The Santa Isabel is the grandest of Old Havana´s hotels, and its location is perfect: it stands on the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas, Havana´s earliest and most beautiful colonial square. The building is an eighteenth century mansion which was constructed for the Countess of San Juan de Jaruco but was later bought by the Count of Santovenia. It was converted to a hotel in the late nineteenth century.

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The Santa Isabel is the grandest of Old Havana´s hotels, and its location is perfect: it stands on the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas, Havana´s earliest and most beautiful colonial square. The building is an eighteenth century mansion which was constructed for the Countess of San Juan de Jaruco but was later bought by the Count of Santovenia. It was converted to a hotel in the late nineteenth century.

The Santa Isabel courtyard is full of plants and echoes to the gentle splashing of its central fountain, and the mahogany and leather planters´ chairs there are fatally comfortable#8212;indeed they can be virtually impossible to get out of after a few mojitos.

The rooms at the Santa Isabel Hotel all overlook the Plaza de Armas with the exception of a few side rooms which have disappointing views and should be avoided. The Santovenia Suite is the grandest and most spacious. The spacious beautiful balconies are a real plus.

The size of this mansion is not to everyone´s taste as this reduces intimacy. Furthermore the lack of truly modern facilities or a decent breakfast diminish its real 5 star grade.

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.

The latest colonial—era offering from Hoteles Habaguanex, this gracious hotel (opened in March 2008) occupies an 18th—century mansion built for the Marqués de Prado Ameno. Backing up to the popular and elegant Hotel Florida, this smaller boutique hotel offers greater intimacy.

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The latest colonial—era offering from Hoteles Habaguanex, this gracious hotel (opened in March 2008) occupies an 18th—century mansion built for the Marqués de Prado Ameno. Backing up to the popular and elegant Hotel Florida, this smaller boutique hotel offers greater intimacy. Its plain exterior on Calle O´Reilly belies the aristocratic beauty beyond the huge carriage doors, where airy loggias held aloft by arches of local limestone surround an atrium courtyard framed by lathe—turned rejas (grills) on the upper level.

Delightful touches include the original black and white marble floors, pendulous wrought—iron lanterns, and fragments of ancient murals adorning the walls, while relics discovered during archaeological digs grace the guest rooms and public spaces. And a thoughtful color scheme of rose and robins—eggshell—blue produces satisfying sensations of calm. A highlight is the old—style tavern that opens directly onto Calle O´Reilly.

We love the 16 standard rooms and three suites (with Internet modems), including some dedicated as non—smoking. No tacky furnishings here! Mahogany antique reproductions stand atop marble floors, and the modernized bathrooms are elegantly fitted out. All are air—conditioned and have satellite TVs, phones, minibars, in—room safes, and hair—dryers. All in all, a lovely place!

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.

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.

Much is made of Ernest Hemingway´s predilection for staying at the Hotel Ambos Mundos. He wrote the first few chapters of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” in room 551, which is now maintained as something of a shrine. Given the constant stream of tourists this is difficult to get away from and may become somewhat grating.

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Much is made of Ernest Hemingway´s predilection for staying at the Hotel Ambos Mundos. He wrote the first few chapters of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” in room 551, which is now maintained as something of a shrine. Given the constant stream of tourists this is difficult to get away from and may become somewhat grating.

The rooms are rather plain and a little to the beige side for our liking. Furthermore they are a little cramped and the balconies tiny.

The service is less-than-attentive by staff that seem almost perpetually overwhelmed by the visiting hordes. Having said that, the ground floor bar has cosy, squishy modern sofas and a great resident piano player.

The roof terrace offers some of the best views of the Plaza de Armas and environs and is a very pleasant spot for a drink.

The Hotel Armadores de Santander (which means “Shipowners of Santander”) overlooks the port of Havana. The building´s façade, with its stone reliefs of the coat of arms of Santander surrounded by maritime motifs, is wonderfully evocative of the city´s seagoing past.While the overall building is quite impressive the ambience can be a little cold and impersonal especially compared to some of Old Havana´s smaller Habaguanex places.

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The Hotel Armadores de Santander (which means “Shipowners of Santander”) overlooks the port of Havana. The building´s façade, with its stone reliefs of the coat of arms of Santander surrounded by maritime motifs, is wonderfully evocative of the city´s seagoing past.
While the overall building is quite impressive the ambience can be a little cold and impersonal especially compared to some of Old Havana´s smaller Habaguanex places. Furthermore, the location by the docks isn´t Havana´s prettiest.

A number of the large, clean 39 rooms are split-level with an interconnecting spiral staircase. Other bonuses include a terrace bar, harbor—facing balconies and an atmospheric lobby furnished with a clutch of old—fashioned leather couches.

The Hotel Palacio O´Farrill is a terrifically grand neoclassical mansion standing on the corner of Cuba and Chacon Streets near the port of Havana. Its owner, Don Ricardo O´Farrill y O´Daly, made his fortune in the slave trade and owned several large sugar mills. The entrance hall of his house is almost ludicrously impressive, with a toweringly high ceiling and vast iron—studded polished door.

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The Hotel Palacio O´Farrill is a terrifically grand neoclassical mansion standing on the corner of Cuba and Chacon Streets near the port of Havana. Its owner, Don Ricardo O´Farrill y O´Daly, made his fortune in the slave trade and owned several large sugar mills. The entrance hall of his house is almost ludicrously impressive, with a toweringly high ceiling and vast iron—studded polished door.

The Palacio reopened in 2002 with each floor reflecting a different period: the first floor is 18th century in style; the second incorporates 19th-century elements; and the third-floor rooms have a modern, 20th-century look.

Firm mattresses and well—equipped bathrooms with deep soaking tubs mean you can get comfortable in the huge standard rooms here without feeling like you´re in a museum. The suites are huge with balconies opening onto Old Havana streets. Nice touches abound such as coffee table books, antique lamps and cane rocking chairs.

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.

The Tejadillo was restored in 2000, and this establishment is situated in an old colonial house just one block north of Habana´s most well known plaza (Plaza de Catedral).
This is a rather eccentric establishment, with a curious though not unpleasant layout and an even more peculiar but quite useful range of facilities...

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The Tejadillo was restored in 2000, and this establishment is situated in an old colonial house just one block north of Habana´s most well known plaza (Plaza de Catedral).
This is a rather eccentric establishment, with a curious though not unpleasant layout and an even more peculiar but quite useful range of facilities. The warren—like floor plan is due to the hotel being composed of three restored Havana mansions dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The hotel´s two inner patios are a real oasis from the hustle and bustle of Old Havana.
Overall it is a good value option and 17 of the 32 rooms have kitchenettes, though some rooms facing away from the street are windowless.