Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Odalys) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe
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Reviews of Hostal Balcones Muralla

3.5 out of 5
Hostal Balcones Muralla
Aguacate Street # 482, entre Muralla y Teniente Rey, Havana

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 173 out of 217 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 217 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 217 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 217 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 217 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We absolutely loved our stay here at this beautiful historic converted home. From our arrival through to our departure and everything in between we received nothing short of the most amazing warm Cuban hospitality offered in Old Havana . Richard and his team bent over backwards to make our stay comfortable and memorable at Hostal Balcones. Mariana the manager is an absolute angel who made sure each day for us was easily planned organising bookings and transport along the way. The rest of the beautiful Balcones staff also made us so very much at home that we almost felt like family. It’s a thoughtfully restored historical home that has been filled with eclectic collections of antiques and curiosities and you really feel you are stepping back in time with so much to admire and enjoy. With a very generous breakfast included daily cooked by the lovely Louisandra the chef, to laughs and salsa dancing with our room maid Jordania followed by our vote of the best Mojito in Havana in a tea pot made by Mariana the mixologist manager our stay couldn’t have been more perfect. Do yourself a favour and get a taste of Cuban life in the centre of old Havana by booking your stay at this gem.
Response from Richard on 21 May 2024
Thank you so much for that beautiful review, it was a pleasure to work for you.

10/10 Excellent

ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved this hotel. The staff welcomed me on arrival with a tasty cocktail and continued to be very warm and helpful throughout my two night stay. The full breakfast was delicious and filling. The location was perfect in the heart of Plazza Vieja. I did a night tour which ended just down the road from my hotel. The decor is unique with interesting relics on the walls and in the rooms. Next trip to Habana _ I will stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Richard on 10 May 2024
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Lewis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hosts - incredible breakfast A
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from Richard on 10 May 2024
Thank you very much for your review.

8/10 Good

Sofia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a very nice stay in this hostal, which is located in a very vibrant neighbourhood. Marianna, Rolando and Enry, were excellent hosts and this made a big difference. Always support local business!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Richard on 12 Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Hostal Balcones Muralla was absolutely fantastic! We loved our room, the location, the decor, the beautiful breakfasts...but most of all, we loved the people! Mariana and Jenry are the best hosts ever. They made us feel so welcome and it felt like coming home to family every day. We can't wait to go back to Havana and we will most definitely stay here every time we visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Richard on 3 Apr 2024
the closure of the main emergency door of the building does not work.

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was such a great decision to stay here in Old Havana. Not only do you get the full Havana experience, the staff were so friendly, attentive and professional. Mariana and Henry deserve a special mention. Nothing was too much to ask and their dedication to the people staying there was as good, if not better than I have ever experienced around the world.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Richard on 2 Apr 2024
Mr James thank you very much for your review.

6/10 Okay

ava

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The staff were super nice and kind, the breakfast was good, the location was very close to historical places in old Havana, but the neighborhood was very dirty, the room didnt have safety box, refrigerator, tv , air dryer,and..we had to fix the shower ourselves, drinks in the dining room were so expensive for Cuba, and it was cuban rum! I would say for 150 Canadian dollers for a night there might be better places in better neighborhoods.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Richard on 2 Apr 2024
During your stay, we asked you if you were having a good time in our hotel and you were very happy, Why didn't you mention anything about all those problems? we would have done whatever it took to solve them and make your holiday right in a way that you deserved, we could have changed your room, whatever you wanted.

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Richard on 17 Mar 2024
Thank you very much for your review.

8/10 Good

Ramon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was excellent and very pleasant, food was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Richard on 27 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Richard and Mariella were exceptional hosts, extremely helpful and warm. Made our stay relaxed and enjoyable. All staff lovely. Complimentary drink on arrival a lovely touch. Great location. Faultless. Would highly recommend
Response from Richard on 27 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Helen Juliette

Staff was exceptionally helpful and friendly and food was great! Main issue was internet sporadic availability - mostly not although website indicated availability.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Richard on 11 Feb 2024
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property is as it appears in the photos. What the listing cannot portray is how genuinely kind and accommodating the staff is. Every person to the last was helpful before I inquired. The common area was my favorite as I was able to visit with people from all over the world.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Wilson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hidden treasure!
The house is beautiful, the location is super convenient, but the best thing of all is the level of service and professionalism from the entire staff. Richard the owner is amazing, Mariana and Orlando are out of this world, they are simply incredible. Last but not least the maids and the cooks are also excellent. Their breakfast experience is unique. I can't emphasize how super breakfast is. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Highly recommend staying here
Excellent stay here. Great vibe, convenient location and very delicious breakfast. The service level from staff is outstanding. Especially manager Mariana - she helped me with so many things. I highly recommend staying here
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
The property offered a realist experience of how the people actually lived in what are quite harsh conditions as opposed to the more well cared for historic area of the city. The managers ; especially Marianna were outstanding in the their ability to be friendly and welcoming and to meet all of our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

8/10 Good

Larisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owner and staff are absolutely amazing - very focused on providing an excellent customer experience. The breakfast was 5 star standard and everyone was so accommodating. There is a fantastic history behind the house and it has been beautifully decorated with antiques and vintage memorabilia. It was the best accommodation I had in Cuba. I highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Richard on 11 Jan 2024
Hello Kathleen, thank you so much for your review and thank you so much for staying with us, it was a pleasure to meet you.

10/10 Excellent

Petar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 11 Jan 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were warmly welcomed on New Year’s Eve and chose to celebrate the arrival of 2024 on their rooftop terrace, which was most enjoyable. As museums were closed for the first few days of January staff offered good suggestions for what we could do and kindly organised a taxi to facilitate. It was great to experience colourful and exuberant Cuban life in the streets beneath our balcony. A pleasant stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 11 Jan 2024
Ms Louise thank you so much for your review and send James a big hug from us tell him that keep trying to learn SALSA. all the best.

10/10 Excellent

Areti

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our first time in Cuba and our first stay in Habana. The Hotel is located in the old city which is really convinient to walk around the city and to not use any further trasportation to visit the main attractions. The building even though is old, is very well preserved and is perfectly clean and nicely decorated. The feeling you get entering the house is stunning. Our room was very nice and super clean. New bedsheets and room cleaning was done everyday. The breakfast was very good and served every day freshly by the lovely staff. The staff of the Hotel were all super helpful, friendly, welcoming and at your support all day long. We met mostly 2 guys and 1 girl who were 24/7 around to support and serve you. We had a few mojitos(very well done) on the balcony of the house and smoked a cigar which is tottaly recommended. Tottaly recommended place to stay and you will get the safest feeling being there together with the lovely people working there.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 11 Jan 2024
Thank you very much for staying with us and for your review.

6/10 Okay

Maria

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
So, all is true. Noise - yes. There no windows. Only wood shades. All night someone is moving in and out on the street. Loud music and People. Cuba Smell. It is old so you have old small. Breakfast - nothing special. If you like small kids / old dishes- original you probably like it. Hotel is like an apartment. Nothing special in my opinion. So, $100 probably ok. But … not sure
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 30 Dec 2023
Dear Maria, with all your respect, you stay with us less than one night, your room has two balconies with doors as hight as 3 meters doors infront of your bed, We are a Colonial houses in the heart of Old Havana. We try to represent a house from 1800, our guest look for antiques and classic product. We have 1000s of pictures online, I dont know why your agency did not mention to you where you would stay. We wish all the best.

8/10 Good

JENNIFFER

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was beautiful and staff excellent. Easy to find and surround by area with music life and dining.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

8/10 Good

Jonna

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Arnold

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our 5-day stay at this hostel was a delight! The staff was incredibly helpful, the food was delicious, and the location was perfect for both walking and accessing taxis. They catered to our every need, making our stay memorable. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Richards on 19 Dec 2023
Muchisimas gracias por su review.

10/10 Excellent

Paulius

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing please very polite sincere staff. They available 24/7 to help you out. If the future will brings me back to Havana, I’m looking forward to meet all of those folks again indefinitely will stay at Balcones Muralla PS it is nonsense who concerns if this place is unsafe. I’m assure you - you could leave doors unlocked
Response from Richard on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you so much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Ekaterina

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Richard on 11 Jan 2024
Thank you very much for staying with us and for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed on this property several times and it is my favourite hotel in Havana
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Richard on 1 Dec 2023
Thank you so much and we want to see you again.

10/10 Excellent

sjarel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
super cosy and beatifull little hostal with the best staff in cuba!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Richard on 30 Nov 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

6/10 Okay

nahid

Liked: Staff & service
Friendly reception. No wifi available. Noisy at night. Beds not comfort. Didn't feel cleanness.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff were amazing. Really friendly and couldn't do enough to help you. Lots of street noise and poor wifi
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Richard on 19 Dec 2023
Thank you very much for your review

10/10 Excellent

Derrick

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hostal Balcones Muralla is such a good location when you are staying in Havana since you can access a lot of good places around it. Had my guests stayed at this hotel for a few days and although an unfortunate event happened to them while staying, the hotel staffs still assisted them. If you are finding an accessible and an affordable place to stay, then this hotel is good for you. You'll have a nice experience here.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Richard on 27 Nov 2023
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Ankit R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Richard on 23 Nov 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

8/10 Good

Imre

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hostal Balcones is a beautiful property in the hearth of Havana. The guys at the reception are simply the best, from the welcoming through the long talks with Angelo and the amazing kitchen we loved it all. One unfortunate case overshadowed our stay after 500 EUR from my friend’s backpack disappeared the first day. He left it in the room while we were out walking. There is a safe box in the room and he should have close it inside. Yet I have to add this to the review for the sake of clarity. Just lock your valuables away to ensure that you can be absolutely relaxed and you will have a great time here for sure. Other than this, it’s a lovely property, very nice and helpful staff, good food, I would happily go back and recommend to anyone. Once there, make sure you go and check El Chanchullero, a bar/restaurant very close (it’s been recommended by one of the receptionists here): good price, excellent food and drink, nice place and great atmosphere.
Response from Richard on 17 Nov 2023
Imre with all your respet, you are accusing us that we stole your money, and you have no proof of that, yourself said that you were not sure if the money was lost somewhere else. An accusation like this without evidence is neither fair nor correct. In our hotel nothing has ever been lost before, we are a small team and it would be very foolish to do so. We appreciate you taking your time in the review but an accusation like this is not right.

10/10 Excellent

Fernando

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Unlike the room cleaning I very disappointed
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Richard on 23 Oct 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Toni

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location to get an authentic view of Cuban life
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Richard on 14 Oct 2023
thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

BARIS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed in Hostal Balcones Muralla in October '23 for 4 days. I felt from first day that it was great decision to stay here. Location is perfect, just between Old & Central Havana. Walking distance away to all popular places. Rooms are so clean and air condition is really life savior. Crew so friendly and hepful. From first day, Estaban, Rolando, Anyelo made me feel like I'm home. One of my favourite activities was, at the night sitting on balcony & chatting with my dear friend Anyelo while drinking their best cocktails :) I was a solo traveler but never felt alone. Thank you so much once again for everything. -Baris
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Richard on 9 Oct 2023
Thank you very much for your review, please combebak to Havana one day.

8/10 Good

Lilian

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We stayed here for 2 nights. It’s in great location for Old Havana. The staff there - Esteban, Luisandra, Jordania were amazing. Esteban was warm and welcoming and we found ourselves chatting to him a lot. Luisandra is an amazing chef. Her food is 5 star quality. We were comparing restaurants in old Havana with her food. I would recommend trying some of their other food aside from breakfast, but ask in advance as they would need to get the ingredients (they use fresh ingredients). We also met the owner Richard, who was very approachable and gave us some recommendations. As the location is in old Havana, expect noise from outside early in the morning. This is a vibrant city not the suburbs. But to get the full experience of Cuba, old Havana is a must. Plus the hotel is very charming with rocking chairs in the balcony - great for a morning coffee or a night cap. Overall we had a great stay and would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Richard on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you so much, did you find the place to by present for yours friends?Best regards

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Large aircon rooms in Old Havana.
The host was excellent making us a cocktail whilst we were checking in. The Hostal is between the main square and the capital building so there are lots of restaurants nearby. The room is large and cool and the balcony was open for drinks/breakfast and all times in between. You need to be aware that the room has shutters but no windows so all sounds filter into the room. If you are a heavy sleeper then this is fine but if you are a light sleeper, be aware that street music can play through the night and on the night I was there, it went on until 3am.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Richard on 5 Sep 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Euris

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it, great staff. Todos fueron súper amables y muy servicial. Definitivamente recomiendo este lugar.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Richard on 15 Aug 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

8/10 Good

Hiroko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We are pleased by the hotel staff... very friendly and attentive. Welcome drinks (when we arrived) and breakfast service were very nice, especially we loved delicious breakfast! Location was perfect walking distance to main attractions. Havana on a whole is a loud city so be prepared if you sleep softly. Overall a great place I would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Richard on 1 Aug 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Richard on 11 Jul 2023
Thank you very much for your review, Anthony.

8/10 Good

Sandra

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Richard on 17 Jul 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

alma

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Such a nice place to stay in Old Habana, Esteban and Jesus are awesome people! We definitely will come back to this place.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from Richard on 5 Jun 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Richard on 30 May 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Gzim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from Richard on 7 May 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Richard on 19 May 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is situated in the heart of old Havana and gives a very real feel of Havana. The hotel itself is a fabulous, eccentric building with a wonderful bar/ cafe and rooftop. The staff are amazing, Havana is a quirky place to visit and they do everything to help you navigate it. We had a marvellous stay and will return.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Richard on 19 Apr 2023
Thank you very much for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff and service.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Richard on 14 Apr 2023
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best hostal in old Havana
We had a great trip and everyone at the hotel was fantastic. They set up an old car tour of the city along with taxi rides to and from the airport. The location felt very safe and we walked through the old town until 11pm with no issues. Breakfast was great with fruit, bread, eggs, juice and desert, and the views of the city from the patio were fantastic. They also helped arrange a day beach trip to Varadero, and it was great to get outside Havana to see more of the country. We were only able to spend 2 days in the country, but will be back and will stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Richard on 11 Apr 2023
Thank you very much for your review, you are going to be more than welcome. Thank you.