Rolando's Backpackers, Havana

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Rolando's Backpackers Reviews

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Rolando’s Backpacker proudly claims on its sign that it was the first backpackers’ dorm in Havana ten years ago. You can be sure that things are well organized here; whatever you may want as a backpacker, Rolando’s will be able to sort it for you.

The Location

Located among a group of backpacker hostels, just a fifteen-minute walk from the center, it is well situated in a local Cuban neighbourhood, with local eateries and bars within a five-minute walk.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are three dorms here of five or six beds and all have small lockers for backpackers’ belongings. You will need your own padlock for these, though. The mattresses are ok and the bunks are of the sturdy wooden type, with ladders for the top bunks. There is a handful of power points scattered around the dorms, though not conveniently so for all the beds. A couple of the dorms are en suite, but some of the sinks were blocked when we stayed and the showers didn’t work properly. There is only cold water here, too. The dorms have a wall-mounted fan and air conditioning.

Common Spaces

There is a sitting room with a dining table and chairs and a couple of sofas, plus two rocking chairs on the landing just before you enter the sitting room. There is also a flat-screen TV. The sitting room leads into the kitchen, but this is off limits to guests, as the hostel provides a meal service at extra cost. In fact, no food from outside is allowed in the hostel. Guests can put drinks in the fridge, however.

Summary

This is quite a professionally presented hostel as you would expect with the length of time it has been open. The Rolando’s Backpacker logo is prominent all over the hostel, but there is a lack of detail in the care of the place though, which is disappointing. Blocked sinks, leaky or faulty showers, and strict rules on the bringing in of food don’t suggest a relaxed backpacker vibe.

The owner is very knowledgeable about Havana and Cuba, and onward transport can be booked here. The prices for this service are, however, more than all the other hostels in this area, so check before booking. There is a Wi-Fi hot spot a ten-minute walk away in the nearest local park, where you can also buy the internet card you need to access it at a kiosk in the corner of the park.

Rolando’s is ok, but we think it needs a little more attention to detail and a more "tranquilo" attitude.

Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.

LondonroadMa

Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer

Published on Dec 3, 2018

Location and Contact

Location

• From Airport: 30 minutes by taxi and the taxi fee 25 cuc.
• By Car: Take Boyeros highway until you reach Reina Street, there turn left at Belascoain Street until San Miguel Street.
• By Bus from Havana Airport to the Hostel: Take in Boyeros highway the bus number P12 until you reach Belascoain and Reina street, there turn left at Belascoain Street until San Miguel Street.
• By Bus from Havana to another province: The national bus company has different hours from different directions of Cuba, please ask for information to the national bus company “Via Azul”.
• José Martí International Airport by car : take Avenida Rancho Boyeros.Head southeast and turn Slight right about 1.3 km.Drive for 16 min (14.5 km)Take Avenida Salvador Allende to your destination 14 min (5.3 km) 561 San Miguel,you will see our sign.

Facilities and Amenities

Solo Traveller

Bedsheets

Towels

Lockers in Lobby

Luggage Storage

24 Hour Security

Air Conditioning

Bar

Cable TV

Food/Restaurant

Hot Showers

Laundry

Lounge Area

Credit Card Payments

Curfew: No Curfew

Reception Hours: 24 Hours

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