No Limit Hostel Havana

Casa Buena Vista is housed inside the America building, an imposing structure occupying the whole side of a residential block. Like many buildings in the area, it has an elegant yet faded colonial facade. Inside, tall ceilings, black-and-white-tiled floors, and a grand wide stone staircase continue the colonial aesthetic. Two elevators provide access to apartments and to Casa Buena Vista, a single apartment on the sixth floor. Basic signage and a security buzzer mark the apartment entrance, and a member of staff promptly greets guests at the door. The apartment itself has warm apricot walls and surprisingly well-elevated views. The unit unfolds across a dark corridor lined with closed doorways (to rooms) on either side. The hallway ends in the sunlit living and dining area where guests eat breakfast and are welcome to hang out when they’re not sightseeing. Decor is dated and wear and tear is apparent, but a floral sofa and vintage Cuban prints in this public space provide authentic local charm. So named for the views, Casa Buena Vista doesn’t disappoint, with French doors to Juliet balconies framing stunning vistas across the dense and vibrant cityscape to the ocean. All in all, the property is far from fancy, but it’s reliable, friendly, and warm. Housekeeping staff don’t speak much English, but host Pablo is perfectly fluent. 

Casa Buena Vista is located in a quiet residential pocket of Vedado, right in the heart of Havana -- around half an hour by car from Jose Marti International Airport, and a 12-minute drive from Old Havana. Walkable highlights include the Malecon (11 minutes), and it’s three minutes, if that, to Calle 23 for an abundance of restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shops. Other nearby sights include Museo de Historia Natural Felipe Poey (seven-minute walk), Universidad de la Habana (six-minute walk). Casa Buena Vista hosts can assist with taxis, airport drop offs and pickups, and car hire -- on-street parking is available in the surrounding streets.  

Available in Single, Double, and Triple categories, guest rooms unfold on either side of the apartment's corridor -- those on the left have French doors, Juliet balconies, stunning city views, and lots of natural light, while those on the right, have no views to speak of. Rooms are a decent size -- enhanced by the lofty ceilings, and decor is basic -- featuring neutral walls, tiled floors, and gaudy floral bedspreads that add some kitschy color. Refrigerators with wall-mounted beer bottle openers are a handy touch, as are wall-mounted hanging spaces, extra blankets, and drawers to store belongings. But don't expect hotel amenities like TVs or phones. Bathrooms are small and tired, but do the job -- with artsy shower curtains, and vintage tiling detail, but no toiletries. All rooms contain private bathrooms, other than the Single unit that has a bathroom located off the main corridor. 

As a modest guesthouse, Casa Buena Vista doesn't have a long list of features. Good hearty home-cooked breakfasts are available for a fee, and the living area offers a sunny, homey spot to dine, take time out, or simply admire the view. This public area also has a TV and a phone, but there's no internet or Wi-Fi. Host Pablo speaks perfect English which is helpful for non-Spanish speakers. Guests frequently comment on his friendly, helpful, nature, and he’ll happily assist with arranging taxis, airport drop offs and pickups, tours, and car rentals. Unlike some guesthouses check-in can take place 24 hours a day.