It’s been a busy few years when it comes to casa particular guest houses and hotels in Havana, Cuba. In the span of just a few years, the number of places to stay in Havana seems to have exploded, affording travelers more options than ever as they decide where to stay in Havana.
As locals, we’ve had the pleasure to explore every inch of Havana and experience some of the coolest places to stay in Havana. Read on for our local advice and tips for where to stay in Havana, including the hidden gem casa particular guest houses Havana is known for, the best hotels in Havana, and the coolest Havana neighborhoods for every type of traveler.
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Where To Stay in Havana
It’s an exciting time to be visiting Havana, Cuba. With more options than ever both when it comes to things to do in Havana and where to stay in Havana, travelers of all budgets and interests are enjoying exploring Havana, long a bucket list destination for many.
Looking for a quick recommendation of the best places to stay in Havana? These are our top recommendations for the best hotels, hostels, and casa particular guest houses in Havana, Cuba:
- Casa Giraldilla ($)
- Casa Flamboyan ($ – $$)
- Residencia Santa Clara ($$)
- El Candil Boutique Hotel ($$ – $$$)
- La Reserva Vedado ($$$)
Read on for more about the best Havana neighborhoods to choose from during your stay – more than just the standard tourist spots!
Havana Neighborhoods
Havana is divided into several different municipalities that cover a large geographic area, making the city surprisingly large for first-time visitors. While most travelers stick to a few key neighborhoods in Havana, especially Old Havana and Vedado, these are the Havana neighborhoods that we recommend for travelers:
- Old Havana – Where to stay in Havana for first-time visitors;
- Vedado – Where to stay in Havana for more peace and quiet;
- Centro Habana – Where to stay in Havana for budget-friendly accommodations;
- Miramar – Where to stay in Havana for luxury and resort-like accommodations;
- 10 de Octubre – Where to stay in Havana for a residential vibe or a longer stay.
Take a look at this interactive map of Havana neighborhoods to get an idea of the best area to stay in Havana for your trip and explore Havana neighborhoods. Click and zoom in to see more! We also have a much more detailed local’s guide to the neighborhoods of Havana if you’re interested in reading even more.
Old Havana
Best Area to Stay in Havana for First-Time Visitors
The vast majority of travelers visiting Havana want to stay in Old Havana, the city’s most well-known neighborhood and the heart of all the travel-centric action in Havana. For first-time visitors or visitors with just a short time in Cuba, we agree – Old Havana is the best place to stay in Havana.
Keep in mind that the neighborhood can be busy and even loud at times, depending on where you’re staying, so if you’re traveling with a family or just looking for a bit more peace and quiet, we recommend choosing one of Havana’s other neighborhoods, especially the lovely and historic El Vedado.
These are the casa particular guest houses and hotels to choose from in Old Havana as you decide where to stay in Havana:
La Terraza del Prado
$ | Old Havana | Paseo del Prado #254
Located along Old Havana’s main pedestrian thoroughfare of Paseo del Prado, La Terraza del Prado couldn’t possibly have a more perfect location – or a more out-of-this-world view! Name after its impressive covered terrace, this small bed and breakfast has simple yet colorful rooms with just the necessary amenities but exceedingly friendly hosts.
Reviews and Bookings: La Terraza del Prado
Casa Giraldilla
$ | Old Havana | Aguacate #51
Just a tiny, three-bedroom casa particular guest house located in the heart of Old Havana, Casa Giraldilla is a gorgeous and historic bed and breakfast that is among our favorite places to stay in Old Havana. Beautiful interiors are only bested by balconies perfect for morning coffee, overlooking residential streets, and perfect for people-watching.
Casa Giraldilla is everything you’d want, with gorgeous antique touches throughout the guest house but modern remodeled bathrooms and comfortable beds. Hosts Carmen and Carlos are lovely; they’ll prepare an excellent breakfast and bend over backward to help you enjoy your stay.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Giraldilla
Residencia Santa Clara
$$ | Old Havana | Santa Clara #13
Residencia Santa Clara makes both our lists of best hotels in Havana and even the best hotels in Cuba, so you know it has to be something special. This boutique hotel in the heart of Old Havana has been awarded for its unique architectural charms, combining modern design with the neighborhood’s colonial buildings.
This hotel stands apart for its beautiful and comfortable rooms as well as its welcoming bar and cafe downstairs, perfect for ending a night in Havana. Plus, Residencia Santa Clara is in the best part of Old Havana – easily walkable to the rest of the neighborhood, but in a quieter area.
Reviews and Bookings: Residencia Santa Clara
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
$$$ | Old Havana | San Rafael Between Monserrate and Zulueta
From the city’s first indoor shopping arcade over a century ago to one of the island’s most impressive luxury hotels, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski takes guests on a journey through the best of Havana, Cuba. Historic touches meet the Kempinski brand’s elegant aesthetic both in the hotel’s rooms and suites and in common spaces like the impressive cigar bar and lounges.
I can’t stress enough how much we love the rooftop restaurant and bar here. The views over El Capitolio and Havana’s Parque Central are absolutely stunning – it’s one of the most “Instagrammable” places in Havana, if that’s your thing. We bring all of our friends and family here the second they arrive in Havana.
Reviews and Bookings: Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
Iberostar Grand Packard
$$$ | Old Havana | Paseo del Prado #51
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One of the most impressive hotels in Havana, the Iberostar Grand Packard earns recommendations as the best modern hotel in Havana. This 321-room hotel flawlessly combines a historic facade with new construction and all the amenities luxury-minded travelers could hope for.
The location of the Iberostar Grand Packard is just about as ideal as you can get when looking for where to stay in Havana. Perched along both the Paseo del Prado pedestrian thoroughfare and the Malecón oceanfront promenade, the hotel offers spectacular vistas across the city and bay, which guests can enjoy from their rooms, at multiple restaurants, or the dramatic pool terrace.
Reviews and Bookings: Iberostar Grand Packard
Royalton Habana
$$$ | Old Havana | Corner of Paseo del Prado and Malecón
One of the newest luxury hotels in Old Havana, Royalton Habana is located directly on Havana’s Malecón oceanfront promenade, offering an expansive view of the sea and the Morro Fortress across the bay. Modern, design-forward rooms, multiple on-site dining options, and an excellent spa and fitness center make it one of the best city resorts in Havana.
Whether you’re staying here or not, be sure to stick around for sunset. Enjoying a drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar at sunset is one of the very best things to do in Havana – we promise!
Reviews and Bookings: Royalton Habana
El Vedado
Best Area to Stay in Havana for More Peace and Quiet
Where do we have our friends and family stay in Havana when they come to visit us? It’s not Old Havana – it’s the stately, stylish neighborhood of El Vedado.
For a few generations, El Vedado has been home to the city’s wealthy families, leaving it filled with historic mansions with sprawling gardens nestled along quiet streets. Today, many of these mansions have been converted into luxurious boutique hotels and even more affordable casa particular guesthouses, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Havana for visitors.
Despite the tranquility and beauty of El Vedado, it’s also one of the city’s buzziest neighborhoods, home to most of the best bars and restaurants in Havana, so there’s plenty to do and see here. These are the places we recommend travelers stay in El Vedado, Havana:
Casa Flamboyan
$ – $$ | El Vedado | Calle 19, Between Calle E & Calle F
Casa Flamboyan is a stately yet welcoming mansion turned lovely casa particular guest house, now one of the best affordable places to stay in El Vedado. While the interior design is relatively basic, its common spaces, like the shaded front patio and sunny rooftop terrace, are perfect for enjoying long afternoons in Havana. The hosts here are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Flamboyan
El Candil Boutique Hotel
$$ – $$$ | El Vedado | Calle 2 #457
One of the best examples of an immaculately converted and lovingly restored colonial mansion in Vedado, El Candil Boutique Hotel has all the modern amenities you could want and is among the best hotels in Havana, hands down. Gorgeous, historic details hit you the second you get in the door and continue through to the decor of the hotel’s spacious rooms.
You can not beat this location in the Vedado neighborhood either. A block off of the pedestrian Parque G and walkable to some of the best restaurants in Havana, it makes for a fantastic base for exploring Havana.
Reviews and Bookings: El Candil Boutique Hotel
La Reserva Vedado
$$$ | El Vedado | Calle 2 #508
Our pick for the best boutique hotel in Havana has long been La Reserva Vedado in the heart of El Vedado. One of the most beautifully renovated colonial mansions turned hotels in the city, this gorgeous property will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Each room is unique and charming, and you’ll definitely make use of the lounge and garden for a sunset drink or morning coffee.
Reviews and Bookings: La Reserva Vedado
Paseo 206
$$$ | El Vedado | Avenida Paseo #206
Located in a stately mansion in the heart of the Vedado neighborhood, Paseo 206 is one of our favorite hotels in Havana. This historic family home turned 10-room boutique hotel is loaded with style and small details in every individually-decorated room that make for a memorable stay.
Paseo 206 is also home to Ecléctico, a stylish Italian restaurant located on the first floor that is truly one of the best places to eat in Havana. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor eating space, and the food couldn’t possibly get more authentic – the owners are a Cuban and Italian couple!
Reviews and Bookings: Paseo 206
Centro Habana
Best Area to Stay in Havana for Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Wedged between Havana’s two most popular areas – Old Havana and El Vedado – the neighborhood of Centro Habana lacks the charm of its neighbors but has a few key features that make it one of the most popular areas of Havana with travelers. Namely, its more affordable accommodations make it popular with the most budget-conscious travelers.
Centro Habana is also easily accessible to the two main areas of the city with the most things to do in Havana for travelers, making it a convenient place to stay in the city. These are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Centro Habana:
Casa Eclectica 1925
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$ – $$ | Centro Habana | Neptuno #619
Casa Eclectica 1925 is a basic but perfectly comfortable casa particular guest house in Havana, just what most travelers search for where to stay in Havana on a budget are looking for. Friendly hosts and clean, cozy rooms in a great area make it worth your consideration.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Eclectica 1925
Malecón 663
$$ | Centro Habana | Malecón #663
You can’t get a more impressive view than this! Malecón 663 is a tiny boutique hotel located directly on Havana’s Malecón oceanfront promenade offering spectacular vistas across the sea and city. Malecón 663 is also home to one of the most popular restaurants and bars in Havana, of the same name. This means that it can sometimes get a bit loud in the evenings, especially on the weekends, but it’s still a comfortable, cool place to stay in Havana regardless.
Reviews and Bookings: Malecón 663
Vapor 156
$$ | Centro Habana | Vapor #156, Between Espada and San Francisco
The boutique, local-owned Vapor 156 is a great, budget-friendly hotel in Havana that will immediately charm you. We love recommending Vapor 156 among Havana hotels for travelers who are looking for the personalized and local attention of a casa particular, but prefer a hotel. With just eight guest rooms, first-floor dining, staff on-site at all times, and balconies facing the private courtyard, Vapor 156 checks all the boxes.
Reviews and Bookings: Vapor 156
Miramar – Best Area to Stay in Havana
Best Area to Stay in Havana for Luxury and Resort-Like Accommodations
The oceanfront Havana neighborhood of Miramar is one of the city’s poshest areas, filled with stately mansions turned foreign embassies and the few true resorts in Havana. Mostly a residential neighborhood removed from the rest of the city, it doesn’t make sense for most travelers to stay in this area, which is about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from El Vedado and Old Havana.
However, travelers looking specifically for a resort-like experience, or those looking for the comfort of a resort, a luxury casa particular guest house, or even a private mansion rental, will find it to be the perfect fit. Here’s where we recommend staying in Miramar:
Villa Sofia
$$ | Miramar | Calle 30 #1908
A stay at Villa Sofia in Miramar feels like being welcomed into the home of a wealthy long-lost Cuban aunt. One of Miramar’s countless mansions turned boutique guest houses, it’s the perfect space for those looking for a quiet yet comfortable stay outside of the hustle and bustle of central Havana. The home’s expansive gardens and shared common spaces are beautiful and really make the stay a special one.
Reviews and Bookings: Villa Sofia
Melia Habana
$$ – $$$ | Miramar | Avenida 3era, Between 76 and 80
The oceanfront Melia Habana has everything you could ever want from a resort in Havana, including amenities that put larger resorts in Cuba to shame. Multiple restaurants and buffets, five bars, a large pool deck with an area for the kids, and a large wellness spa with spa, sauna, and fitness center are just the start at this 397-room resort.
The Melia Habana certainly has the feel of a true resort, more so than most other “resorts” in Havana, and also offers a shuttle to Old Havana for guests to explore the city. However, if that’s all you’re after, you’re better off heading to one of the impressive beach resorts of Varadero, where you’ll enjoy the same amenities but one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Reviews and Bookings: Melia Habana
10 de Octubre
Best Area to Stay in Havana for a Residential Vibe or A Longer Stay
The Havana neighborhood of 10 de Octubre is located in the very heart of the city, just a short 10-minute taxi or bus ride from popular tourist areas like Old Havana and El Vedado, or another ten minutes from Havana’s countryside. 10 de Octubre is composed of some of the most charming residential areas of the city, including neighborhoods like Santo Suarez and La Vibora, which are safe, friendly areas to live.
We recommend that travelers who are looking for a real, local feel, or those planning to spend a longer chunk of time based in Havana, consider staying in 10 de Octubre. It’s well-connected to the rest of the city, safe, and perfectly laid back – you’ll feel like one of the only foreigners around here. Here’s where we recommend staying:
La Rosa de Ortega
$$ | La Vibora – 10 de Octubre | Corner of Juan Bruno Zayas and Patrocinio
Located in the heart of the charming and chill La Vibora area of the 10 de Octubre neighborhood, La Rosa de Ortega is a true oasis located about 10 minutes away from Old Havana and Vedado by taxi. A large pool deck and incredibly friendly and personalized service make it an instant home away from home that has earned it a spot on our lists of both the best hotels in Havana and the best hotels in all of Cuba.
Reviews and Bookings: La Rosa de Ortega
La Villa Teresa
$$ | La Vibora – 10 de Octubre | Patrocinio #251
Stunning, historic architecture, beautiful antique furnishings, and expansive vistas over the entire city of Havana are just a few of the details that make La Villa Teresa one of the best places to stay in Havana. The luxury and next-level service of this family-owned property puts some of the other spots on this list, owned by larger hotel chains, to shame.
Located just down the street from our other 10 de Octubre favorite, La Rosa de Ortega, La Villa Teresa is another great option for travelers looking to stay somewhere other than touristy areas of the city while still just within a 10-minute taxi ride of every attraction. This mansion’s terraces and pool area feel luxuriously spacious and offer spectacular views over the entire city.
Reviews and Bookings: La Villa Teresa
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