Hotel Habana Libre - Image 1
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Hotel Habana Libre

3.7
·3k reviews·La Habana, Cuba

Iconic high-rise hotel in Havana offering ocean views, dining, a disco, and a pool. A central hub for exploring the city.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Live music & sunset views

CrowdMedium
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Hotel Habana Libre - Image 1

Hotel Habana Libre

Best Time

Evenings

Live music & sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic high-rise hotel in Havana offering ocean views, dining, a disco, and a pool. A central hub for exploring the city.

3.7
(3k reviews)

"Excellent Place to stay. It's in the heart of Havana! The workers very nice and hospitable. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Prices

Always check prices before ordering at bars/restaurants to avoid unexpected charges. :moneybag:

Enjoy the Views

Make time to soak in the ocean views from your balcony or common areas. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean Views

Ocean Views

Balconies and some rooms

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Havana coastline from your room or a vantage point within the hotel.

Reddit
Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar

Rooftop

Sip on a mojito with live music and stunning city and sea panoramas.

Reddit
Outdoor Pool

Outdoor Pool

Pool area

A lovely spot to relax and cool off amidst the Cuban heat.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Location is Key

Hotel Habana Libre is centrally located, making it a convenient base for exploring Havana. Consider its proximity to attractions and transport links for a smoother trip. Reddit

Navigating Hotel Services

Be aware that some hotel services, like restaurant pricing, may not always be up-to-date. It's wise to confirm prices before ordering to avoid surprises. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Live music & sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Quieter breakfast experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What are the most central/safe areas to stay in Havana for a solo female tourist?

Confirm Prices

Always check prices before ordering at bars/restaurants to avoid unexpected charges. Reddit :moneybag:

Enjoy the Views

Make time to soak in the ocean views from your balcony or common areas. Reddit :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Any rooftop bar in Habana?

Breakfast Deal

The breakfast is highly recommended, even for non-guests, at a reasonable price. Reddit :croissant:

Central Location

Its prime location makes it easy to explore Havana on foot or by taxi. Reddit :walking:

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Prices

Always check prices before ordering at bars/restaurants to avoid unexpected charges. Reddit :moneybag:

Enjoy the Views

Make time to soak in the ocean views from your balcony or common areas. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Breakfast Deal

The breakfast is highly recommended, even for non-guests, at a reasonable price. Reddit :croissant:

Central Location

Its prime location makes it easy to explore Havana on foot or by taxi. Reddit :walking:

What Travellers Say

3.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hotel Habana Libre is praised for its excellent central location and stunning ocean views, making it a convenient base for exploring Havana. Guests appreciate the affordable food and drinks at the cafeteria and the exquisite breakfast. However, some reviews point to cleanliness issues in rooms and corridors, slow elevators, and potential pricing discrepancies at bars.

"Staff at the bar Patio lies about the prices. I was there on Friday and ordered from the menu. Paid the same price as it was saying at the menu. Return three days later and they tell me that the prices on the menu haven't been updated, so if I want something, I should ask about the price.
They clearly try to get more than the actual price from you. They make up a new price while the actual menu is still available."

lelia pepi

"Stopped by to check it out and go for a few drinks. They had a live band that was pretty good. It's right on the water with a beautiful view."

Anthony Mikhail

"BAD:Very dirty hotel, rooms and corridors.
The lifts take ages to come.
There is no CCTV or security on the floors and if you are at the top floors you got people from the club that can just go wherever they want.
The restaurants offer a poor food option.
GOOD: great view from the balcony, lovely pool and pretty hotel main entrance."

Alessandro Todini

What People Like

Central location
Ocean views
Affordable food/drinks

What People Dislike

Cleanliness issues
Slow elevators
Price discrepancies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Taxis are the most convenient option from José Martí International Airport (HAV) to Hotel Habana Libre. The ride typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. You can also arrange for a pre-booked transfer for a fixed price. Reddit

Yes, Hotel Habana Libre is considered very central and a great starting point for exploring Havana. It's within walking distance or a short taxi ride to many key attractions. Reddit

From Hotel Habana Libre, you can easily access classic American cars for city tours, regular taxis, or even local buses for a more authentic experience. The hotel's central location makes it a hub for various transport options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not strictly required for entry, booking your room in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred dates and rates. Reddit

The outdoor pool is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check with the hotel reception upon arrival for the most current operating schedule. Reddit

There is no specific entrance fee for the rooftop bar, but you will be expected to purchase drinks or food. Enjoy the live music and views! Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Reviews suggest that while the hotel has a grand facade, some rooms and corridors can be quite dirty, and elevators may take a long time to arrive. Reddit

Some guests have noted a lack of CCTV or security on upper floors, which could be a concern, especially if people from the club can access these areas. Reddit

The hotel features dining options, a disco, an outdoor pool, and offers ocean views from balconies. Reddit

Wi-Fi availability and quality can be inconsistent in Cuba. It's advisable to purchase Wi-Fi cards if available at the hotel or be prepared for limited connectivity. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The hotel offers various dining options, including breakfast which is noted as exquisite for Cuba. However, some reviews mention a poor food selection in restaurants. Reddit

Yes, the breakfast is highly praised, even for non-guests, and is considered exquisite for Cuba, costing around 5 USD. Reddit

The cafeteria offers decent food for around three dollars, and mojitos are available for a dollar, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

Be cautious as staff at bars like the Patio may not update menus with current prices, potentially leading to being overcharged. Always confirm the price before ordering. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ocean views from balconies and the main entrance offer great photo opportunities. The rooftop bar also provides stunning panoramic shots of the city and sea. Reddit

Absolutely! Classic American cars are a quintessential part of Havana's charm, and you'll find many around the hotel. Be polite if you wish to photograph them up close. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Solo Female Travelers

Hotel Habana Libre is often recommended as a central and relatively safe area for solo female travelers in Havana. Reddit Its location provides easy access to attractions and a sense of being in the heart of the city. While the hotel itself has some security notes, the surrounding area is generally active and well-traversed, offering a good balance of convenience and safety. Reddit

It's always wise for solo travelers to remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night, and to confirm prices at bars and restaurants to avoid any potential scams. Reddit The hotel's central location also means you're close to other amenities and can easily find transportation, which adds to a feeling of security and independence.

Budget-Conscious Travelers

For travelers watching their spending, Hotel Habana Libre offers some surprisingly affordable options. The cafeteria provides decent meals for around $3, and mojitos are famously priced at just $1. Reddit The breakfast, while a bit more, is considered excellent value for money and a must-try experience. Reddit

While the hotel itself might not be the cheapest accommodation in Havana, its central location can save you money on transportation by allowing you to walk to many attractions. Reddit Being aware of potential price discrepancies at bars is key to sticking to your budget. Overall, it's a good option for those who want a central base with some budget-friendly dining choices.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Havana from Hotel Habana Libre

Hotel Habana Libre's prime location on La Rampa (Calle 23) makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Havana. You're within easy reach of the Malecón, the historic Old Havana (Habana Vieja), and various cultural sites. Many visitors find it convenient to hail a classic American car right outside the hotel for tours of the city, offering a quintessential Havana experience. Reddit For those seeking a more local feel, regular taxis and even local buses are accessible, though navigating public transport might require a bit more effort. Reddit

Pro-tip: Consider walking along the Malecón in the late afternoon or evening to catch the sunset and experience the vibrant local atmosphere. The hotel's proximity to this iconic promenade is a significant advantage for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in Havana's daily life. Reddit

When venturing further afield, remember that Havana can be a sprawling city. Planning your routes and understanding your transport options beforehand will enhance your exploration and ensure you make the most of your time. Reddit

Dining and Drinks: What to Expect

The culinary experience at Hotel Habana Libre offers a mix of highs and lows. The breakfast is frequently lauded as one of the best in Cuba, even for those not staying at the hotel, providing an exquisite start to the day for around 5 USD. Reddit The hotel cafeteria also serves decent meals at very affordable prices, with mojitos being a particular steal at just a dollar. Reddit

However, it's crucial to be aware of potential discrepancies in pricing at some of the hotel's bars, such as the Patio. Reviews indicate that menus might not always reflect the most current prices, and guests have reported being charged more than expected. Reddit To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it's always advisable to confirm the price of your order with the staff before consumption. This simple step can save you from potential confusion and ensure a smoother dining experience. Reddit

For those looking for a lively evening, the hotel's disco and rooftop bar offer entertainment and great views. The rooftop bar, in particular, is a popular spot for enjoying live music while taking in the city's ambiance. Reddit

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