of music enthusiasts.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Bl@ck, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 2 or 3, facing the courtyard (away from Calzada de Infanta). These floors are high enough to reduce street-level noise but still accessible by lift, and the courtyard side tends to be quieter at this 3-star property.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor: they are closer to the lobby and street, and while they have walk-in showers, they get more early-morning footfall and traffic rumble from Infanta. Also avoid any room facing Calzada de Infanta – this is a major avenue with buses, taxis, and music spilling from bars.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors (3–4) facing the courtyard offer a view of the inner patio – nothing spectacular, but better than staring at a busy avenue. If you must have a street view, the 4th floor gives a partial glimpse of the tree-lined Avenida de los Presidentes intersection, but expect traffic noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 2–4 (top floor) are your best bet for quiet – the lift runs all floors but these sit above the lobby bustle and below any roof-level noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Calzada de Infanta is a main thoroughfare: expect constant traffic, honking horns, and occasional street music. The hotel has no soundproofing upgrades evident for a 3-star. Weekends are louder, especially evenings.
Insider tips
1. Park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes (5 CUC/night) – it’s a 5-min walk and cheaper than street parking scams. 2. The 1 Mbps WiFi is slow and drops at peak times; download maps and messages before you arrive. 3. Request a courtyard-facing room at booking – the front desk often assigns based on availability, but a direct call a day before check-in helps.
- 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 — The Bl@ck
Free in lobby and rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required with room number and surname
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand via hotel WiFi, no physical papers
15:00-23:00, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out until 18:00 for 20 CUC
Available from 08:00-20:00, 5 CUC per bag
Step-free access at main entrance, wheelchair ramp available, 1st floor rooms have walk-in showers
No on-site parking, nearest public car park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes, 5 CUC per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10 CUC per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of 1 night's stay, incidental card hold of 20 CUC at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Convento de Carmelitas Descalzos (605 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Metodista del Vedado "Miguel Soto Asensi" (619 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Carmen (629 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Bautista W. Carey (722 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Tienda 24 — 490 m · ~6 min walk
Parque Eloy Alfaro — 373 m · ~5 min walk
Casa Museo Abel Santamaría — 214 m · ~3 min walk
Teatro Nacional de Guiñol — 514 m · ~6 min walk
Parque infantil Maceo — 964 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 46 m · ~1 min walk
Farmacia Internacional — 337 m · ~4 min walk
Bodega — 335 m · ~4 min walk
Piquera Empresa de Servicios a la Aviación Civil SERVAC — 438 m · ~5 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 The Bl@ck
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 46 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional — 337 m · ~4 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.
About Havana
Wikipedia ↗
Havana (, US also ; Spanish: La Habana [la‿aˈβana] ) is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center. It is the most populous city, the largest by area, and the second-largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region....
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Bl@ck?
Request a room on floors 2 or 3, facing the courtyard (away from Calzada de Infanta). These floors are high enough to reduce street-level noise but still accessible by lift, and the courtyard side tends to be quieter at this 3-star property.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Bl@ck?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor: they are closer to the lobby and street, and while they have walk-in showers, they get more early-morning footfall and traffic rumble from Infanta. Also avoid any room facing Calzada de Infanta – this is a major avenue with buses, taxis, and music spilling from bars.
Is The Bl@ck noisy?
Calzada de Infanta is a main thoroughfare: expect constant traffic, honking horns, and occasional street music. The hotel has no soundproofing upgrades evident for a 3-star. Weekends are louder, especially evenings.
Which rooms have the best views at The Bl@ck?
Rooms on the upper floors (3–4) facing the courtyard offer a view of the inner patio – nothing spectacular, but better than staring at a busy avenue. If you must have a street view, the 4th floor gives a partial glimpse of the tree-lined Avenida de los Presidentes intersection, but expect traffic noise.
What are insider tips for staying at The Bl@ck?
1. Park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes (5 CUC/night) – it’s a 5-min walk and cheaper than street parking scams. 2. The 1 Mbps WiFi is slow and drops at peak times; download maps and messages before you arrive. 3. Request a courtyard-facing room at booking – the front desk often assigns based on availability, but a direct call a day before check-in helps.
What time is check-in at The Bl@ck?
Check-in at The Bl@ck is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Bl@ck 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 The Bl@ck?
10 CUC per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near The Bl@ck?
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 The Bl@ck?
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 pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and enjoying its cultural events.
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.