Residencia Académica Convento de Santa Clara (Cuba #610, e/ Luz y Sol, tel. 07/861-3335, fax 07/866-5696, reaca [at] cencrem [dot] cult [dot] cu, CUC25 per person, CUC35 suite, including breakfast), in a former 17th-century convent, is a bargain. It has nine charming, modestly furnished but well-kept dorm rooms plus some private rooms. However, the rooms lack air-conditioning and can be stifling in summer. A café serves refreshments.
Seeking silent repose in a real convent? Try Hotel Convento de Santa Brígida (Oficios #204, e/ Teniente Rey y Muralla, tel. 07/866-4064, fax 07/866-4066, brigidahabana [at] enet [dot] cu, CUC35 pp including breakfast), attached to the still-functioning nunnery.
Hotel Caribbean (Prado #164, e/ Colón y Refugio, tel. 07/860-8241, reservas [at] lidocaribbean [dot] hor [dot] tur [dot] cu, CUC33 s, CUC48 d low season, CUC36 s, CUC54 d high season, including breakfast) serves budget travelers. The 38 small rooms are meagerly yet adequately furnished in lively colors, with tiny yet pleasant bathrooms. There’s a simple bar and café.