How to Find Cheap Hotels in Havana, Cuba

As the capital of Cuba, Havana is a feast for the senses. From Spanish colonial architecture and museums to historical monuments and art galleries, Havana is brimming with art, culture and history. Music is a constant presence in the city. You'll listen to live bands in restaurants, tour the city to the beat of music performed by street musicians and burn up the dance floor in Havana's many nightclubs. There are many cheap accommodations in Havana, ranging from hotels and apartments to private homes and efficiencies.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Visa
• Internet access for making reservations
• Travel permit (if U.S. citizen)

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Expect hot weather in Havana, Cuba. July and August are the hottest months, featuring high humidity as well. The rainy season starts in May and ends in October. The hurricane season extends from June until November.

2. You'll need a Cuban visa or tourist card to enter Cuba. They can usually be obtained from a travel agency or Cuban consulate. Often cards are provided on flights prior to landing.

3. The official language of Havana, Cuba is Spanish.

4. The official currency in Havana is the Cuban peso.

Choose Cheap Accommodations

1. To book accommodations, contact Portal for Cuban Tourism at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Select cheap accommodations in Old Havana to be close to plenty of activity. You'll find an abundance of sights and sounds, as well as Spanish colonial architecture, historical sites, lively music and ethnic cuisine.

3. Choose budget accommodations in Velado for lots of greenery and relative quiet. You will find restaurants, shops, businesses and nightlife options nearby.

4. Stay in a private home in Havana, Cuba for more homey comforts. You'll find apartments, rental homes, rooms in private homes and efficiencies for rent.

5. Stay in Central Havana for a bit more peace and quiet than you'll find in Old Havana. You'll be close to the well-known Prado; park yourself there for Cuban-style people watching.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a United States citizen, you'll need to obtain a special license before traveling to Cuba. You could incur a hefty fine, imposed by the United States, if you fail to seek this license before you travel.

• Watch out for pickpockets in Havana, especially on crowded buses. Also, it is not uncommon for tourists to have their purses, wallets or cameras snatched by men riding bicycles.

• Hepatitis A is a risk for Havana visitors. Stick to bottled water.

• Do not photograph Cuban military personnel or police. Doing so is illegal in Cuba. Avoid taking pictures of the airport and bus station as well.