| nce, traditions, comfort and charm are some of the | | | | comfort for guests. |
| qualities that come out when I think about Havana | | | | The Saratoga Hotel has a privileged location, in front |
| Hotels, where modernity and old fashion buildings | | | | of the Capitol Building and the Fraternity Park, so one |
| blend delightfully. | | | | has an amazing view of the prestigious |
| When deciding your Cuba destination for your | | | | Partagás Cigar Factory and Cuba’s |
| holidays, make sure that the Cuban capital city | | | | principal opera house, the Great Theater of Havana. |
| appears on the top of your list. This ancient city has | | | | Plus, it has been renowned by the frequent visits of |
| survived time with a special charm. Its historic center | | | | well known personalities of the cultural and social life |
| was proclaimed World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982, | | | | of the island. |
| and it is a place that has managed to preserve all the | | | | The Telegrafo Hotel is another marvelous example of |
| appeal of its colonial past. | | | | Havana Hotels that have combined modern design |
| In this part of the city there are fine lodging options, | | | | with colonial styles. Overlooking Central Park, this is |
| consisting of picturesque and cosmopolitan Havana | | | | an authentic and luxurious hotel that goes back in |
| hotels, where the magic of the colonial architecture | | | | time to remind us the paradigm of the hotel it used |
| and the bustling surroundings make your stay | | | | to be during the XIX century. Its eclectic |
| unforgettable. | | | | façade has evolved to a more contemporary |
| In Old Havana you can discover traditional and | | | | style, decked out in blue. It has a lovely and big |
| legendary hotels like Santa Isabel, Parque Central, | | | | ceramic mural, in the form of a collage, showing |
| Saratoga, Telégrafo, Ambos Mundos, Conde | | | | elements of Havana colonial architecture. The fancy |
| de Villanueva and the Palacio San Miguel, just to | | | | patio with a fountain and its surrounding old ruins is |
| mention a few. | | | | just perfect for an afternoon coffee break. |
| Santa Isabel hotel features a colonial flair of graceful | | | | But if you’re following Ernest |
| elegance that has always seduced travelers. Spacious | | | | Hemingway’ steps in Old Havana, then you |
| rooms decorated with a 19th century style, a | | | | should go to Ambos Mundos hotel. Here you can visit |
| gorgeous restaurant and a stylish central patio (a | | | | the famed novelist’s room, which is |
| very pleasant spot for an afternoon drink) are some | | | | untouched since the day he moved to his permanent |
| of the appealing facilities of this colonial mansion. The | | | | residence. During his stay, in the early 1930’s, |
| attention to details is visible in this hotel, where | | | | he wrote the first chapters of his novel “For |
| unique masterpieces and original works by some of | | | | Whom the Bells Toll”, because he believed |
| Cuba’s best artists adorn the walls. | | | | that this it was a good place to write. |
| The hotel has an excellent location, placed right in the | | | | This Old Havana hotel stands out because of its |
| Arms Square, at the very heart of Old Havana. You | | | | fascinating history and its beautiful eclectic |
| can enjoy a fabulous view from its stunning terraces, | | | | architecture. It is ideally positioned, just a few blocks |
| decorated with beautiful stained glass, and admire | | | | from Havana Harbor and the seafront promenade of |
| Havana’ monuments, the Bay, the | | | | the city (the Malecón), and very near to |
| city’s imposing fortresses, the colossal statue | | | | lovely bars. It’s also enchanting the cozy |
| of Jesus Christ, La Giraldilla (emblem of the city) and | | | | atmosphere of its rooftop bar-restaurant, which |
| the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. Santa Isabel | | | | offers exquisite grilled food. The views from the |
| hotel is a small but exclusive hotel that has a catchy | | | | terrace are breathtaking! |
| ambiance for couples and honeymooners. | | | | For cigar lovers the Conde de Villanueva Hotel is |
| On the other hand, if you lodge at Parque Central | | | | definitely a good choice. This charming and homely |
| hotel you’ll have a great experience in a | | | | hotel, the former mansion of the Villanueva Count, |
| world class facility. This is a prestigious and luxury | | | | has one of Cuba’s best humidors. Sober, |
| 5-star hotel, which combines a Spanish colonial style | | | | intimate and peaceful, this hotel has a lovely and |
| with the ultimate modern services and amenities. A | | | | breezy inner courtyard, stained-glass windows of |
| plus in this choice is the wonderful position of the | | | | authentic colonial beauty and cozy rooms for a very |
| hotel, which is surrounded by numerous famous | | | | pleasant stay. In the Cigar House, you can taste |
| buildings, as the Capitol and the García Lorca | | | | cigars from the best brands and, if you please, a |
| Theater, renowned for its excellent presentations of | | | | distinguished private room is at your disposal for this |
| ballet. Within walk minutes are the Cathedral of | | | | purpose. |
| Havana, the Arms Square, shops, museums and | | | | Another cute Havana Hotel is Palacio de San Miguel, a |
| others. And if you just step out of the hotel, | | | | small colonial lodge with a great location that looks |
| you’ll get to see a display of beautiful old | | | | out over the magnificent Port Avenue. From the |
| cars from the fifties and the so called “coco | | | | terrace, you can enjoy a view of The Morro Castle |
| taxis” running through the streets. | | | | lighthouse, as you admire the perfect blending of Old |
| But what I like most of Parque Central hotel is the | | | | Havana meeting the Modern Havana. This elaborate |
| rooftop pool, where you have a spectacular view of | | | | three-story building, with distinctive and magnificent |
| the Caribbean sea and of Old Havana, including | | | | wrought iron staircases and bronze and white carrara |
| exceptional views of Central Park and The Prado | | | | marble is truly a feast for the eyes. |
| Promenade. You can also refresh yourself with a few | | | | For those seeking a picturesque option there is the |
| drinks or grab a snack at the bar/restaurant of the | | | | Frailes Hotel, an old monastery converted into a hotel |
| terrace that is also located on the top floor, | | | | that is, for many people, a good place to enjoy the |
| surrounded by a tropical garden. It is a terrific place | | | | sound of silence and meditation in the pleasant |
| to relax. | | | | afternoons of the old city. You can find it just a few |
| Another top Old Havana Hotel is the Saratoga hotel, | | | | steps away from the majestic convent of San |
| which was given position 24 in Condé | | | | Francis of Assis and the populous Old Square. This |
| Nast’s Hot List 2006, among 60 best hotels | | | | enigmatic inn has a welcoming copper sculpture of a |
| worldwide, based on how hotels care about their | | | | monk at its entrance, inviting visitors to an imaginary |
| guests. It is a stylish building with a neoclassical | | | | trip to a medieval abbey. |
| eclectic flair, specially designed for those who want | | | | You already know some of the Havana hotels that |
| to discover the cultural and historical charms of the | | | | captivate travelers during their stay in Old Havana. |
| city, along with its nightlife. The interiors, designed by | | | | Still, there is more to talk about the Modern side of |
| European consultants, are simple, spacious, elegant | | | | this unique city of the Caribbean, so we recommend |
| and chic, combining traditional details with more | | | | you to read our following notes. |
| up-to-the-minute amenities to ensure matchless | | | | |