Up till recently, discerning visitors have bemoaned the lack of a really luxurious hotel in Havana. The Saratoga, which opened in November 2005, has rectified the situation. Standing on the western edge of the Historical Centre of the city, its elegant façade overlooks the other nineteenth—century architectural glories of the Prado and Parque Central.

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Up till recently, discerning visitors have bemoaned the lack of a really luxurious hotel in Havana. The Saratoga, which opened in November 2005, has rectified the situation. Standing on the western edge of the Historical Centre of the city, its elegant façade overlooks the other nineteenth—century architectural glories of the Prado and Parque Central.

The Saratoga is really the coolest. It´s got a Mudejar—inspired restaurant, a Maugham-ish courtyard bar, the city´s best rooftop pool and a mountain mural behind the bar which, with a multicolored light display, is the last word in trendy urban kitsch.

The rooms are fabulous, many of which have long cushioned window seats from which to watch the frenetic local street life in air-conditioned bliss. Modern touches include extra-comfortable beds and power showers.

Hotel NH Parque Central is a luxury 5-star hotel within touching distance of the old town. surrounded by numerous famous buildings, such as the Capitolio, The García Lorca Theatre and the Museum of Modern Arts. Inside, the hotel is very welcoming, professional and comfortable and combines the elegance of colonial style with modern services (including the best wi-fi in town). It is strongly favored by repeat business visitors to Havana.

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Hotel NH Parque Central is a luxury 5-star hotel within touching distance of the old town. surrounded by numerous famous buildings, such as the Capitolio, The García Lorca Theatre and the Museum of Modern Arts. Inside, the hotel is very welcoming, professional and comfortable and combines the elegance of colonial style with modern services (including the best wi-fi in town). It is strongly favored by repeat business visitors to Havana.

There´s a small but excellent gym and the rooftop pool, which has fabulous views of the city, is a blessing during the hotter months, when swifts swoop down to drink the water as you swim and sup a fresh frozen daiquiri.

The low—key, high-quality style of the rooms (ask for one overlooking the park; most have balconies) is defined by heavy wood furniture, earth tones and crystal stemware at the minibar.

In a central intersection of Vedado neighborhood, at one side of Havana´s famous waterfront avenue, the Malecón, with a beautiful view of the ocean and the city, rises Hotel Meliá Cohíba, the capital´s preferred five-star business hotel. Architecturally this 22-storey glass and concrete behemoth is often derided as blight on the city skyline.

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In a central intersection of Vedado neighborhood, at one side of Havana´s famous waterfront avenue, the Malecón, with a beautiful view of the ocean and the city, rises Hotel Meliá Cohíba, the capital´s preferred five-star business hotel. Architecturally this 22-storey glass and concrete behemoth is often derided as blight on the city skyline. Certainly it does not blend in, and in many ways this is its attraction. Rather than integrating to Cuba it is, in many ways an oasis away from Cuba.

From the wi-fi in the lobby to the translation services at the hopped—up business centre, and hip fusion restaurant everything here is geared towards the upscale traveler.
The swimming pool is one of the best in the city, the gym well equipped and even a small squash court is provided. There are several restaurants which rank among the city´s best.

The small standard rooms are no—nonsense international hotel style, with data ports, writing tablets, robes and lots of earth tones. The suites add value in all sorts of ways with jacuzzi tubs, cordless phones, turn-down service and nice details like silk flowers and complimentary magazines.

The Nacional is a magnificent hotel, fully deserving the ranking that places it amongst the world´s best. It is Havana´s signature hotel soaked in history which you will tangibly feel as soon as you are ushered into the South-of-Spain inspired lobby with its mosaics, deep leather couches, chandeliers and precious hardwood ceilings.

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The Nacional is a magnificent hotel, fully deserving the ranking that places it amongst the world´s best. It is Havana´s signature hotel soaked in history which you will tangibly feel as soon as you are ushered into the South-of-Spain inspired lobby with its mosaics, deep leather couches, chandeliers and precious hardwood ceilings.

This is a seriously happening hangout spot and for many expatriates and visitors alike there is at least one excuse to visit every day even if you are not staying (the wonderful gardens, nightly cabaret, efficient money changing facilities and lively pool being the most common).

Service does not quite meet the mark and while the ambience is five-star, you should beware that were you to order a dry martini with a rocket and walnut salad delivered to your room in the early hours of the morning, you will be met with a bemused shrug. Indeed attracting a waiter´s attention in the gorgeous garden terrace can be somewhat challenging at times.

Food is a real letdown, especially the breakfast buffet and the overly pompous main dining room. We like the relaxed grill out in the garden.

Rooms are decidedly mixed. For some, the standard rooms are decidedly shabby and a big disappointment. For others, especially those who have shelled out the extra for the executive floor, the down-to-earth style with original built-in wooden closets add to the overall appeal. We probably tend towards the former view although there are ever present rumors of remodeling.

This plush hotel really is one of the very best in Cuba. It is located opposite the ever expanding Miramar trade center and subsequently has a largely business clientele. While there is a lot of marble there is also slightly more greenery than its twin the Melia Cohiba in Vedado and this adds a pleasant touch.

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This plush hotel really is one of the very best in Cuba. It is located opposite the ever expanding Miramar trade center and subsequently has a largely business clientele. While there is a lot of marble there is also slightly more greenery than its twin the Melia Cohiba in Vedado and this adds a pleasant touch. Very efficient and with a full range of services this is a good quality 5 star hotel well run by the Melia group.

Wi-fi service is excellent and the swimming pool one of the best in the capital which makes it a good up-market option for families. Several of the restaurants including an excellent pizzeria and Japanese are some of the best in the city.

Although far from Havana’s main action, this hotel’s seaside location affords excellent light and views - 80% of rooms overlook ocean; 100‰ have terraces—plus air you can actually breathe without inhaling exhaust. Even the standard rooms are sprawling and well—appointed, with comfy terrace furniture, fine art, plush and abundant towels and robes and firm mattresses. There’s value in stepping up to a junior suite, where the bed faces a wall of glass leading on to one of two terraces.

Unequivocally geared toward the business traveler, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of the Miramar Trade Center and close to several good restaurants—very handy, as food standards here fall short of the nearby Hotel Meliá Habana and far short of those of the much more upscale and appealing Occidental Miramar.

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Unequivocally geared toward the business traveler, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of the Miramar Trade Center and close to several good restaurants—very handy, as food standards here fall short of the nearby Hotel Meliá Habana and far short of those of the much more upscale and appealing Occidental Miramar. Otherwise its location offers few benefits for vacationing guests, who will need to rely on taxis (or rental car service) for sightseeing (other than the National Aquarium, across the street). It´s austere, almost fortress-like, post-Modernist facade rising over the craggy Atlantic shoreline belies the modestly sophisticated public areas within.

Cubanacán tries to position the Chateau Miramar as a boutique hotel, although it lacks the warmth of such and amenities here don´t rise to the level of those in several larger hotels nearby. That said, the 50 air-conditioned guest rooms on four upper levels were recently refurnished and now boast state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs featuring Internet, fax, and e mail options activated by your wireless keyboard. Impersonal best describes the furnishings, which are long past their primes. Yes, don´t be surprised to find a cigarette butt hole in your bed-spread. And don´t ask about those stains! Other amenities include mini-bars, in-room safes, and hair-dryers in the modern bathrooms with marble highlights. If you want an ocean view, opt for rooms ending 9 through 16. Better yet, spring for a few extra CUC for a spacious suite, with whirlpool tub. Alas, the construction standards leave much to be desired, and there are problems of ill-fitting joints etc. that no cosmetic refurbishing can overcome.

The Hostal Valencia was the first Old Havana mansion to be converted by the Office of the City Historian into a hotel. Originally constructed for Alderman Sotolongo, a member of Havana´s Town Council, a large part of the building had actually collapsed by the time it reached the head of the queue for restoration.

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The Hostal Valencia was the first Old Havana mansion to be converted by the Office of the City Historian into a hotel. Originally constructed for Alderman Sotolongo, a member of Havana´s Town Council, a large part of the building had actually collapsed by the time it reached the head of the queue for restoration.
Simple, yet very charming rooms are set around a central courtyard garden with lush tropical plants. Upstairs is definitely to be preferred. The big rooms have marble floors and soaring, exposed beam ceilings, and historic details like brass bathroom fixtures or antique phones. Beds are a little hit-or-miss.
This is fantastic value and an oasis from the bustle of Old Havana with the bonus of a nice tapas restaurant thrown in. Book early since this is generally full all year round. Highly recommended.

As close to a real Spanish tavern as you are likely to find in Havana, there are five rooms in this restored 19th century inn. Comfortable clean rooms make this a good option as long as you like flamenco, which plays nightly until 11pm. Indeed, one suspects that its clientele may be composed of those challenged by walking a straight line to their more distant accommodation.

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As close to a real Spanish tavern as you are likely to find in Havana, there are five rooms in this restored 19th century inn. Comfortable clean rooms make this a good option as long as you like flamenco, which plays nightly until 11pm. Indeed, one suspects that its clientele may be composed of those challenged by walking a straight line to their more distant accommodation.

The San Miguel is named after Antonio San Miguel y Segalá, an important member of Havana society who acquired it in 1913.
Its interiors combine grandeur with intimacy, sometimes to slightly eccentric effect, as in the sweeping marble stair which seems to have ideas above its station, shoehorned as it is into a rather small hallway.

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The San Miguel is named after Antonio San Miguel y Segalá, an important member of Havana society who acquired it in 1913.
Its interiors combine grandeur with intimacy, sometimes to slightly eccentric effect, as in the sweeping marble stair which seems to have ideas above its station, shoehorned as it is into a rather small hallway. From the roof terrace there´s a wonderful view of the entrance to the harbor and the lighthouse of the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro.

The 10 individually decorated rooms retain a rather fetching old-world feel and are very comfortable.

This comfortable 14—room little hotel, which shares some facilities with the adjoining Hostal Valencia, is housed in an eighteenth—century building which belonged to the family of Don Pedro Regalado Pedroso y Zayas, who was a “Comendador de la Orden de Isabel la Católica.”

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This comfortable 14—room little hotel, which shares some facilities with the adjoining Hostal Valencia, is housed in an eighteenth—century building which belonged to the family of Don Pedro Regalado Pedroso y Zayas, who was a “Comendador de la Orden de Isabel la Católica.” The Hostal Valencia has become so popular that it is often frustratingly fully booked, but the Comendador is, if anything, even better, and certainly quieter, although it is slightly more expensive.

The rooms are very comfortable indeed, and unlike the Valencia they have air conditioning—indispensable in the summer months. Highly recommended, whether you choose a high—ceilinged room on the upper floor or a more cozy one on the mezzanine. The right—hand back room on the top floor has a charming view of the Diana, Princess of Wales Garden and the ships coming and going in the harbor.

The Frailes reopened in 2001 within a few steps of the old St Francis Monastery in what used to be the residence of Marquis Don Pedro Claudio Duquesne in the 19th century. The friar theme is maintained with both the décor and the uniforms of staff. This is a quirky but popular place from which we have received good feedback.
Some of the rooms can be a little musty and most do not have windows (which at least makes it mercifully quiet).

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The Frailes reopened in 2001 within a few steps of the old St Francis Monastery in what used to be the residence of Marquis Don Pedro Claudio Duquesne in the 19th century. The friar theme is maintained with both the décor and the uniforms of staff. This is a quirky but popular place from which we have received good feedback.

Some of the rooms can be a little musty and most do not have windows (which at least makes it mercifully quiet).

This mansion, which was restored and converted by the Office of the City Historian of Havana in 2002 into the Hotel Beltrán de Santa Cruz, is only a moment´s walk down San Ignacio Street from one of Old Havana´s most beautiful squares, the Plaza Vieja. The other side away from the square is a different story with Old Havana´s crumbling edifices in full flow.

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This mansion, which was restored and converted by the Office of the City Historian of Havana in 2002 into the Hotel Beltrán de Santa Cruz, is only a moment´s walk down San Ignacio Street from one of Old Havana´s most beautiful squares, the Plaza Vieja. The other side away from the square is a different story with Old Havana´s crumbling edifices in full flow.
The 11 spacious rooms come only as doubles. This place is cosy and intimate, and the level of service comes highly recommended.

A delightfully small and intimate establishment in what was once the mansion of Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, Count of Villanueva, the leader of Cuban Creole society in the nineteenth century. A great favorite with cigar aficionados and useful for private weekend parties. One of Old Havana´s best cigar shops, with private humidors to rent, is tucked away in the old slave quarters on its mezzanine floor.

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A delightfully small and intimate establishment in what was once the mansion of Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, Count of Villanueva, the leader of Cuban Creole society in the nineteenth century. A great favorite with cigar aficionados and useful for private weekend parties. One of Old Havana´s best cigar shops, with private humidors to rent, is tucked away in the old slave quarters on its mezzanine floor. The suite overlooking the junction of Lamparilla and Mercaderes Streets is probably the most inviting hotel room in Havana.

The Florida opened in 1885 and swiftly became renowned as one of the city´s better hotels. It was restored to its original 19th-century charm in 1999 and has a lot of style. The Hotel stands on Calle Obispo, Old Havana´s liveliest street, currently being restored by the Office of the City Historian of Havana as the district´s principal shopping area.

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The Florida opened in 1885 and swiftly became renowned as one of the city´s better hotels. It was restored to its original 19th-century charm in 1999 and has a lot of style. The Hotel stands on Calle Obispo, Old Havana´s liveliest street, currently being restored by the Office of the City Historian of Havana as the district´s principal shopping area.

The entrance onto the bustling Calle Obispo is through a hugely impressive and imposing restored wooden door.

Service is professional but lacks some of the intimacy of other locals. The club downstairs can get quite lively but fortunately is well insulated so the sounds of salsa do not disturb.

All the rooms have high ceilings, but beware the interior rooms, which have compromised ambience by their lack of view. Decoration is thoughtful with many original details maintained and TVs hidden in furniture.

The sun-drenched plant—filled patio here is a welcoming and tranquil spot for a cocktail or coffee. Marble predominates. This place comes highly recommended.

The Raquel opened in June 2003 following extensive renovation work in the heart of Old Havana. Located in a wonderfully idiosyncratic building with a neo—Churrigueresque façade and tendrils of Art Nouveau wrought iron decoration, the Hotel Raquel contains further delightful design eccentricities including a vast stained glass canopy roof and a watchtower from which one can look out over the streets and squares of Old Havana.

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The Raquel opened in June 2003 following extensive renovation work in the heart of Old Havana. Located in a wonderfully idiosyncratic building with a neo—Churrigueresque façade and tendrils of Art Nouveau wrought iron decoration, the Hotel Raquel contains further delightful design eccentricities including a vast stained glass canopy roof and a watchtower from which one can look out over the streets and squares of Old Havana.

The hotel has one of the only (two?) Jewish restaurants in Havana. There is also a small gym.

Many of the 25 rooms have biblical names and are rather charming and intimate thanks to the detailed outfitting. Brass beds with fine, honey—hued linens, marble baths and both real and faux antiques lend them a luxurious turn-of-the-century feel.