Hostal Marques de Liz

We booked the balcony double for a few days. It was roomy for two, with a big comfortable bed and a kitchenette we didn't use. The mini-fridge was boxed in with wood, and ants were crawling around the frame. Staff were welcoming, and the locked front gate and other security measures made us feel safe. The location worked well for walking to Revolution Square, the National Theatre of Cuba, and Avenida de los Presidentes. Breakfast cost extra; we tried it once, but bread, coffee, and fruit felt a bit overpriced.

The walk from here to Old Havana is a little long, but the quieter setting and lack of peddlers or hustlers made it worthwhile. One of the highlights was getting a small taste of everyday Cuban life, which I hadn't expected. I stayed a week in November 2015, and the hosts were great. Dad spoke some fun Spanglish, while his sons spoke English better than I did. On a third Cuba trip, I'd spend 3-4 days in Habana and finish with 3-4 days at a resort. I'd stay at Hostal Marques again. My first trip was in 2004, when I spent two weeks in Varadaro, about a week too long in one spot.

Diana and Salvador, thanks for taking such good care of us and sharing what you know about the area. We feel lucky to have stayed with you, and hope we get to see you again.

The only real downside was no wifi, though that's Cuba. We had a good three-night stay at Hostal Marques de Liz and recommend it if you're happy walking around Vedado and Old Havana. Our clean, modern studio was split over two levels: a sofa and kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and utensils downstairs, then two beds, a bathroom, air conditioning, TV with local channels, and a safe upstairs. The owner has been running the place for about six months. It's around a 45-minute to one-hour walk from the Capitol via the Malecón by the water, or 15-20 minutes from Hotel Nacional and Hotel Habana Libre. We'd originally booked a casa particular in Old Havana through a Cuban website for 40 CUC a night, cash only, but someone contacted me the next day to say it was full and referred us here for the same price. We recognized the flowers outside on arrival, and the owner showed us the upstairs studio. They cleaned it daily. Breakfast was 5 CUC per person, served in the kitchenette at whatever time we wanted, with espresso, juice, fruit, and toast. They also rented a mobile phone with free calls to the US and Canada for 3 CUC a day. The owner can take you anywhere in his old Volkswagen; we paid 5 CUC to get to the ViaAzul Bus Terminal. He also knows a good local place to buy rum or cigars. There are some cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and drugstores nearby, including Café Presidente at calle 25 and Avenida de los Presidente, and G Café a street below. Rated 4/5, visited May 2015.