We've been back from our wonderful five-day stay at Hostal Balcones Muralla and through our sadness we resolve to return, and soon.

Five perfect days for two New Yorkers... read more in Havana. Think of our joy to spend hours leisurely gazing at the passers-by on the lively street below. We grew to love the sound of the city. We learned to identify the uniforms of the children on their way to school. We watched with great interest the sales progress of the fruit and vegetable merchant outside the door. Such a lively and colorful atmosphere!

It wasn’t guaranteed to be a perfect trip. My husband had misgivings about traveling as an American in Cuba. He even bought a money belt for the trip. Needless to say, it was a wasted $15 dollars that could have been much better used in support of the amazing, loving, and generous Cuban people.

Yonis, Cristobal and Jose, the three gentlemen who run the hotel, meticulously ensure the happiness and comfort of all of their guests. We started each morning with a delicious 5-course breakfast. Fresh fruit, toast with topping, salad, egg, followed by dessert. But their kindness and attention does not end at breakfast. No question was beyond their breadth, doors were opened always with a smile - like we were family, and we revelled in the recommendations, opinions, small-chat and anecdotes they offered us about Havana. Precious gems of wisdom.

The place is charming and maintained with great care and love. You experience the true atmosphere of the town in all of its hues and history.

We will be back. And we would never consider staying anywhere else.

  Would definitely recommend this hostal! The building is beautiful, breakfast is delicious and best of all the staff are the loveliest of people! We want to thank Sarais and Aramis... read more specifically for being so kind, friendly and helpful to us with all of our questions. They really made our stay here special and are wonderful people!
The owner Richard is really welcoming and lovely and was a huge help so big thanks too!

Our one piece of general advice would be to make sure you bring lots of cash with you to Cuba! The exchange rate at the ATM here is so bad that you’ll end up paying 4x the price for everything!! More

  Smiles all round at this friendly casa particular with a great location in Habana Vieja within walking distance of all sites. Helpful and accommodating staff are there 24 hours, and... read more breakfast was great.

  Great hotel in the heart of old Havana - This hotel is right in the centre of old Havana. The area is very busy but incredibly safe. The hosts were very nice - especially Frank and Juana were incredibly... read more kind and helpful and came to talk to us every day. The streets are alive and loud until late at night! So if you are a light sleeper maybe request a room that doesn't face the street. For us it was not a problem. Everything is walking distance which is very comfortable! The breakfast was great. Unfortunately the airconditioning is not very strong and when we were there the WiFi was not working. If these things are important to you then double check if it works better before your trip starts.