Casa Colonial 1715

Outside, the short, thickly painted green facade and white wrought iron gates blend seamlessly with the neighboring homes and businesses. Indeed, Casa Colonial can prove difficult to find. Every inch of the interior has an eclectic, well-lived-in feel. Glass chandeliers, decorative wall plates, well-worn wrought iron seating, and a rainbow of paint colors all seem as though they’ve been organically cultivated over the last few decades. The atmosphere is homey in every sense of the word. Guests linger in the TV lounge or at the kitchen table alongside the hands-on owners. The latter are frequently around to provide recommendations on the best places for visitors to see in Havana.

The adjacent mixed-use street is gritty and offers a slice of life in Old Havana. It sees only moderate car traffic, but there’s a constant bustle of pedestrians. Numerous mom-and-pop restaurants and shops are within a few minutes' walk. The popular Obispo pedestrian mall is only two blocks away and offers dozens of tourist-friendly eateries, museums, galleries, and points of interest. The waterfront Malecon and 16th-century Castillo de la Real Fuerza fort and war museum are both 10 minutes away on foot. Havana’s José Martí International Airport is 35 minutes away by car. Taxis are the only viable transportation option. Fares can often seem at the whim of the driver, so it’s safer and more predictable to book transportation directly through the hotel's owners.

Rooms are clean, but small and simply appointed. The decor is a mishmash of yard sale-like finds, boldly painted walls, and eclectic accents pieces. The alley-facing windows in every room are shrouded in vintage curtains which block out all natural light, leaving the spaces dimly lit. Each of the four rooms is similar in size and amenities. Only the essentials of air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and small, passport-sized wall safes are provided. As is typical of most small Havana inns, Wi-Fi is not available anywhere on the property. Every room has a private bathroom, although some are detached and located in a separate room a few feet away. Walk-in shower stalls are standard, and no bath amenities are provided. Thin bath towels are arranged on beds. 

As this property is a Cuban home, amenities are limited to the basics. A free, hot, cooked-to-order breakfast is served in the bright, open dining area daily. The simple meal generally consists of eggs, fruit, and rolls. Guests are welcome to use the kitchen and all of its amenities to cook their own meals. Free filtered water is provided. The living room functions as a TV lounge where the family and guests congregate throughout the day to watch Spanish language programming together. As with most Cuban home stays, Wi-Fi is unavailable even in the common areas. The nearest reliable service can be found in the lobby of Hotel Ambos Mundos (prepaid internet card required).