Planning a trip to Havana... where do u...

[silvano10]

Hello everyone, I am planning a trip to Havana in May with a few co-workers of mine, I have read some reviews of different hotels and restaurants but I figured I would ask the FOH members where you guys have stayed and or eaten and what you reccomend... any feedback will be appreciated!

thanks in advance!

[Wil]

Stay in a Casa rather than a hotel. If you'd prefer a hotel, there's one with a very cool rooftop pool in Old Havana. Can't remember what it's called, but it overlooks the square near the top of Obispo. Didn't stay there, just used the pool (they're more than happy for you to use it if you buy drinks.

[Tarks]

As for hotels, my recommendation is NH Park Central (great rooftop pool), Seville or Hotel Nacional. If you want to be in the heart of old Havana then the Park or Seville would be a good choice as the Nacional is a bit out of the way. If you want to stay in a Casa, take a look at trip advisor. Lots of great info, reviews there.

As for restaurants, my favorites are La Guarida, El Aljibe, Los Nardos, Dr Cafe, Pizza Nova (Marina Hemingway).

[CanuckSARTech]

Let me know, I'll put in an order list!

[mazolaman]

Another vote here for the hotel Seville,great historic hotel,with pool and LCDH,loved it.

I think,though havent tried it,as others have said,there are many advanTages to staying in a Casa.

Have a good trip.

[Tarks]

Another vote here for the hotel Seville,great historic hotel,with pool and LCDH,loved it.

I think,though havent tried it,as others have said,there are many advanTages to staying in a Casa.

Have a good trip.

Cigar shop on the main level, yes. But it's not a LCDH.

[mazolaman]

Cigar shop on the main level, yes. But it's not a LCDH.

Really?

I got good,real cigars from there a few years ago,but who knows now?I also got the correct receipts for the customs etc...

[silvano10]

As for hotels, my recommendation is NH Park Central (great rooftop pool), Seville or Hotel Nacional. If you want to be in the heart of old Havana then the Park or Seville would be a good choice as the Nacional is a bit out of the way. If you want to stay in a Casa, take a look at trip advisor. Lots of great info, reviews there.

As for restaurants, my favorites are La Guarida, El Aljibe, Los Nardos, Dr Cafe, Pizza Nova (Marina Hemingway).

Parque central was the hotel we were thinking of staying at, thanks for the feedback, now were set haha!. what does the average meal cost in havana? what about drinks? I remember going into a bar in varadero this past January and 2 mixed drinks were 5 pesos, are the drinks in havana expensive?

[silvano10]

Let me know, I'll put in an order list!

haha, at only 50 sticks per person allowed i always find it a disaster bringing a good haule back, i was wondering what would happen if i just brought back 150-200 sticks and just declared them, do you think i would get nailed on taxes?

[Tarks]

Really?

I got good,real cigars from there a few years ago,but who knows now?I also got the correct receipts for the customs etc...

No doubt about the authenticity of the cigars sold there. And they do provide a factura, but not a LCDH. I would not hesitate from purchasing there.

[Tarks]

haha, at only 50 sticks per person allowed i always find it a disaster bringing a good haule back, i was wondering what would happen if i just brought back 150-200 sticks and just declared them, do you think i would get nailed on taxes?

I brought back 170 cigars on my last trip, declared them all and had no issues. In fact, all four of us had approx the same amount and we all got through customs. Just be honest with your declaration, that is key. Of course there is still a risk, but well worth it IMO.

[Tarks]

Parque central was the hotel we were thinking of staying at, thanks for the feedback, now were set haha!. what does the average meal cost in havana? what about drinks? I remember going into a bar in varadero this past January and 2 mixed drinks were 5 pesos, are the drinks in havana expensive?

Cost fro meals/drinks varies. You can have a 50cuc meal at a fancy restaurant or a 8cuc all you can eat pork/chicken at El Aljibe. All of the restaurants I recommended are cheap. Drinks will range in price from 1cuc to 4cuc per.