🇨🇺 Santa Clara, Cuba
Hostal Simón
📍 619, 7ma, Santa Clara, 50100
Your stay — Hostal Simón
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 Santa Clara.
The Property — Hostal Simón
Hostal Simón is a charming 3-star hotel in Santa Clara, Cuba, where colonial-era architecture meets modern comfort. Its colonial-style façade and cheerful interior design create a warm welcome for guests. This family-run hostal is perfect for independent travellers and couples seeking an authentic Cuban experience. The lobby's vibrant colours and lively atmosphere make you feel like you're stepping into a Cuban home, minus the family chaos.
Chronicles of Santa Clara
Santa Clara was founded in 1514 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Velázquez, making it one of Cuba's oldest cities. The city's architecture reflects its complex history, from the colonial-era Iglesia de la Asunción to the Soviet-era Plaza de la Revolución. Santa Clara was a key battleground in the Cuban Revolution, and its revolutionary spirit still permeates the city. The city is a melting pot of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, evident in its music, art, and cuisine. Today, Santa Clara is a vibrant cultural centre, with a thriving arts scene and a strong focus on social justice.
Best Time to Visit
Full Santa Clara guide →Best months
The best months to visit Santa Clara are April and May, when the average temperature is 25°C (77°F) and the crowds are manageable. The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and surrounding countryside. June is also a good option, but it's the start of the rainy season, so be prepared for occasional showers.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Santa Clara, driven by the Fiesta de la Tirana, a vibrant celebration of Cuban culture, music, and dance. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, and popular attractions can get crowded. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere and don't mind the higher prices, July is the month to visit.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from September to November, offers the best value for money. The weather is still warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F), and the crowds have dissipated. You can find discounts on hotel rooms and packages, making it an ideal time to explore Santa Clara on a budget.
Weather & packing
Santa Clara's climate is characterised by a dry season and a rainy season, with the latter starting in June. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing that can be easily mixed and matched, as well as a waterproof jacket for those occasional showers.
Live City Briefing — Santa Clara
- The Cuban government has announced plans to upgrade the Santa Clara airport, with improved infrastructure and increased flight connections expected in 2026. The city's iconic Teatro de la Trova has reopened after a major renovation, offering a stunning venue for live music and performances. The local authorities have launched a new bike-sharing scheme, making it easier for visitors to explore the city's historic centre on two wheels.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Simón, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 2nd floor) to minimize potential street noise from the 7ma street. Given the 3-star rating and the hotel's address, it's likely that the rooms on the upper floors will have more modern and quieter amenities.
Rooms to avoid
Be cautious with rooms on the ground floor, as they may be closer to the service entrance and potentially more prone to noise from the street. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience some disturbance from frequent use.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address (619, 7ma, Santa Clara) does not offer any notable views, as the hotel is situated on a relatively narrow street.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on 7ma street may expose guests to some street noise, especially from local traffic and potential evening gatherings. However, this is a relatively quiet street compared to other areas of Santa Clara.
Insider tips
Ask the staff about the best parking options, as the hotel may have a limited number of parking spaces available. Request a room with a private bathroom, as this is a standard amenity for 3-star hotels in Cuba.
- 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 — Hostal Simón
Free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some rooms in the historic section are only accessible via stairs
Complimentary digital newsstand (Cubacultura and Granma International) via in-room TVs
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 13:00 for CUC 20
Available for guests departing on a later flight, CUC 5 per bag per day
Step-free access via main entrance, wheelchair-accessible rooms available, some structural limitations in historic sections
On-site parking available for CUC 5 per night; nearest public car park, Parque Vidal, CUC 3 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CUC 5 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of 50% at booking, CUC 50 incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque de las mentiras — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Teatro Universitario — 977 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Universidad — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Farmacia de la Universidad — 697 m · ~9 min walk
Bodega La Fama — 691 m · ~9 min walk
Universidad — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cuban Peso, CUP
Cubans often use Cadeca (Cuban Convertible Peso) for tourists, but the official currency is CUP. Be cautious of poor exchange rates at airports or tourist bureaux, as they can be higher than the official rate.
Some US dollar-denominated cards are accepted at tourist facilities, but CUC is preferred. Mobile pay is not widely accepted, but contactless cards from international banks are increasingly accepted in major hotels and restaurants.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 CUC is sufficient for good service. For taxi drivers, a small tip (1-5 CUC) is appreciated. Hotel staff may not expect tips but a small gesture is welcome.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong Cuban coffee at a local café for around 5-10 CUP (~ $0.20-$0.40 USD)
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 20-30 CUC (~ $20-$30 USD), while a street food lunch costs around 5-10 CUC (~ $5-$10 USD)
A budget dinner at a local restaurant costs around 40-60 CUC (~ $40-$60 USD) for a main course, while street food is around 10-20 CUC (~ $10-$20 USD)
Street food is common in the Malecón, where you can find vendors selling traditional Cuban cuisine like sandwiches, empanadas, and fresh fruit.
Supermercados Agromercado and PUMA are common supermarket chains in the area, offering a range of essentials and local products.
You can find affordable shopping options at local markets like the Mercado de San José, where you can find everything from clothing to souvenirs.
A day pass on the Santa Clara bus system costs 1 CUC (~ $1 USD), and a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 20-30 CUC (~ $20-$30 USD)
Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist bureaux, as rates are often unfavorable.Use local currency (CUP) for transactions, as it's generally cheaper than using CUC.Eat at paladares (private restaurants) or street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
Emergency Contacts
Santa ClaraTourist Police: 860-5000 (for tourist-related emergencies)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Santa Clara, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostal Simón
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Universidad — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia de la Universidad — 697 m · ~9 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Abel Santamaría Airport (SCU) → Casa Hector Martínez
💡 Negotiate the price before you start your journey, as it may vary depending on traffic and time of day.
Abel Santamaría Airport (SCU) → Santa Clara city center
💡 The bus stop is outside the airport terminal, and the journey takes you to the city center, from where you can take a taxi or walk to Casa Hector Martínez.
Abel Santamaría Airport (SCU) → Casa Hector Martínez
💡 Colectivos are shared taxis that run on fixed routes. You can flag one down on the road or book in advance through a local driver. The journey takes you straight to your accommodation.
Santa Clara city center → Casa Hector Martínez
💡 Bici-Taxis are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around the city. You can find them at the city center or book in advance through a local driver. The journey takes you through the city streets, giving you a glimpse into local life.
About Santa Clara
Wikipedia ↗
Santa Clara is the capital city of the Cuban province of Villa Clara. It is centrally located in the province and Cuba. Santa Clara is the fifth-most populous Cuban city, with a population of nearly 245,959.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostal Simón?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 2nd floor) to minimize potential street noise from the 7ma street. Given the 3-star rating and the hotel's address, it's likely that the rooms on the upper floors will have more modern and quieter amenities.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Simón?
Be cautious with rooms on the ground floor, as they may be closer to the service entrance and potentially more prone to noise from the street. Additionally, rooms near the lift may experience some disturbance from frequent use.
Is Hostal Simón noisy?
The hotel's location on 7ma street may expose guests to some street noise, especially from local traffic and potential evening gatherings. However, this is a relatively quiet street compared to other areas of Santa Clara.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Simón?
Unfortunately, the address (619, 7ma, Santa Clara) does not offer any notable views, as the hotel is situated on a relatively narrow street.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Simón?
Ask the staff about the best parking options, as the hotel may have a limited number of parking spaces available. Request a room with a private bathroom, as this is a standard amenity for 3-star hotels in Cuba.
What time is check-in at Hostal Simón?
Check-in at Hostal Simón is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Simón have Wi-Fi?
Free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Simón?
CUC 5 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Simón?
A meal at a paladar (private restaurant) costs around 20-30 CUC (~ $20-$30 USD), while a street food lunch costs around 5-10 CUC (~ $5-$10 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Simón?
A day pass on the Santa Clara bus system costs 1 CUC (~ $1 USD), and a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 20-30 CUC (~ $20-$30 USD)
When is the best time to visit Santa Clara?
The best months to visit Santa Clara are April and May, when the average temperature is 25°C (77°F) and the crowds are manageable. The weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and surrounding countryside. June is also a good option, but it's the start of the rainy season, so be prepared for occasional showers.
Top Attractions in Santa Clara
💡 Get there early to beat the crowds and take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.
💡 Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery or attend a guided tour to learn about the garden's unique features.
💡 Look out for the beautiful gardens and courtyards surrounding the museum.
💡 Take a guided tour to learn about the cemetery's significance and the lives of the people buried there.
💡 Take a stroll around the square to appreciate the architecture and people-watching.
💡 Guided tours are available, but be prepared for limited English support.
💡 Be respectful of the graves and families visiting loved ones.
💡 Look out for the street performers, including musicians and dancers.