Hotel Sercotel Paseo Habana

Hotel Sercotel Paseo Habana is an intimate option in a residential part of Vedado with an interesting history. It was once the home of the wife of Fulgencio Batista, before the mansions of the aristocracy were repurposed for other uses after the revolution. The building was used as a laboratory for the nearby hospital for years before opening as a hotel in 2008. Today, this aging beauty still retains some of its past charm, with its antique-style furniture, marble staircase with wrought-iron banister, and big porch with rocking chairs that's a pleasant spot for a cocktail on a warm evening. 

This is a tiny hotel with just 30 rooms and few features, and most travelers are student groups, older couples without kids, or solo travelers. Rooms are well-suited to student groups as there are Triple Rooms available that can fit four guests when an extra bed is brought in. Romantic couples might not be happy here as there are no queen- or king-size beds.

The historic part of the building is the most attractive, and there's a newer addition added in 2006 housing the rooms and elevator that has significantly less charm. The drop ceilings and unflattering lighting in the hallways give the feeling of a '90s office building. 

Hotel Secrotel Paseo Habana is in Vedado, surrounded by local homes and businesses. A few restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance and there's a small market nearby. It's normal to see neighborhood residents sitting in front of the hotel connecting to Wi-Fi. It's a five-minute walk to La Rampa, the nickname for Calle 23, which is lined with nightclubs, bars, and movie theaters. It's not quite walking distance to the Malecon, the famed seaside promenade, though those who don't mind a trek can get there in a little over 20 minutes on foot. Same goes for the iconic Hotel Nacional, a tourist attraction in its own right. 

• 12-minute drive to La Cabaña, a large 18th-century fortress
• 15-minute drive to Old Havana (taxis aren't always immediately available in this area but the hotel can call one)
• 20-minute drive to Miramar, a business-oriented area with lots of embassies
• 25-minute drive to Jose Marti International Airport  

Rooms at Hotel Sercotel Paseo Habana are adequate for the price, and decor -- gold bedspreads, black and white photos of Havana, and tile floors -- is inspired by the hotel's historic roots. They are barebones, with minibars stocked with water and juice and wall air-conditioning units that can be a little bit noisy -- though guests may not mind this as it can help drown out the noise of the early-morning rooster. Flat-screen TVs get around 15 channels, including options in English. Bathrooms have showers, and soap, shampoo, and conditioner should be provided, though may not be replenished without asking. Some guests complain that not enough towels are provided and that showers lack hot water. Rooms have Juliet balconies with views of the nearby hospital or the neighborhood; a few rooms have a glimpse of the sea. Those facing the hospital tend to get less rooster noise. 

There are Single, Double, and Triple Rooms; Double Rooms have either two twins or two doubles. Extra beds can be brought it upon request, and it's possible to fit four guests in a Triple Room, one of the reasons this hotel is suited to student groups. 

The restaurant serves a free breakfast buffet that includes cereal, fruit, meats and cheeses, bread and jam, and eggs (sometimes just boiled eggs). An a la carte dinner with Cuban and international dishes is served here as well, and guests can order drinks and snacks to enjoy in the lobby area. 

A meeting room upstairs can be used for business events and birthdays. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and restaurant. Unlike at many Havana hotels, there is no pool. There's a small viewpoint area with slatted windows that the hotel plans to turn into a small cigar lounge; during our visit it was blocked off to guests.