Havana Hotels: Blending the Past and the Future

Elegance, traditions, comfort and charm are some of the qualities that come out when I think about Havana Hotels, where modernity and old fashion buildings blend delightfully.

When deciding your Cuba destination for your holidays, make sure that the Cuban capital city appears on the top of your list. This ancient city has survived time with a special charm. Its historic center was proclaimed World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982, and it is a place that has managed to preserve all the appeal of its colonial past.

In this part of the city there are fine lodging options, consisting of picturesque and cosmopolitan Havana hotels, where the magic of the colonial architecture and the bustling surroundings make your stay unforgettable.

In Old Havana you can discover traditional and legendary hotels like Santa Isabel, Parque Central, Saratoga, Telégrafo, Ambos Mundos, Conde de Villanueva and the Palacio San Miguel, just to mention a few.

Santa Isabel hotel features a colonial flair of graceful elegance that has always seduced travelers. Spacious rooms decorated with a 19th century style, a gorgeous restaurant and a stylish central patio (a very pleasant spot for an afternoon drink) are some of the appealing facilities of this colonial mansion. The attention to details is visible in this hotel, where unique masterpieces and original works by some of Cuba’s best artists adorn the walls.

The hotel has an excellent location, placed right in the Arms Square, at the very heart of Old Havana. You can enjoy a fabulous view from its stunning terraces, decorated with beautiful stained glass, and admire Havana’ monuments, the Bay, the city’s imposing fortresses, the colossal statue of Jesus Christ, La Giraldilla (emblem of the city) and the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. Santa Isabel hotel is a small but exclusive hotel that has a catchy ambiance for couples and honeymooners.

On the other hand, if you lodge at Parque Central hotel you’ll have a great experience in a world class facility. This is a prestigious and luxury 5-star hotel, which combines a Spanish colonial style with the ultimate modern services and amenities. A plus in this choice is the wonderful position of the hotel, which is surrounded by numerous famous buildings, as the Capitol and the García Lorca Theater, renowned for its excellent presentations of ballet. Within walk minutes are the Cathedral of Havana, the Arms Square, shops, museums and others. And if you just step out of the hotel, you’ll get to see a display of beautiful old cars from the fifties and the so called “coco taxis” running through the streets.

But what I like most of Parque Central hotel is the rooftop pool, where you have a spectacular view of the Caribbean sea and of Old Havana, including exceptional views of Central Park and The Prado Promenade. You can also refresh yourself with a few drinks or grab a snack at the bar/restaurant of the terrace that is also located on the top floor, surrounded by a tropical garden. It is a terrific place to relax.

Another top Old Havana Hotel is the Saratoga hotel, which was given position 24 in Condé Nast’s Hot List 2006, among 60 best hotels worldwide, based on how hotels care about their guests. It is a stylish building with a neoclassical/eclectic flair, specially designed for those who want to discover the cultural and historical charms of the city, along with its nightlife. The interiors, designed by European consultants, are simple, spacious, elegant and chic, combining traditional details with more up-to-the-minute amenities to ensure matchless comfort for guests.

The Saratoga Hotel has a privileged location, in front of the Capitol Building and the Fraternity Park, so one has an amazing view of the prestigious Partagás Cigar Factory and Cuba’s principal opera house, the Great Theater of Havana. Plus, it has been renowned by the frequent visits of well known personalities of the cultural and social life of the island.

The Telegrafo Hotel is another marvelous example of Havana Hotels that have combined modern design with colonial styles. Overlooking Central Park, this is an authentic and luxurious hotel that goes back in time to remind us the paradigm of the hotel it used to be during the XIX century. Its eclectic façade has evolved to a more contemporary style, decked out in blue. It has a lovely and big ceramic mural, in the form of a collage, showing elements of Havana colonial architecture. The fancy patio with a fountain and its surrounding old ruins is just perfect for an afternoon coffee break.

But if you’re following Ernest Hemingway’ steps in Old Havana, then you should go to Ambos Mundos hotel. Here you can visit the famed novelist’s room, which is untouched since the day he moved to his permanent residence. During his stay, in the early 1930’s, he wrote the first chapters of his novel “For Whom the Bells Toll”, because he believed that this it was a good place to write.

This Old Havana hotel stands out because of its fascinating history and its beautiful eclectic architecture. It is ideally positioned, just a few blocks from Havana Harbor and the seafront promenade of the city (the Malecón), and very near to lovely bars. It’s also enchanting the cozy atmosphere of its rooftop bar-restaurant, which offers exquisite grilled food. The views from the terrace are breathtaking!

For cigar lovers the Conde de Villanueva Hotel is definitely a good choice. This charming and homely hotel, the former mansion of the Villanueva Count, has one of Cuba’s best humidors. Sober, intimate and peaceful, this hotel has a lovely and breezy inner courtyard, stained-glass windows of authentic colonial beauty and cozy rooms for a very pleasant stay. In the Cigar House, you can taste cigars from the best brands and, if you please, a distinguished private room is at your disposal for this purpose.

Another cute Havana Hotel is Palacio de San Miguel, a small colonial lodge with a great location that looks out over the magnificent Port Avenue. From the terrace, you can enjoy a view of The Morro Castle lighthouse, as you admire the perfect blending of Old Havana meeting the Modern Havana. This elaborate three-story building, with distinctive and magnificent wrought iron staircases and bronze and white carrara marble is truly a feast for the eyes.

For those seeking a picturesque option there is the Frailes Hotel, an old monastery converted into a hotel that is, for many people, a good place to enjoy the sound of silence and meditation in the pleasant afternoons of the old city. You can find it just a few steps away from the majestic convent of San Francis of Assis and the populous Old Square. This enigmatic inn has a welcoming copper sculpture of a monk at its entrance, inviting visitors to an imaginary trip to a medieval abbey.

You already know some of the Havana hotels that captivate travelers during their stay in Old Havana. Still, there is more to talk about the Modern side of this unique city of the Caribbean, so we recommend you to read our following notes.