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The Best Hotels to Stay at in Havana, Cuba

La Havana is the highlight of Cuba
La Havana is the highlight of Cuba | Photo by Alexander Kunze on Unsplash

The historic and atmospheric capital of Cuba is one of the finest examples of a Spanish Colonial city in the Americas. Not only does Havana provide an endless list of cultural attractions, but it is also renowned for its enchanting nightlife and surrounding beaches. In an exciting state of change, Havana holds a unique mix of classical and luxurious hotels; the perfect start off points from which to explore or to unwind and enjoy the local rum. We take a look at the top hotels in Havana, Cuba.

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Hotel Santa Isabel

The Santa Isabel is an impressive 18th-century mansion and one of the largest of Old Havana’s hotels. It is located on the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas (Havana’s earliest and most beautiful colonial square). The hotel provides an impressive view of the Plaza and is in the middle of the capital’s most popular spots.

Hotel Inglaterra

Hotel Inglaterra is the second oldest and most classic hotel in Havana; with its unique architecture it has been declared a national monument and is an important part of Cuba’s heritage. The interior is a mix of stained-glass windows, mosaics, Spanish heraldic symbols and elaborately worked ceilings, recreating the atmosphere of the colonial period.

Hotel Iberostar Parque Central

Hotel Iberostar Parque Central is situated only minutes away from Havana’s most memorable historic and cultural attractions. These include The Cathedral Of Havana, the famous pier, the walk of the Grassland, the birthplace of the cha-cha-cha and the square of weapons.

Saratoga Havana

This newly opened Havana hotel was built in the historic spot where the legendary Saratoga once stood. The interior is a mix of contemporary and classic design marked with neoclassical features; combining traditional material and elements such as wood, plaster, marble and iron, with the most modern technologies. Hotel Saratoga is on the edge of the historic quarter, known as La Habana Vieja, and overlooks the lawns and palm trees of Fraternity Park, standing opposite the Capitolio Nacional (The National Capitol building). On the other side of the park is the Partagas Cigar Factory of note.

Hotel Nacional de Cuba

A high-end and high-profile hotel in Havana, Hotel Nacional de Cuba was built in original Art Deco style in the 1930s. It has a history of famous guests including Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway. Located in the middle of the Vedado district of Havana, which overlooks the harbor and city, it is only five minutes away by car from the old town.

Hotel Terral

Hotel Terral is built in avant-garde style and located in Malecon Habanero. The interior of the building has been designed by a group of Cuban artisans, using black wood as a primary and predominant element. The building’s interior design aims to recreate nature and movement, consisting of light boxes with images of mangroves, rivers and fish lamps, making the space undoubtedly unique.

Hotel Florida

Located in the middle of Old Havana on the main street called Obispo, the unique Hotel Florida is surrounded by art galleries and museums and is very close to the Weapons Square. It first opened in 1885 and has gained an impressive reputation throughout its history. It has a unique, colonial-themed ground floor courtyard complete with caged songbirds.

Hotel Telegrafo

Hotel Telegrafo Havana is Cuba’s oldest hotel, having first opened its doors to the public around 1860. This was not long after the first telegraph station was established in the country, allowing guests access to national and international telephone calls and therefore putting its standards way ahead of its time. With its high ceilings and supporting arches, all in an eclectic style, it has the feel of a modern art gallery. It is located along Prado and Neptuno, only a short walk away from the seawall. The hotel sits right next to Capitolio Nacional and is close to the main colonial part of the city.

Palacio Del Marques De San Felipe Y Santiago de Bejucal

Vastly contrasting the baroque design of the Havana hotel’s façade, the aesthetic of its interior is minimalist making the building unique on the St. Francis Of Assisi Square. Hotel San Felipe‘s terrace overlooks the main square, which holds the Carrara marble-carved fountain Fuente de los Leones sculpted by the Italian artist Giuseppe Gaggini.

About the author

A Fine Artist and Editor, Eleanor Cunningham has always been fascinated by the world of contemporary art, specifically within the medium of photography. She grew up in the small cathedral city of Lichfield in the West Midlands before completing a BA Degree in Fine Art at Loughborough University. Eleanor was drawn to London to pursue a Masters Degree at Chelsea College of Art & Design and continues her studio practice, exhibiting regularly in exhibitions around the country.

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