I spent nine days in Havana in July for academic reasons, with very little money to spend, and found Hostalaptofive through Instagram. It turned out to be one of my best stays in a long time. The price was excellent, and paying through PayPal and arranging everything directly with Luis Herrera was easy. The rooms fit one or more guests and have comfortable beds, a fan, a refrigerator, and air conditioning, which I found essential in the intense Havana heat. You can also arrange an airport pickup when you book. Luis and the other owner are an entertaining, cultured, kind-hearted couple who are always ready to help if you look lost. They gave me lots of suggestions for Havana attractions. The hostel is close to Revolution Square, the famous Coppelia ice cream parlor, and the Cristóbal Colón Necropolis, just steps away. Many experts consider the cemetery the world's most important after the Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa, both for its architecture, considered among the richest in the world, and its size of over 57 hectares. To get around without internet, they gave me the HabanaTrans app. It uses only your phone's GPS, works in real time, and can help with public transport or walking, which was great given how unreliable internet is in Cuba. Nine days wasn’t enough to see everything. Revolution Square is a must for its monuments and history, and Old Havana is worth exploring for its architecture, bright colors, food, and lively street music. For a different kind of night out, the Fabrica de Arte Cubano is nearby. It used to be a factory and is now an art gallery with displays, live music, dancing, food, and drinks in different areas. I ate well and felt comfortable even on a small budget, thanks to Luis Herrera’s advice and hospitality.
