Havana Hotels - Blending The Past And The Future

Elegance, traditions, comfort and charm are some ofcombining traditional details with more
the qualities that come out when I think aboutup-to-the-minute amenities to ensure matchless
Havana Hotels, where modernity and old fashioncomfort for guests.
buildings blend delightfully.The Saratoga Hotel has a privileged location, in front
When deciding your Cuba destination for yourof the Capitol Building and the Fraternity Park, so one
holidays, make sure that the Cuban capital cityhas an amazing view of the prestigious Partagás
appears on the top of your list. This ancient city hasCigar Factory and Cuba's principal opera house, the
survived time with a special charm. Its historic centerGreat Theater of Havana. Plus, it has been renowned
was proclaimed World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982,by the frequent visits of well known personalities of
and it is a place that has managed to preserve all thethe cultural and social life of the island.
appeal of its colonial past.The Telegrafo Hotel is another marvelous example of
In this part of the city there are fine lodging options,Havana Hotels that have combined modern design
consisting of picturesque and cosmopolitan Havanawith colonial styles. Overlooking Central Park, this is
hotels, where the magic of the colonial architecturean authentic and luxurious hotel that goes back in
and the bustling surroundings make your staytime to remind us the paradigm of the hotel it used
unforgettable.to be during the XIX century. Its eclectic façade
In Old Havana you can discover traditional andhas evolved to a more contemporary style, decked
legendary hotels like Santa Isabel, Parque Centralout in blue. It has a lovely and big ceramic mural, in
Hotel, Saratoga Hotel, Telégrafo, Ambos Mundos,the form of a collage, showing elements of Havana
Conde de Villanueva and the Palacio San Miguel, justcolonial architecture. The fancy patio with a fountain
to mention a few.and its surrounding old ruins is just perfect for an
Santa Isabel hotel features a colonial flair of gracefulafternoon coffee break.
elegance that has always seduced travelers. SpaciousBut if you're following Ernest Hemingway' steps in Old
rooms decorated with a 19th century style, aHavana, then you should go to Ambos Mundos hotel.
gorgeous restaurant and a stylish central patio (aHere you can visit the famed novelist's room, which
very pleasant spot for an afternoon drink) are someis untouched since the day he moved to his
of the appealing facilities of this colonial mansion. Thepermanent residence. During his stay, in the early
attention to details is visible in this hotel, where1930's, he wrote the first chapters of his novel "For
unique masterpieces and original works by some ofWhom the Bells Toll", because he believed that this it
Cuba's best artists adorn the walls.was a good place to write.
The hotel has an excellent location, placed right in theThis Old Havana hotel stands out because of its
Arms Square, at the very heart of Old Havana. Youfascinating 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 admirefrom Havana Harbor and the seafront promenade of
Havana' monuments, the Bay, the city's imposingthe city (the Malecón), and very near to lovely bars.
fortresses, the colossal statue of Jesus Christ, LaIt's also enchanting the cozy atmosphere of its
Giraldilla (emblem of the city) and the Palacio de losrooftop bar-restaurant, which offers exquisite grilled
Capitanes Generales. Santa Isabel hotel is a small butfood. The views from the terrace are breathtaking!
exclusive hotel that has a catchy ambiance forFor cigar lovers the Conde de Villanueva Hotel is
couples and honeymooners.definitely a good choice. This charming and homely
On the other hand, if you lodge at Parque Centralhotel, the former mansion of the Villanueva Count,
hotel you'll have a great experience in a world classhas one of Cuba's best humidors. Sober, intimate and
facility. This is a prestigious and luxury 5-star hotel,peaceful, this hotel has a lovely and breezy inner
which combines a Spanish colonial style with thecourtyard, stained-glass windows of authentic colonial
ultimate modern services and amenities. A plus in thisbeauty and cozy rooms for a very pleasant stay. In
choice is the wonderful position of the hotel, which isthe Cigar House, you can taste cigars from the best
surrounded by numerous famous buildings, as thebrands and, if you please, a distinguished private
Capitol and the García Lorca Theater, renownedroom is at your disposal for this purpose.
for its excellent presentations of ballet. Within walkAnother cute Havana Hotel is Palacio de San Miguel, a
minutes are the Cathedral of Havana, the Armssmall colonial lodge with a great location that looks
Square, shops, museums and others. And if you justout over the magnificent Port Avenue. From the
step out of the hotel, you'll get to see a display ofterrace, you can enjoy a view of The Morro Castle
beautiful old cars from the fifties and the so calledlighthouse, as you admire the perfect blending of Old
"coco taxis" running through the streets.Havana meeting the Modern Havana. This elaborate
But what I like most of Parque Central hotel is thethree-story building, with distinctive and magnificent
rooftop pool, where you have a spectacular view ofwrought iron staircases and bronze and white carrara
the Caribbean sea and of Old Havana, includingmarble is truly a feast for the eyes.
exceptional views of Central Park and The PradoFor those seeking a picturesque option there is the
Promenade. You can also refresh yourself with a fewFrailes Hotel, an old monastery converted into a hotel
drinks or grab a snack at the bar/restaurant of thethat is, for many people, a good place to enjoy the
terrace that is also located on the top floor,sound of silence and meditation in the pleasant
surrounded by a tropical garden. It is a terrific placeafternoons of the old city. You can find it just a few
to relax.steps away from the majestic convent of San
Another top Old Havana Hotel is the Saratoga hotel,Francis of Assis and the populous Old Square. This
which was given position 24 in Condé Nast's Hotenigmatic inn has a welcoming copper sculpture of a
List 2006, among 60 best hotels worldwide, based onmonk at its entrance, inviting visitors to an imaginary
how hotels care about their guests. It is a stylishtrip to a medieval abbey.
building with a neoclassical/eclectic flair, speciallyYou already know some of the Havana hotels that
designed for those who want to discover the culturalcaptivate travelers during their stay in Old Havana.
and historical charms of the city, along with itsStill, there is more to talk about the Modern side of
nightlife. The interiors, designed by Europeanthis unique city of the Caribbean, so we recommend
consultants, are simple, spacious, elegant and chic,you to read our following notes.