Six of Havana’s Coolest Independent Hotels

Accommodation

Six of Havana’s Coolest Independent Hotels

Hotel Paseo 206 in Havana

Photo: Paseo 206

Discover Havana's top independent and family-owned hotels, handpicked for their charm and coziness

Planning a Cuban adventure but unsure where to book your home away from home? Look no further; we've assembled a guide to the best hotels in Havana, showcasing an array of independent, family-run hotels that outshine their larger counterparts.

These select spots are at the forefront of the city's creative renaissance and promise a blend of comfort, character, and the kind of personal service that only smaller establishments can provide. Discover your ideal retreat and let your Havana story unfold in style.

Residencia Albero Dulce in Havana

Photo: Residencia Albero Dulce

1. Residencia Albero Dulce

Residencia Albero Dulce is not your typical hotel, but a casa particulares that offers an immersive Cuban living experience. This inviting homestay houses three individual rooms, crafted for comfort and quiet. The standout 'Tropical Suite' allows for a serene environment, perfect for those who want to mix downtime with some focus time, against the natural backdrop of the property's gardens.

 

The in-house dining experience at “Guara's Kitchen” serves up a variety of local dishes infused with an Italian twist, making the most of garden-grown produce to create meals that cater to all tastes, including vegan and vegetarian options.

 

Yoga and massage services provide a pathway to tranquility, if you’re seeking a seeking a restorative retreat. Residencia Albero Dulce is the ideal place if you’re looking for a more personalized touch to your Havana adventure.

 

Book you stay at Residencia Albero Dulce here!

Hotel Claxon in Havana

Photo: Hotel Claxon

2. Hotel Claxon

With its doors newly opened, Hotel Claxon presents an homage to classic cars and the timeless elegance of Havana. This recently restored colonial building in the hip neighborhood of Vedado is a stone's throw from the iconic Plaza de la Revolución and offers a tranquil couryard for guests to unwind.

 

The hotel's rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for for sipping on one of their signature cocktails (we recommend the raspberry daiquiri) and taking in the panoramic views of Havana's pulsating heart.

 

Within the hotel's walls, Fangio Habana restaurant, directed by Madrid's Michelin-experienced Chef Sergio Hernández Fernández, is a culinary highlight, crafting exceptional dishes with a local twist. The outdoor patio and dining room have quickly become favored spots for local luminaries to gather, reflecting the Hotel Claxon’s role as a crossroads for culture and conversation.

 

Book your stay at Hotel Claxon now!

Paseo 206 in Vedado, Havana

Photo: Paseo 206

3. Paseo 206

A short five-minute walk from the charm of Hotel Claxon, Paseo 206 awaits, poised on the tree-shaded Vedado Avenue. This distinctive Havana hotel echoes the intimate feel of a personal residence, rooted in its 1933 origins and reimagined by a Cuban-Italian family.

 

Beyond the hotel you can explore the local culture with nearby art galleries, lesser-known museums, and some of Havana's finest dining experiences, all within reach from this stately residence.

 

Elegance is redefined within its walls, where ten specially curated suites and rooms blend Cuban cultural motifs with the finesse of Italian craftsmanship. The crowning 'Rooftop Suite' offers an expansive, light-filled refuge, ideal for those cherished moments of celebration or contemplation, set against the city's skyline. And with the iconic Malecón just blocks away, you can enjoy the soothing sea breezes drifting inland.

 

Book your stay at Paseo 206 here!

Malecón 663 Hotel in Havana

Photo: Malecón 663

4. Malecón 663

Looking for the prime spot to wake up in Havana with sweeping sea views? Malecón 663, one of the most visually eclectic hotels in Havana, offers a feast for the senses right along the city's famed coastal boulevard.

 

It's a place where the Berlin-esque aesthetic interior design—a riot of colors, textures, and repurposed furnishings—delivers a unique visual explosion that's as inspiring as the ocean it overlooks.

 

Opt for a room with an ocean view, and you'll find Havana's rhythms dancing right before your eyes. This hotel is not only an enclave of quirky design but also a bastion of inclusivity, welcoming the LGBTQ community with open arms and hosting the exuberant queer-friendly event “Sunset Rainbow” every Tuesday on the rooftop terrace.

 

Click here to reserve a room with ocean view!

Art Boutique Havana

Photo: Art Boutique Havana

5. Art Boutique Havana

Art Boutique Havana offers an intimate escape in the historic heart of the Havana Vieja neighborhood, not quite a casa particular and distinctly smaller than the sprawling hotels.

 

This four-room property ensures guests receive just the right measure of staff attention, making it a snug fit if you’re one of those who value a personal touch in their travels.

 

The hotel doubles as an artistic alcove; the corridors are lined with photographic works from local talent, transforming every walk to your room into an impromptu art viewing. These pieces, as captivating as they are diverse, are also available for guests to acquire, allowing a piece of Havana’s ermerging art scene to travel home with you.

 

Book your stay at Art Boutique Havana today!

Hacienda El-Patrón near Havana

Photo: Hacienda El-Patrón

6. Hacienda El Patrón

Escape to Hacienda El Patrón, a unique eco-tourism glamping retreat just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Havana. This peaceful haven offers a break from the conventional hotel in Havana, immersing guests in a fresh, green landscape and environment designed to detoxify both body and mind from urban clamor.

 

Here, the accommodations are glorious glamping tents dotted among the estate's lakes, where privacy and comfort are paramount, featuring amenities like jacuzzis and bathtubs for a dip that matches your mood. Engage in a host of outdoor activities, such as paddleboarding, horseback riding, and kayaking.

 

Dining is a farm-to-table experience, with ingredients picked from the hacienda's own crops. And if you’re eager to explore Cuban cuisine further, the asado area provides a space to savor local barbecue traditions alongside residents, enriching your culinary adventure.

 

Contact Hacienda El Patrón on Instagram to book your glamping stay!


Written by Carlos Rojas.

 

Published December 2023.



Top Things to See in Cuba

La Casa del Ché: The Home of Ché Guevara

History & Heritage

La Casa del Ché: The Home of Ché Guevara

Ché Guevara's La Casa del Ché in Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

Feel the Remnants of Ché Guevara - the Legendary Liberator that Inspired Generations

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, better known as “El Ché,” is one of the most important and symbolic figures during and after the Cuban Revolution. His likeness has become synonymous with revolutionary grit. It has transcended from his iconic heroism into a pop culture phenomenon whose image is used on everything from coffee mugs, ceramics, and pullovers - to statues, iron busts, and murals worldwide.

 

A visit to the Centro Socio-Cultural Casa del Ché becomes an unforgettable experience for those who admire the Argentine and gives you a better perspective of his first years of the Cuban Revolution. Read along and get a one-on-one tour of this interesting site with rich historical value into the life of Ché Guevara.

Becoming the Leader of a Revolution

You wouldn’t guess from his stoic persona and social ideology, but El Ché Guevara was born into an upper class aristocratic family in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He studied medicine in Buenos Aires, and would employ his medical knowledge across South America. It was during these travels, most notably documented in his famous Motorcycle Diaries, that he would develop and solidify his ideas and philosophies.

 

Upon fleeing to Mexico due to persecution in 1954,  Che Guevara met with Fidel Castro and ultimately joined his rebel army as a medic aboard the iconic Granma vessel used in the assault at Los Cayuelos, Cuba. Immediately after, Fidel, Ché, and the rebel forces set up an encampment in the mountains of Sierra Maestra, where Guevara would quickly rise through the ranks for his tactical prowess and natural bravado. As commander, Ernesto Guevara led guerilla forces to take Havana in 1959.

La Casa del Ché museum, Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

Museum Origins

The Casa del Ché was initially constructed during the 1940s as the official office and residence of the Chief military officer of the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress. By January 3, 1959, he was replaced by Ernesto Guevara as the Military Department's Commander at La Cabaña.

 

After his death, the home was declared an honorary museum for the Argentinian freedom fighter in 1970 and was integrated with the Parque Historico Morro Cabaña in 1989. Finally, in October 2007, the residence was inaugurated as the Centro Cultural Casa del Ché.

What to find in Casa del Ché

Upon entering the museum, turning to your left, you find the office of Che Guevara, where the daring guerilla warrior planned and commanded attacks in the fight for Cuba’s independence. Here you’ll see his desk, phone, and other objects used during meetings with his high-profile associates: Fidel Castro, Alberto Castellanos, Olo Pantoja, and Ramiro Valdez.

 

A bit further ahead is the hall of expositions where some of the leader’s artifacts are showcased, like his boots, briefcase, knife holster, and camera - all of which were from his time at Sierra Maestra, Cuba, and Bolivia. The rustic aspects of his personal items highlight the harsh life of a real guerilla warrior, leaving little imagination for legendary romanticism.

 

Continuing to move throughout, the museum has a chronological layout of El Ché’s life and times at the home, framed pictures of past visitors, and historical events line the walls for an in-depth look at the man behind the legend. Some rooms were specifically for reading and playing chess (a passion of El Ché), dining, and recreation. Today, the museum has a souvenir shop and a terrace that overlooks the impressive bay of Havana.

Flag pole at Ché Guevara's house in Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

What to know before you go

Entrance to the Museum is 200 Cuban Pesos, located just in front of the Cristo de la Habana statue. You can get there by crossing the Bay of Havana by taking the Casablanca ferry, and once across, it’ll be just a short hike uphill to the museum.

 

Another practical way of getting there is by car rental or taxi, but if you want a whole city experience, take public transport through the Havana Tunnel. Upon exiting the tunnel, you’ll only be a few hundred meters from the museum. La Casa del Che is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

One important note to jot down is to not confuse Casa del Ché with the Comandancia del Ché Museum inside of San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress - although they are both part of the Morro-Cabaña Historic Military Park.


Written by Javier Montenegro.

 

Published January 2022.



Find La Casa del Ché

Five of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Looking for a quick getaway or an island escape? We’ve rounded up a list of the best beaches for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Cuba’s coasts have to offer!

Playa Ancón beach near Trinidad

Photo: Shutterstock

Explore Cuba's History & Heritage

Step Back in Time at Finca Vigía – Hemingway’s Home in Cuba

History & Heritage

Step Back in Time at Finca Vigía - Hemingway’s Home in Cuba

Hemingway's dining room at Finca Vigía

Photo: Shutterstock

Five of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Looking for a quick getaway or an island escape? We’ve rounded up a list of the best beaches for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Cuba’s coasts have to offer!

Playa Ancón beach near Trinidad

Photo: Shutterstock

Explore Cuba's History and Heritage

Five Cuban Clothing Brands to Shop for in Havana

Cuba Up Close

Five Cuban Clothing Brands to Shop for in Havana

T-shirts designed by Cuban brand Clandestina

Photo: Clandestina

Stay trendy with these innovative Cuban clothing brands in Havana

With the smoothness of its textures and varied designs, Cuban dress wear is constantly evolving, adapting to conform to its extensive global public. As a result, Cuban-inspired clothing frequently appears in top designer collections, summer prints, and fashion show runways. However, authentic Cuban accessories like necklaces, rings, and bracelets, really steal the attention with bright tropical colors and styles that reflect the local contemporary culture in Cuba.

Cuban fashion collection designed by Dador

Photo: Dador

In Cuba, buyers tend to stick faithfully to inexpensive clothing, which is why you’ll see very reasonable prices on your visit to Havana. Garage sales are also prevalent, where you can find second-hand clothing in excellent shape - but for the fashionable traveler, taking home an original Cuban brand named article is worth the extra ‘pesos.’

Socks designed by Clandestina

Photo: Clandestina

Clandestina

If you’re familiar with Cuban fashion, then surely you’ve heard of Clandestina with its timeless looks. Among the brand’s signature items are its t-shirts and tank tops with popular Cuban phrases printed across, like “Se acabó el Drama” or the “Drama is over.” You’ll find such prints on socks, leggings, handbags, and more.

 

During his trip to Cuba alongside actress Ana de Armas in 2020, the Clandestina style caught the attention of actor Ben Affleck who bought and wore a couple of their brand t-shirts. So, if you wear Clandestina, you’ll look like a Hollywood star.

 

Located five blocks south of the Capitolio Nacional de Cuba, Clandestina awaits at 403 Calle Villegas, between Teniente Rey and Muralla street.

 

Website: www.clandestinaencasa.com

Instagram: @clandestina99

Men’s outfits designed by BarbarA’s

Photo: BarbarA’s

BarbarA’s

The first-ever Afro Cuban clothing brand in Cuba, BarbarA’s has been setting trends that even the most critical fashionistas find irresistible - even making an appearance at the 2022 Torino Fashion Week catwalk shows in Turin, Italy.

 

BarbarA’s is an Afro-cultural brand created by female Cuban entrepreneur Bárbara Abreu, who has made an impact with her inspirational designs for decades. This shop at #211 Calle Cienfuegos between Misión and Arsenal offers lovely blouse and skirt Cuban dress combinations with an array of assorted earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and purses, all made from recyclable materials. So you’re not just buying an exceptional piece of clothing, you’re contributing to environmental stability.

 

Can’t find the right size? BarbarA’s professional sewers will adjust your desired gown for the perfect fit.

 

Instagram: @barbarascuba

Collection designed by Dador

Photo: Dador

Dador

This Habanera brand combines both elegance and simplicity in its creations - each garment possessing a peculiar but enchanting personal quality. Dador presents manufactured clothing from cotton and linens to wonderful floral stamped onesies and skirts that allow comfort and versatility.

 

A name brand beloved by the people of Havana, Dador can be found at #253 Amargura between Habana and Compostela street, three corners away from the Clandestina shop. And just like BarbarA’s, Dador works wonders and adapts its clothing to the contour of your body, not the other way around. So, no matter your size, you’re sure to leave with a fashionable item.

 

Website: www.dadorhavana.com

Instagram: @dadorhavana

Earrings designed by Brava

Photo: Brava

Brava Designs

Brava specializes in the production of beautiful Caribbean chic accessories that will complement any outfit during your stay in Cuba. Their designs express the Cuban heritage they adore, creating quirky fruit-inspired pendants, margarita flower earrings, and multicolored eye-glass chains. You can find Brava products at Matty Habana, a bazaar of Cuban entrepreneurs on the corner of Calle Obispo and San Ignacio.

 

Their most recent collection, “Marea” or “waves,” expresses the spirit of the tropics regarding the island’s ecosystem. This series includes pendants in the form of waves and earrings that look like conch shells so that the Caribbean is with you on every journey.

 

Instagram: @brava_designs

Nativa handmade earrings

Photo: Nativa

Nativa

Another magnificent Cuban accessories brand, Nativa’s pendants, and earrings are literally miniature works of art. Nativa focuses on famous paintings by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Van Gogh, and Michaelangelo - bringing masterpieces like Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with the pearl earring” or Hokusai’s “Kanagawa wave” to life in their jewelry.

 

When it comes to originality, this brand shows they can keep up with modern Cuban fashion trends and, at the same time, cater to pop culture aficionados. Unfortunately, they have no official location in Havana, but you can find their products at Matty Habana, which is the go-to place for Cuban accessories.

 

Facebook: Nativa Accessories


Written by Teresita Padrón.

 

Published December 2022.



Top Things to See in Cuba

Trace the Steps of Hemingway Around Havana

Things To do

Trace the Steps of Hemingway Around Havana

Statue of Hemingway at Floridita Bar in Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

Eat, party, and drink like Ernest Hemingway at his favorite spots in Havana.

Writer Ernest Hemingway’s life was full of adventure, intrigue, and eccentricity – leaving behind a trail of colorfully detailed memories all around Cuba.

 

Hemingway - better known by his close friends as ‘Papa’ - spent over twenty years in Cuba, and loved it deeply. Here, he created his most significant works like “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” His interviews are full of references to the island, its landscapes, and its nightlife.

 

Although Papa lived it up in Havana, most of his inspiration came from his longtime residence Finca Vigía in San Francisco de Paula - which now serves as the Earnest Hemingway Museum. This is outside the city and therefore, a bit remote. His brighter times in Havana leave a much easier imprint to follow.

 

So gather some traveling buddies and follow the steps of Hemingway around Havana. With this guide you can be sure to hit all the author's hotspots while sampling a menu of traditional cocktails and dishes along the route. A great way to pay homage to a figure Cubans still loves and admire.

La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

La Bodeguita del Medio

We’ll start our tour at one of the most renowned eateries in Havana, as well as one of Hemingway’s favorites. La Bodeguita del Medio (the small shop in the middle), easily recognizable with its bright blue walls, claims to have invented Cuba’s most famous cocktail, the Mojito. It’s located on Empedrado street, just a block from the Cathedral, and four blocks from the Museum of the Revolution.

 

This small and cozy lounge still looks much like it did in the 1940s when it first opened. The old-school wooden furniture gives it an unpretentious “fisherman’s wharf” appeal. There is little space between the bar and tables and even less room left on its walls: they’re almost completely covered in portraits and signatures from past visitors.

 

And what a list of autographs it is! Mainstream artists such as Nat King Cole, Martin Scorsese, and Sting are all among the autographs of prominent Latin American personalities, such as Chilean writers Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda, singer Agustín Lara, and, naturally, Hemingway himself.

 

The author went as far as carving the following inscription on one of the bar’s walls: “my mojito at the Bodeguita and my daiquiri from the Floridita.”

 

This mojito's fresh tinge of spearmint and lime juice creates the perfect antidote against the tropical heat. Make sure to order one at the bar while listening to live music, or have one with their famous frejoles negros dormidos (sleepy black beans).

 

Then, help your digestion with a short walk down Empedrado street, and turn left on Belgica street to reach the next stop.

El Floridita Bar in Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

El Floridita Bar

El Floridita (little florida) is located on the corner of Belgica and Obispo streets, and remains one of the busiest bars in Old Havana.

 

This iconic spot has been attracting Havana’s intellectuals for over 100 years, and naturally, Ernest Hemingway made daily appearances. His drink of choice? A modified daiquiri, which substitutes the sugar ring for pink grapefruit juice and adds a second shot of liquor, as the writer was diabetic.

 

The interior is decorated in an intimate, modest style. Its shadowy atmosphere sharply contrasts with the outside noise, creating the perfect Havana street corner for a good drink in the company of new friends, or discussing the remaining links between Cuban and American cultures.

 

After your post-lunch drinks at the Floridita, follow Obispo street for a couple of blocks until you reach our last stop: the Ambos Mundos (both worlds) hotel.

Ambos Mundos Hotel in Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

Ambos Mundos Hotel

Now, it’s time to step into Hemingway’s creative process – or at least, into the room he used when he felt he was ready to ramp up his productivity: room 511 of the Ambos Mundos hotel.

 

The room has been left largely just as it was when Hemingway would lock himself up in it, burning the midnight oil and working on Green Hills of Africa or To Have and Have Not. You can visit the room, which now acts as a miniature museum where you can sink further into the author’s psyche. Get up close and personal with his old typewriter and take a picture next to his framed Pulitzer Prize.

 

On the way out, end the tour at the hotel’s restaurant, the Plaza de Armas. It's not just one of the city's best but also serves some of the writer’s favorite dishes. Plus, its terrace offers a superb view of the Havana. From here, you’ll see the entire historical city center. You can order some coffee or their juicy barbecue special, and watch Cuban people as they stroll to their next appointment and share the latest news around town.

 

Hemingway lived, cried, and created literary masterpieces in Havana’s streets. Despite the decades in between, you can still find traces of the author’s soul spread around us.

The tour takes approximately 3 hours, if you stop along the way for lunch and sample the flavors of Hemingway’s favorite cocktails like “Death in the Afternoon” (or papa doble), and of course his signature “Hemingway Daiquiri.”

 

True to the writer’s spirit, all the places listed here follow an informal, bohemian vibe. You’ll just need some comfortable shoes, cool clothes, and your best Cuban ‘Sombrero’  to get started.


Written by Gabriela Rey.

 

Published December 2022.


Explore Top Things to Do in Havana

The Top Five Best Bakeries in Havana

people seated by tables on cobblestone street outside bakery cafe

Food & Drink

The Top Five Best Bakeries in Havana

People seated outside bakery in Havana

Photo: Alamy

Savor the Cuban Pastries and Desserts That will teleport your taste buds to the Caribbean!

 

 

After delighting yourself with a signature dish of exotic Cuban food, you can't help but want more. And what better way to finish your culinary experience than to add a touch of sweetness you can only find at a Cuban Bakery.

 

Come and sweeten up your life with gelatos, sweets, and cakes containing the signature Cuban recipes representing the island. So, let's grab a spoon and dive right in!

01. El Biky

Quality Guaranteed 

El Biky delights the public with their Cuban flan, delicious Guavaberry pastries, and the smooth taste of sweet Meringue. If you have a deeper understanding of the culinary culture of Cuba, you most likely know that Guavaberry sweets are always present in every islander's home.

 

Whoever has visited the island, has undoubtedly heard the street seller's cry pastelito de Guayaba a peso (Guavaberry pastries for a Peso). Guavaberry tarts tell the story of Cuban abuelas (grandma's) that ensured this treat was in every grandchild's lunch box.

 

We also recommend their Piña Colada tart, consisting of a vanilla sponge cake filled with a mix of pineapple and coconut, topped with a meringue garnish. If you've had the drink, you'll love the dessert!

 

 

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Et opslag delt af El Biky (@restaurantelbikyhabana)

02. El Gelato

Delightful treats at your fingertips

If you're enjoying a Cuban summer to its fullest, do it like a local - with a permanent ice-cream cone in your hand. El Gelato is an ice cream/pastry Cuban bakery with lots of flavors to choose from and plenty of assorted candy for your sweet tooth. This is one of the preferred hangout spots for Havana's youth since they can freely enjoy custom Gelato, accompanied by tropical fan-favorite mango and Guavaberry fruits.

 

Did we get your mouth watering by now? Wait until you go down the menu at El Gelato and find strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla tarts - with in-house creations like the Flor Habana (Havana Flower) - a passion fruit appetizer. You can even think up your very own personalized mixes. Ready to upload new and exciting memories at this beloved location?

 

03. La Habanera de Aguacate

The authentic flavor of Cuban pastries.

With exclusive handmade candy and pastries, La Habanera de Aguacate brings a world of culinary innovation to the Cuban people. This candy store and bakery is a recent addition to the capital city area where everyone wants to go. Apart from an efficient and friendly staff, they have an excellent Instagram worth design - adding to the experience.

 

La Habanera is characterized by its take on appetizing mini dessert recipes, like the toasted milk mini tartelette.  Cuban style, of course. Prepared with pre-cooked condensed milk, as in the case of many Caribbean islands, which have different names to describe this tartelette, like El Fanguito.

 

04. Montefreddo

A place you simply must go back to. 

On this scrumptious journey, we would now like to take you to one of our favorite local spots of Havana, the Montefreddo Bakery. This location produces large amounts of varied craft cakes - adding their own versions of international delectables like the chocolate Eclair, with surprising and elaborate Cuban fruit creations.

 

There's really nothing better than to savor the exclusive flavors of the island. So, come on down to Montefreddo's, and don't take our word for it. You've got to try it yourself.

 

05. El Arca de Noe

The most enjoyable desserts for any taste. 

Let's close on a high note! If you enjoy trying new and mixed flavors, and perhaps have some select Cuban coffee with your cake or tart, you've found your place in Arca de Noe. This attractive bakery in Vedado is known to set itself apart by its experience and elaborate national and international recipes.

 

The Arca's prestige dates back to the 1950s when it first opened its doors in Havana. Now in modern Cuba, the bakery has evolved to offer a special menu that no palette can escape - from the famous Señoritas de Chocolate o Vainilla (flaky chocolate or vanilla custard pastry) to the desirable tropical Fruit Pizzas.

 

 

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Et opslag delt af Arca de Noe (@arcadenoecuba)


Written by Teresita Padrón.

 

Published October 2022.


Top Destinations to Visit in Cuba