🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba
Villa Ray
📍 724, 82 A, Havana, 12100
Your stay — Villa Ray
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 — Villa Ray
Villa Ray is a 3-star hotel with a laid-back atmosphere, offering a tranquil retreat from Havana's bustling streets. Its elegant colonial-style architecture and lush gardens create a sense of serenity, making it suitable for travellers seeking a relaxing stay. The hotel's unique selling point is its proximity to the famous Malecon seaside promenade, allowing guests to easily explore the city's scenic coastline. Standing in the lobby, you're surrounded by traditional Cuban decor and the sound of gentle chatter, setting the tone for a peaceful and authentic Cuban experience.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, and its rich history is reflected in its eclectic mix of colonial, Art Deco, and modernist architecture. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its African, Spanish, and indigenous heritage, evident in its vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, and colourful street art. Havana's iconic landmarks, such as the Capitolio and the Gran Teatro, showcase its grandeur and architectural diversity. Today, the city is a thriving cultural hub, with a blend of old and new, from vintage American cars to modern art galleries. As you wander through Havana's streets, you can feel the weight of its history and the energy of its revitalised cultural scene.
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 the scenic views.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season, with the Fiesta de la Revolución and the Havana Carnival drawing large crowds, resulting in higher hotel prices and a more lively atmosphere, with events like the Habana Jazz Festival and the Ballet Festival adding to the city's vibrant cultural calendar.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months, offering discounts and milder weather, with fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to explore the city's museums, galleries, and historic landmarks without the peak season chaos.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterised by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October, with occasional heatwaves during the summer months. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes, as well as a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella to be prepared for sudden 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, with new stops near popular attractions like the Plaza de la Revolución and the Malecon. The city is also hosting a series of cultural events and festivals in July, including the Fiesta de la Revolución and the Havana Carnival, which will feature live music, dance performances, and traditional Cuban food. Additionally, the famous El Prado promenade is currently undergoing renovations, but is still open to visitors and offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
Hotel Facilities — Villa Ray
free in lobby, 5 CUC per hour in rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand via hotel WiFi, no physical papers
15:00-23:00 standard hours, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out 12:00-18:00 for 20 CUC
available 08:00-20:00, 5 CUC per item
step-free access to lobby and ground floor rooms, wheelchair entry at main door, no structural limitations
limited on-site parking for 10 CUC per night, nearest public car park at Calle 23 for 5 CUC per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10 CUC per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50 CUC advance deposit + 20 CUC incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Jesús de Miramar (866 m · ~11 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia de la Santa Cruz de Jerusalén (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Place of worship: Capilla de las Esclavas del Sagrado Corazón (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia San Antonio de Padua (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galería Comercial Comodoro — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Parque 15 y 78 — 304 m · ~4 min walk
Museo Fundación Antonio Núñez Jiménez — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Parque Infantil (13 y 76) — 378 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 496 m · ~6 min walk
Farmacia Internacional Trade Center — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Bodega U-279 — 143 m · ~2 min walk
Piquera Gacelas — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
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 Villa Ray
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 496 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Internacional Trade Center — 1.1 km · ~14 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 Villa Ray?
Check-in at Villa Ray is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Villa Ray have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby, 5 CUC per hour in rooms, 1 Mbps speed, login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Villa Ray?
10 CUC per person per night
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 the scenic views.
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.