10 Best Old Havana Hotels + Guesthouses [2024 Local’s Guide]
Old Havana is the heart of historic Havana, Cuba, and the charming, if challenged, jewel of one of the most important cities in the Caribbean. Teeming with gorgeous architectural gems, colonial fortresses, and, most impressively, everyday life for thousands of residents, Old Havana is an undeniable highlight of a visit to Cuba.
As locals we’ve explored every square inch of Old Havana and had the chance to experience the best – and worst – of this most impressive of Havana neighborhoods. From historic Old Havana hotels to the newest luxury city resorts cropping up among the neighborhood’s most emblematic avenues, these are the best places to stay in Old Havana.
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Best Places To Stay in Old Havana
Travelers, rejoice! There is such an incredible diversity of places to stay in Old Havana, much more so than anyone could have expected even a few years ago. These are our top recommendations for some of the best Old Havana hotels and casa particular guesthouses:
- Best Luxury Hotel in Old Havana: Iberostar Grand Packard
- Best Boutique Hotel in Old Havana: Residencia Santa Clara
- Best Casa Particular Guesthouse in Old Havana: Casa Giraldilla
- Best Affordable Hotel in Old Havana: Estancia Bohemia
There are plenty more places to consider in other areas of Havana, too (check out our exhaustive guide to where to stay in Havana for more!), but Old Havana has countless options in every price range.
Travelers from the United States should keep in mind that the Iberostar Grand Packard is one of the hotels that Americans are prohibited from staying at, per the government of the United States. Residencia Santa Clara, Estancia Bohemia, and all the casa particular guest houses on this list are all great alternative options for U.S. travelers.
Iberostar Grand Packard
Best Luxury Hotel in Old Havana
$$$ | Paseo del Prado #51 – Old Havana
It’s our top choice among the best hotels in Havana, so you know it had to make our list – Iberostar Grand Packard is our top choice for the best luxury hotel in Old Havana. With sweeping views of the city and the sea, and luxe, modern accommodations, it’s among the best places to stay in Cuba.
While the Iberostar Grand Packard isn’t all-inclusive, it offers an experience as close to a Havana resort stay as you’ll get. An intimate spa and great restaurants on the hotel’s first floor and upper levels are memorable.
Even if you stay elsewhere during your visit to Havana, make sure to visit the hotel’s covered pool deck with a bar and restaurant for a sunset drink. The views of the fortress of El Morro across Havana’s harbor are spectacular.
Reviews and Bookings: Iberostar Grand Packard
Residencia Santa Clara
Best Boutique Hotel in Old Havana
$$ | Santa Clara #15 – Old Havana
Residencia Santa Clara is a boutique hotel in Old Havana that so seamlessly combines modern details and historic charm that it’s won design awards galore (and makes our list of the best hotels in Cuba). Make sure to book well in advance – it’s getting more popular by the day.
Spacious, beautiful rooms that open out onto residential streets make Residencia Santa Clara an appealing respite that remains within walking distance of some of the most desirable attractions of Old Havana. However, lounges and common spaces include a rooftop terrace and a first-floor bar (popular even with those who aren’t staying here!) make it feel like the place to be.
Reviews and Bookings: Residencia Santa Clara
Plan a Trip to Havana
Casa Giraldilla
Best Casa Particular Guesthouse in Old Havana
$ | Aguacate #51 – Old Havana
If you’re looking for our favorite (affordable!) casa particular guesthouse in Old Havana, look no further than Casa Giraldilla. This gorgeous, colonial three-key bed and breakfast blends antique touches with remodeled bathrooms and comfortable furnishings, plus plenty of that warm hospitality you’ll find in a casa particular.
Casa Giraldilla‘s balconies are small but perfect for a coffee or breakfast in the morning. Plus, there is a beautiful upstairs patio with a fantastic view. Hosts Carmen and Carlos are lovely, prepare excellent breakfast, and will bend over backward to help you have a great stay in Havana.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Giraldilla
Best Places To Stay in Havana
- Casa Giraldilla ($)
- Casa Flamboyan ($ – $$)
- Residencia Santa Clara ($$)
- El Candil Boutique Hotel ($$ – $$$)
- La Reserva Vedado ($$$)
Estancia Bohemia
Best Affordable Hotel in Old Havana
$$ | San Ignacio #364, Plaza Vieja – Old Havana
What started as a cool cafe in the historic Conde de Lombillo Palace in Old Havana‘s Plaza Vieja has grown into Estancia Bohemia, one of the best places to stay in Havana and our pick for the best affordable hotel in Old Havana. The hotel’s light-filled apartments each have kitchens and living rooms – plenty of space for traveling with family or friends or for a longer stay in the city.
Plus, location of Estancia Bohemia simply can’t be beat. There’s no better place to stay if you’re looking forward to being in the center of all the best things to do and places to see in this charming and historic Havana neighborhood.
Reviews and Bookings: Estancia Bohemia
Old Havana Hotels
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
$$$ | San Rafael between Monserrate and Agramonte – Old Havana
When the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski opened to much fanfare in 2017, it was the first of an array of modern new hotels to begin to transform Old Havana. While it’s technically the “oldest” of these new accommodations, it’s one of our favorites; even as locals, we pop in every chance we get.
The now-iconic Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski perfectly mixes historic and modern elements for guests, in addition to offering one of the city’s most beloved rooftop spaces. Even travelers who aren’t staying here should visit for a drink at sunset for views over Havana’s most iconic and historic buildings – it’s one of our go-to spots if we’re in Old Havana around happy hour.
Reviews and Bookings: Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
Gran Hotel Bristol La Habana
$$ – $$$ | Teniente Rey, Corner Habana – Old Habana
Just down the street from the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, the Capitolio-facing Gran Hotel Bristol La Habana is the newest venture in Cuba spearheaded by the Kempinski brand, known for its refined elegance and attention to detail. The Bristol certainly lives up to that standard, with a perfect mix of historic touches and modern details.
Gran Hotel Bristol La Habana boasts 162 rooms and suites just steps away from the very center of Old Havana. The rooftop pool with incredible city views is an undeniably memorable amenity. While the hotel’s dining options are impressive, guests will find themselves within just a few blocks of Havana’s best restaurants.
Reviews and Bookings: Gran Hotel Bristol La Habana
Travel Insurance
Cuba requires that all travelers have proof of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to enter the country. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. We recommend these brands for Cuba travel insurance:
- Visitors Coverage: Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries, though not currently available to residents of New York and Maryland in the United States.
- Insubuy: Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries and states of the United States.
Royalton Habana
$$$ | Paseo del Prado, Corner Malecón – Old Havana
One of the newest – and nicest – luxury hotels in Havana is the breathtaking Royalton Habana. Perched directly along the city’s emblematic Malecón sea wall, this Old Havana hotel couldn’t ask for a better location – or better views.
In addition to the 250 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern furnishings, Royalton Habana has a spa, rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar, making it one of the most popular spots in the city. A tip for all travelers: enjoying a sunset cocktail on the hotel’s rooftop, overlooking the city and ocean, is a truly magical experience that we consider one of the best things to do in Havana.
Reviews and Bookings: Royalton Habana
Old Havana Casa Particular Guesthouses
In addition to hotels, Old Havana is home to many casa particular guesthouses, which have been some of the best places to stay in Cuba for decades.
These privately owned guesthouses have the flavor and feel of a bed and breakfast and help travelers give back to small businesses in Cuba; you can’t get anything better than that! These are some of the best in Old Havana.
La Posada de Chacón
$ | Chacón #206 – Old Havana
Many visitors to Old Havana get to know La Posada de Chacón for its welcoming restaurant and bar but sneak further into this historic building on a Havana sidestreet to find one of the best places to stay in Old Havana. Friendly service, comfortable rooms, and a walkable location are all among the reasons we’ve been recommending it for years.
Keep in mind that many of the rooms at La Posada de Chacón face the building’s long walkway and patio, meaning they don’t have windows or receive manual natural light. However, they’re quite comfortable and quiet, with all the amenities and excellent service you want.
Reviews and Bookings: La Posada de Chacón
Travel Essential
Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good VPN (Virtual Private Network). Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers. We’ve used NordVPN for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba.
La Terraza del Prado
$ | Paseo del Prado #254 – Old Havana
People watchers will love La Terraza del Prado, raised above one of Old Havana’s main pedestrian thoroughfares, the Paseo del Prado. A large, shady patio is the perfect place to retire after a long day spent exploring the city without feeling like you’re missing out on anything.
The rooms at La Terraza del Prado are simple but comfortable. This small bed and breakfast’s real charm comes from its common spaces, can’t-be-beat location, and warm hospitality.
Reviews and Bookings: La Terraza del Prado
Casa Teniente Rey 16
$ | Teniente Rey #16 – Old Havana
Casa Teniente Rey 16 is one of those lovely colonial homes that will constantly remind you that you’re staying in Old Havana, Cuba. Colonial charm includes original design elements like tiled floors and raised ceilings, with furnishings like gilded mirrors and antique bookcases make this small bed and breakfast feel special.
Located just around the corner from Old Havana’s Plaza Vieja, Casa Teniente Rey 16 is steps from everything you could ever want to do and see in Havana. It’s hands among the best casa particular guesthouses in this part of the city.
Reviews and Bookings: Casa Teniente Rey 16
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.