Your stay — Villa Riri
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The Property — Villa Riri
Villa Riri is a 3-star hotel that offers a laid-back, colonial-style retreat in the midst of Havana's bustling streets. Its lobby features high ceilings, ornate furnishings and a warm colour scheme, giving it a classic Cuban feel. This hotel suits independent travellers and couples looking for a relaxed, no-frills base to explore the city. Standing in the lobby, you can expect to hear the sounds of traditional Cuban music and the hum of lively conversation from the hotel's bar area.
Chronicles of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and has since evolved into a city with a unique blend of colonial, art deco and modernist architecture. The city's historic centre, Old Havana, features colourful buildings, lively plazas and a rich cultural heritage. Havana's contemporary cultural identity is shaped by its African, Spanish and Caribbean influences, which are reflected in its music, art and cuisine. The city is also home to many museums, galleries and performance venues, showcasing its rich history and creative spirit. Today, Havana is a thriving metropolis with a strong sense of community and a passion for life.
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 and historic sites.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season in Havana, with the city hosting various festivals and events, including the Havana Carnival, which draws large crowds and drives up hotel prices. During this time, prices for accommodation and tourist services tend to increase, 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, but the crowds are smaller, and prices for accommodation and tourist services are lower. These months offer a great opportunity to explore the city's many attractions without the high season prices.
Weather & packing
Havana's climate is characterized by a wet season from May to October, with frequent rain showers and high humidity. When packing for a trip to Havana, be sure to include lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket or umbrella to prepare for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Havana
- The Havana Metro system is currently undergoing renovations, with some lines and stations closed until further notice, so visitors are advised to use taxis or buses to get around the city. The famous Malecon seaside promenade has recently undergone repairs and is now open to visitors, offering stunning views of the city and the sea. The Havana International Jazz Festival is scheduled to take place in December, featuring performances by local and international jazz musicians, and is expected to attract large crowds and increase demand for accommodation.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Villa Riri, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the inner courtyard. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise from Calle 36 and the lift serves them directly, so no stairs. The courtyard side is quieter than the street-facing side.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor or those facing the street (Calle 36). First floor suffers from foot traffic and potential street noise; street-facing rooms get traffic sounds from a residential road that can be busy during the day and early evening.
Best views
Ask for a room on the upper floors (3-4) facing the courtyard or possibly the side street, but the courtyard offers a calmer outlook; street view gives a glimpse of local life but with less privacy and more noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 through 4 (top floor) are the quietest, as they are furthest from the ground-floor lobby and street, and the lift stops there without extra stair noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle 36 is a secondary residential street, not a main artery, so traffic is moderate but can be present during peak hours (7-10am, 4-7pm). The lobby and entrance area may generate low-level chatter until late evening. No bar or service elevator noise noted, but the single lift may be heard on adjacent rooms.
Insider tips
Book the adapted room if you need step-free access; it's the only one. Parking on-site costs 10 CUC but space is tight; the public car park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes is cheaper (5 CUC) and only 5-10 min walk. Ask at check-in about the Wi-Fi code for the lobby (free) before buying the 10 CUC room package—it's slow anyway.
- 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 — Villa Riri
free in lobby, 10 CUC per 24 hours in rooms, 1 Mbps speed
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 12:00-18:00 for 20 CUC
available 08:00-20:00, 5 CUC per item
step-free access at main entrance, wheelchair ramp, one adapted room
limited on-site parking for 10 CUC per night, nearest public car park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes 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 de San Agustín (356 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Los Pinos Nuevos de Almendares (745 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Bosque de La Habana Isla Josefina (936 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Metodista de Marianao (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
KODIGO — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Parque Kohly — 650 m · ~8 min walk
Museo Municipal de Playa — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Salón Rosado de la Tropical Benny Moré — 165 m · ~2 min walk
Parque Almendares — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Metropolitano — 77 m · ~1 min walk
El Crucero — 551 m · ~7 min walk
Bodega 31 y 42 — 691 m · ~9 min walk
Agencia de Confirmación y Última Hora — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Change major currencies like EUR or USD at CADECA exchange kiosks for the best rates; avoid the airport and hotel exchanges as they give poor rates.
Cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels; bring enough cash in CUP for daily expenses.
Tip 10% in restaurants, a few pesos for taxis, and 1–2 CUP per bag for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso at a local bar or kiosk costs about 5–10 CUP.
A sandwich or pizza at a state-run cafetería runs around 30–50 CUP.
A main course of rice, beans, and meat at a paladar is about 100–150 CUP.
Street stalls around Calle 36 sell cheap pizza, churros, and pressed sandwiches for 10–30 CUP.
Tres E and CIMEX supermarkets are common; prices are fixed.
Shopping is limited; the Almacenes Únicos department store in Old Havana is the main option.
Buses with the Habana sign cost 1–5 CUP per ride; from the airport, take the P12 or P14 bus to the city centre for a few pesos.
Pay for everything in CUP rather than tourist currency. Eat at paladares for cheaper meals than hotels. Use shared taxis (colectivos) along major routes for a fixed low fare.
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 Riri
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Metropolitano — 77 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · El Crucero — 551 m · ~7 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 Villa Riri?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing the inner courtyard. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise from Calle 36 and the lift serves them directly, so no stairs. The courtyard side is quieter than the street-facing side.
Which rooms should I avoid at Villa Riri?
Avoid rooms on the first floor or those facing the street (Calle 36). First floor suffers from foot traffic and potential street noise; street-facing rooms get traffic sounds from a residential road that can be busy during the day and early evening.
Is Villa Riri noisy?
Calle 36 is a secondary residential street, not a main artery, so traffic is moderate but can be present during peak hours (7-10am, 4-7pm). The lobby and entrance area may generate low-level chatter until late evening. No bar or service elevator noise noted, but the single lift may be heard on adjacent rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Villa Riri?
Ask for a room on the upper floors (3-4) facing the courtyard or possibly the side street, but the courtyard offers a calmer outlook; street view gives a glimpse of local life but with less privacy and more noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Villa Riri?
Book the adapted room if you need step-free access; it's the only one. Parking on-site costs 10 CUC but space is tight; the public car park at Calle 23 y Avenida de los Presidentes is cheaper (5 CUC) and only 5-10 min walk. Ask at check-in about the Wi-Fi code for the lobby (free) before buying the 10 CUC room package—it's slow anyway.
What time is check-in at Villa Riri?
Check-in at Villa Riri is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Villa Riri have Wi-Fi?
free in lobby, 10 CUC per 24 hours in rooms, 1 Mbps speed
Is there a city or tourist tax at Villa Riri?
10 CUC per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Villa Riri?
A sandwich or pizza at a state-run cafetería runs around 30–50 CUP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Villa Riri?
Buses with the Habana sign cost 1–5 CUP per ride; from the airport, take the P12 or P14 bus to the city centre for a few pesos.
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 and historic sites.
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.