🇨🇺 Holguin, Cuba
Casa Hostal Raquel
📍 +53-5-433-0160, Holguin
Photo: official website
Your stay — Casa Hostal Raquel
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 Holguin.
The Property — Casa Hostal Raquel
Casa Hostal Raquel is a 3-star family-run guesthouse offering a warm, laid-back atmosphere. The lobby features a mix of traditional Cuban decor and modern touches, with a sunny patio area perfect for sipping coffee or cocktails. This hotel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers and those seeking an authentic Cuban experience. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making you feel like part of the family. The hotel's USP is its proximity to the city's historic centre, allowing for easy exploration on foot.
Chronicles of Holguin
Holguin was founded in 1523 by Spanish colonisers and has a rich history of being a major hub for the sugar and tobacco industries. The city's architecture is a mix of colonial and modern styles, with many buildings showcasing a blend of Moorish, Baroque, and Art Deco influences. Holguin has a strong cultural identity shaped by its Afro-Cuban heritage, evident in its vibrant music, dance, and art scene. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Parque Calixto García, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Holguin has a unique blend of colonial and modern charm, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Best Time to Visit
Full Holguin guide →Best months
The best time to visit Holguin is from March to May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). The crowds are manageable, and prices are relatively low compared to peak season. June and July are also good options, but be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month, as it coincides with the Feria de Holguin festival, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture. Expect higher prices and larger crowds, but it's a unique experience not to be missed. The festival draws visitors from across the island and showcases Holguin's rich cultural heritage.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are great shoulder months, offering discounts on accommodations and fewer crowds. The weather is still warm, with average highs of 25°C (77°F), and the city's parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during this time.
Weather & packing
Holguin's climate is characterized by a dry season and a wet season, with the dry season running from December to May. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing for the hot and sunny days, but also bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho for the occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Live City Briefing — Holguin
- The Holguin-Losinger bus terminal has been renovated and now offers more comfortable seating and improved amenities.
- The city's new cultural centre, the Casa de la Cultura, has opened its doors, hosting a variety of events and exhibitions showcasing local art and music.
- The local authorities have launched a new initiative to improve the city's street lighting, making it safer for pedestrians and visitors to explore after dark.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Hostal Raquel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Given the hotel's 3-star rating and location on a street in Holguin, I recommend requesting a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) to minimize potential street noise. Additionally, rooms on the west side of the hotel (away from the street) might be a good option for a quieter stay.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (1st floor) as they might be noisier due to the hotel's address being on a street, potentially with more foot traffic and traffic noise. Also, rooms near the service entrance might be more prone to noise from staff activity.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address doesn't provide information on specific view options. However, rooms on higher floors might offer a better view of the surroundings.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on a street in Holguin may lead to some noise from traffic and foot traffic. Additionally, rooms near the lift might be more prone to noise from the elevator's operation.
Insider tips
When arriving, it's a good idea to check the hotel's reception hours to ensure you can check-in at a convenient time. Considering the hotel's 3-star rating, it's worth asking about any extra amenities or services that might be available, such as room upgrades or additional facilities.
- 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 — Casa Hostal Raquel
Free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms, 128 kbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but the hotel's colonial building has some stairs-only areas with original wooden staircases
Complimentary digital newspapers through PressReader, but physical papers are only available in the lobby on weekdays
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00; early bag drop from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 for a fee of CUC 20
Available from 08:00 to 00:00, CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access to the main entrance, wheelchair accessible rooms available upon request, but some areas have limited mobility due to historic building constraints
On-site parking available for a nightly fee of CUC 5, nearest public car park is 5 minutes' walk away at a cost of CUC 2 per hour; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 1 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of CUC 20 per person is required at check-in, plus a CUC 50 card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Primera Iglesia Bautista de Holguín "Maranatha" (790 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Evangélica “La Colina De la Cruz” de Los Pinos Nuevos (918 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Dios ortodoxa Jesús el buen pastor (935 m · ~12 min walk)
- Place of worship: Logia Guabaciabo (954 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Primero de Enero — 278 m · ~3 min walk
Museo de la clandestinidad — 852 m · ~11 min walk
Teatro Ismaelillo — 955 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 686 m · ~9 min walk
Farmacia Vista Alegre — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
La Aurora — 260 m · ~3 min walk
Terminal de ómnibus intermunicipal Dagoberto Sanfield "Las Baleares" — 684 m · ~9 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso (CUP)
Currency exchange is typically available at banks, currency exchange offices (CADECA), and some hotels, but rates may be unfavorable for tourists. Be prepared to exchange some money at the airport, but you may get a poorer rate.
Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas, but American Express is not. Contactless payments are not common, and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are also not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 1-2 CUC (approximately 10-20 CUP) per meal for restaurant staff is sufficient, and 1-5 CUC (10-50 CUP) for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical Cuban coffee is around 5-10 CUP (0.25-0.50 CUC) in local cafes.
A plate of rice and beans or a sandwich at a local eatery costs around 10-20 CUP (0.50-1 CUC).
A main course at a local restaurant is around 20-40 CUP (1-2 CUC).
Street food is available at local markets and food stalls, offering traditional Cuban dishes like roasted pork and beans for around 10-20 CUP (0.50-1 CUC).
Local supermarkets like Mercado Agroalimentario and Pola Market offer affordable grocery options.
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets like the Mercado de San José, where you can find traditional Cuban clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for public transportation costs 0.40 CUC (10 CUP), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by taxi or bus (around 10-20 CUC).
Use Cuban Pesos (CUP) for local transactions and save Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) for tourist areas.Eat at local eateries and street food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas for better rates.
Emergency Contacts
HolguinFor emergencies in Holguín, dial these numbers from any phone. Police: 106, Ambulance: 104, Fire: 105. Note that response times can be slow; keep your hotel address ready and ask a Spanish speaker to call if possible. Numbers may not work from US or Canadian SIMs; buy a local ETECSA SIM for reliable calls.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Holguin, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Casa Hostal Raquel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 686 m · ~9 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Vista Alegre — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Holguín city centre (Parque Calixto García) → Villa Don Lino, Guardalavaca
💡 Shared taxis (colectivos) run along the main road to Guardalavaca. You’ll need a bus or taxi from Holguín airport to the city first. Flag one down near the bus station. They only leave when full, so expect waits.
Frank País Airport (HOG) → Villa Don Lino, Guardalavaca
💡 Arrange a fixed-price taxi through your hotel in advance to avoid haggling at arrivals. The standard rate to Guardalavaca is around 30-35 CUC. Drivers often wait outside, but official taxis are safer.
Holguín bus station (Terminal de Ómnibus) → Guardalavaca (main stop near beach)
💡 Viazul is the reliable inter-city coach. Book a day ahead at the station or via your hotel. The stop is a 10-minute walk from Villa Don Lino, but you can catch a bici-taxi for 1 CUC. Bring small change.
Villa Don Lino, Guardalavaca → Guardalavaca village (shops and restaurants)
💡 These pedal-powered taxis are the cheapest way to explore the local strip. Negotiate in CUP before you climb on. They can squeeze two people in, but don't expect comfort. Great for short hops to buy snacks or rum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Casa Hostal Raquel?
Given the hotel's 3-star rating and location on a street in Holguin, I recommend requesting a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) to minimize potential street noise. Additionally, rooms on the west side of the hotel (away from the street) might be a good option for a quieter stay.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Hostal Raquel?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (1st floor) as they might be noisier due to the hotel's address being on a street, potentially with more foot traffic and traffic noise. Also, rooms near the service entrance might be more prone to noise from staff activity.
Is Casa Hostal Raquel noisy?
The hotel's location on a street in Holguin may lead to some noise from traffic and foot traffic. Additionally, rooms near the lift might be more prone to noise from the elevator's operation.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Hostal Raquel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address doesn't provide information on specific view options. However, rooms on higher floors might offer a better view of the surroundings.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Hostal Raquel?
When arriving, it's a good idea to check the hotel's reception hours to ensure you can check-in at a convenient time. Considering the hotel's 3-star rating, it's worth asking about any extra amenities or services that might be available, such as room upgrades or additional facilities.
What time is check-in at Casa Hostal Raquel?
Check-in at Casa Hostal Raquel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Hostal Raquel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms, 128 kbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Hostal Raquel?
CUC 1 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Hostal Raquel?
A plate of rice and beans or a sandwich at a local eatery costs around 10-20 CUP (0.50-1 CUC).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Hostal Raquel?
A day pass for public transportation costs 0.40 CUC (10 CUP), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by taxi or bus (around 10-20 CUC).
When is the best time to visit Holguin?
The best time to visit Holguin is from March to May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). The crowds are manageable, and prices are relatively low compared to peak season. June and July are also good options, but be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Top Attractions in Holguin
💡 Check the noticeboard by the door for the weekly mass schedule; often a choir sings on Sunday mornings.
💡 Drop in on Thursday evenings when local son groups often jam for an hour from 7pm.
💡 Arrive around 6pm when the church bells ring and families promenade around the square.
💡 Go just before sunset; the light hits the bronze sculpture well and crowds are absent.
💡 Ask the guard to let you up to the rooftop terrace for a 360° view of the city.