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Most of Havana's grand hotels can be booked via international platforms like Booking.com or directly through their official websites. Casas particulares are best reserved through Airbnb, Cuba Casa, or specialist Cuba travel agencies. For the highest-end private homes, direct contact with the owner — often arranged via a Cuban travel specialist — delivers the best rates and availability. We recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance for peak season (December through February), as the finest properties fill quickly.

Havana is generally considered one of the safer capital cities in the Caribbean and Latin America. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded tourist areas (particularly around La Habana Vieja and Parque Central) and occasional tourist-targeting scams. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secured, avoid displaying expensive electronics openly, be alert in busy public spaces, and stick to well-lit areas after dark. Luxury hotels in Vedado and Miramar tend to be in particularly calm, low-crime neighborhoods.

Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP) as its official currency. The critical thing to know: US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba due to the ongoing US embargo. Bring cash — ideally Euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds — as these exchange at favorable rates. Exchange money at official CADECA exchange houses rather than on the street. Plan carefully: bring sufficient cash for your entire stay, as ATMs are unreliable and international bank transfers aren't an option. Most luxury hotels and better casas particulares accept euros or dollars directly at their front desk for accommodation payments, but day-to-day expenses require CUP.

The best time to visit Havana is November through April — Cuba's dry season. Temperatures are warm and comfortable (24–28°C / 75–82°F), humidity is pleasantly lower, and rainfall is minimal. Peak season runs December through February, coinciding with the Havana Jazz Festival (January) and Havana Biennial (spring). May through October is the rainy season, with higher humidity and hurricane risk (peak: August–October), but offers fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic, less touristy Havana experience. December through March is the sweet spot for first-time visitors.

A casa particular is a licensed Cuban private home where owners rent rooms or the entire property to travelers — Cuba's version of a bed and breakfast or Airbnb. They offer an intimate, immersive experience with home-cooked Cuban meals, insider local knowledge, and direct human connection with Havana's residents. Luxury casas in Vedado and Miramar often feature pools, rooftop terraces, and elegant period furniture that rival boutique hotels. Hotels — especially the grand historic ones — provide full amenities, concierge services, multiple dining options, bars, and organized tours. The choice comes down to authenticity vs. infrastructure: casas for immersion, hotels for full-service comfort.

Internet access in Cuba is limited compared to most countries. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and designated public parks (Parques Wi-Fi) via ETECSA, Cuba's state telecom. You'll typically need to purchase prepaid Nauta internet cards to connect. Speeds are generally slow, and access can be inconsistent. Most luxury hotels offer Wi-Fi in rooms, though speeds vary. Practical advice: download key information, maps (offline Google Maps), and guides before you arrive; set your expectations accordingly; and consider a VPN for accessing certain services. Mobile data via international roaming exists but is expensive and unreliable. Embrace the digital detox — it's part of the Havana experience.