There’s no shortage of atmospheric hotels in Havana, but finding one before you get there can be a challenge. This Blog offers an insider’s guide.
The Saratoga is the coolest hotel in Havana. Its elegant facade overlooks all the other 19th-century architectural splendours along the Paseo del Prado, including Havana’s exquisite opera house. It’s got Havana’s best rooftop pool and fabulous rooms, many of which have long cushioned window seats from which to watch the frenetic local street life. Address: Prado 603 esq. Dragones, La Habana Vieja.
Hotel Florida is a fabulous place with only 25 well furnished and spacious rooms flush with Italian marble. It was restored to its original 19th-century charm in 1999 and has bags of style. The entrance on to the bustling Calle Obispo is through a hugely impressive and imposing restored wooden door. The club downstairs (mostly salsa) can get quite lively but fortunately is well insulated so the sounds do not disturb and offer a good late night option. You are also very close to many Old Havana bars for an evening stroll or drink. Address: Calle Obispo #252, esquina Cuba.
Hotel Conde de Villanueva is 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 19th century. A favourite with cigar aficionados, it houses one of Old Havana’s best cigar shops. The suite overlooking the junction of Lamparilla and Mercaderes Streets is probably the most inviting hotel room in Havana. Address: Calle de los Mercaderes #202 esq. Lamparilla, La Habana Vieja.
Hotel Santa Isabel is a grand 18th-century palace that overlooks Havana’s oldest and most beautiful colonial square, the Plaza de Armas. The pretty central courtyard has a fountain which is often filled with fresh tuberoses. Some of the beds are pretty squeaky so it’s perhaps not the best place for nuits passionelles, but the cocktails are among the city’s best and we defy you to get up from the mahogany and leather armchairs in the courtyard after more than two mojitos. Stay in the Santovenia Suite for a serious aesthetic treat. Address: Calle Baratillo 9 entre Obispo y Narciso López, Plaza de Armas, Habana Vieja.
Hostal Valencia is a beautiful place with only 12 rooms. Simple, yet very charming rooms set around a central courtyard garden with lush tropical plants make this a great option if you can get a reservation. The best rooms overlook the bay and are real Alice in Wonderland territory with low ceilings, beautiful furniture and no shortage of ambience. Address: Calle Oficios #53, esquina Obrapía.
The Beltran de Santa Cruz is a restored 19th-century building, which was converted into a Hotel in 2002, simply oozes charm. This is a small boutique place on the corner of Plaza Vieja, a few metres away from the popular Austrian brewery. The rooms are light and airy and are set around a lovely courtyard. The neighbouring buildings are somewhat run down but this should not put you off. Address: Calle San Ignacio #411, entre Muralla y Sol, near the Plaza Vieja.
Located along the Malecon, Havana’s waterfront boulevard, the 16-storey Hotel Riviera looks like something out of 1950s Las Vegas or Miami, an airbrushed postcard taking one back to a very different time and world. Stylishly modernist, the building’s 50s look (and feel) carries past the revolving door entrance over to the grand lobby, whose original structure, furnishings and décor have been so well preserved that one wholly expects to come across a group of velvet-clad lounge lizards savoring mojitos and Cuban cigars or a group of mafiosos talking shop on one of the old-fashioned sofas.
The Hotel Nacional is a magnificent hotel, fully deserving its ranking among the world’s best, having hosted the likes of Churchill, Hemingway and Sinatra down the years. Unfortunately, the shabby rooms, patchy service and unexceptional food do not do justice to the general ambience. Savour the beautiful gardens, enjoy the history and relax by the pool, but don’t try and get a dry martini with a rocket and walnut salad delivered to your room in the early hours of the morning. Address: 21, Vedado, Plaza.
Source: Guardian.co.uk / Cubareserva.com