Hostal Camila y Merci, Havana

Hostal Camila y Merci is another tiny, family-run hostel near central Havana, in a neighbourhood teeming with them. This friendly apartment is pretty basic, but does the job that most backpackers would expect.

The Location

Located on Neptuno, the casa is a fifteen-minute walk to the city central area and there are small shops, cafes, and markets within a five-minute walk of the hostel. The nearest Wi-Fi hot spot is a five-minute walk away in the nearest public park on Amaburu, and there is a kiosk selling the Wi-Fi cards there, too.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The hostel has just one room -- a six-bed dorm of bunk beds. The mattresses are very good; they're firm and comfortable, and the linen is clean. There are three fans in the room and there is a high ceiling, which also helps to keep the temperature slightly cooler. There are a few power points scattered around the room, though not handy for all the bunks, and there is a small table to put some belongings, but no lockers or storage cupboards. There is just one bathroom to share and it has a hand basin, bidet, toilet, and cold water shower. All are kept very clean indeed.

Common Spaces

You enter the hostel via a metal gate and locked wooden door under the big green sign announcing the place. At the top of the stairs on you right, there is a sitting room at the front of the apartment overlooking Neptuno via a couple of small balconies. There is a couch and some wooden chairs around a dining table. The kitchen is on the way from the dorm to the bathroom and has two fridges, a microwave, and a four-ring gas cooker. There is also a small dining table there, too.

Summary

Casa Camila y Merci is a cozy little place, a bit short on mod cons, but is simple, cheap, and clean. The owner is very helpful with maps and bits of information about the city can book taxis and has recommendations for cheap local eateries and bars. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. Maribel, the owner, is very friendly. When one of us was unwell, she even cooked us a dinner free of charge! The only downside is, she doesn’t speak much English, but she does try! All in all, Casa Camila y Merci is not a bad choice at all.