Removed from the city center, the four-pearl Four Points by Sheraton Havana sits in the tranquil neighborhood of Miramar surrounded by embassies and an ecological park. The area has its advantages, such as ample space for a freeform pool that always seems to have open loungers. A free shuttle also takes guests to Old Havana in 15 minutes. Its 186 rooms, including eight suites, have lovely bathrooms and balconies, some with sea views. But the property does seem to lack Caribbean character, and some maintenance issues mar the otherwise upscale offerings. Travelers looking for a four-pearl hotel with more character closer to the city's main attractions could try the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
Removed from the city center, the four-pearl Four Points by Sheraton Havana sits in the tranquil neighborhood of Miramar surrounded by embassies and an ecological park. The area has its advantages, such as ample space for a freeform pool that always seems to have open loungers. A free shuttle also takes guests to Old Havana in 15 minutes. Its 186 rooms, including eight suites, have lovely bathrooms and balconies, some with sea views. But the property does seem to lack Caribbean character, and some maintenance issues mar the otherwise upscale offerings. Travelers looking for a four-pearl hotel with more character closer to the city's main attractions could try the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
The upper-middle-range Casa 1932 is a beautifully restored guest house unfolding like a treasure trove of Art Deco, Nouveau, and antique details all curated by Luis, the larger-than-life owner/host. Its three rooms, each with private bathrooms, are immaculately presented, curated with Old World flair. Categories (and rates) range from Economic, Executive, and Deluxe. Guests rave about the spectacular breakfast (which costs extra); the exquisite decor; the warm host; and the location in a calm, non-touristy residential pocket walking distance to museums, nightlife, and the Malecon. Overall Casa 1932 offers an authentic and unique Havana experience. Travelers seeking a casa stay with a pool could try La Rosa de Ortega.
The upper-middle-range Casa 1932 is a beautifully restored guest house unfolding like a treasure trove of Art Deco, Nouveau, and antique details all curated by Luis, the larger-than-life owner/host. Its three rooms, each with private bathrooms, are immaculately presented, curated with Old World flair. Categories (and rates) range from Economic, Executive, and Deluxe. Guests rave about the spectacular breakfast (which costs extra); the exquisite decor; the warm host; and the location in a calm, non-touristy residential pocket walking distance to museums, nightlife, and the Malecon. Overall Casa 1932 offers an authentic and unique Havana experience. Travelers seeking a casa stay with a pool could try La Rosa de Ortega.
The upper-middle-range La Colonial 1861 offers an authentic Cuban casa experience in a pretty private home, with a boutique-hotel vibe and artful flair. Its five rooms are spotless, comfortable, and full of rustic charm and Old World details, with soaring ceilings, stone walls, and handsome antique furniture. The peaceful Vedado setting is just two blocks from the famed Malecon, and restaurants and bars pepper the area. On the downside, this spot is set away from the sites of Old Havana, but it's also set away from their tourist crowds. The property's owner is also quick to offer tips on where to eat, drink, and go exploring. Guests love the calm residential locale, gorgeous presentation, warm welcome, and delicious (inexpensive) breakfasts. Travelers seeking a solid casa experience closer to sights could try Casa 1932.
The upper-middle-range La Colonial 1861 offers an authentic Cuban casa experience in a pretty private home, with a boutique-hotel vibe and artful flair. Its five rooms are spotless, comfortable, and full of rustic charm and Old World details, with soaring ceilings, stone walls, and handsome antique furniture. The peaceful Vedado setting is just two blocks from the famed Malecon, and restaurants and bars pepper the area. On the downside, this spot is set away from the sites of Old Havana, but it's also set away from their tourist crowds. The property's owner is also quick to offer tips on where to eat, drink, and go exploring. Guests love the calm residential locale, gorgeous presentation, warm welcome, and delicious (inexpensive) breakfasts. Travelers seeking a solid casa experience closer to sights could try Casa 1932.
The 55-room, lower-middle-range Park View Hotel is best suited for urban explorers looking for an inexpensive place to sleep. Its location, in the center of Havana -- just off the Paseo del Prado and walking distance to the Malecón -- can’t be beat. But overall, the hotel is low on atmosphere, with dim and uninviting public spaces. The one exception is the top-floor restaurant, a sunny perch where guests can enjoy a free breakfast and look out over the city. With dated furniture, rooms are rather unremarkable aside from their photos of Havana landmarks. But budget travelers that don't need oodles of features or a stylish veneer could find the Park View meets all their needs. Another hotel to consider could be the Hotel Telegrafo, which has slightly more features on offer.
The 55-room, lower-middle-range Park View Hotel is best suited for urban explorers looking for an inexpensive place to sleep. Its location, in the center of Havana -- just off the Paseo del Prado and walking distance to the Malecón -- can’t be beat. But overall, the hotel is low on atmosphere, with dim and uninviting public spaces. The one exception is the top-floor restaurant, a sunny perch where guests can enjoy a free breakfast and look out over the city. With dated furniture, rooms are rather unremarkable aside from their photos of Havana landmarks. But budget travelers that don't need oodles of features or a stylish veneer could find the Park View meets all their needs. Another hotel to consider could be the Hotel Telegrafo, which has slightly more features on offer.
Casa Colonial 1715 offers cozy, two-pearl lodgings in the center of Old Havana, just two blocks from the tourist-friendly Calle Obispo pedestrian mall. The neighborhood is rough around the edges, but as authentic as it gets for life in modern Havana. Each of the four rooms is clean and colorful, but basic, with only the essentials: ceiling fans, air-conditioning, small wall safes, and private bathrooms. The limited list of amenities is typical of the city’s many casa particulares (private home stays), including a small, common-use kitchen, free hot breakfast, a dining area, and a TV lounge. For the same rates, Casa Castellon offers similar amenities in a quieter location.
Casa Colonial 1715 offers cozy, two-pearl lodgings in the center of Old Havana, just two blocks from the tourist-friendly Calle Obispo pedestrian mall. The neighborhood is rough around the edges, but as authentic as it gets for life in modern Havana. Each of the four rooms is clean and colorful, but basic, with only the essentials: ceiling fans, air-conditioning, small wall safes, and private bathrooms. The limited list of amenities is typical of the city’s many casa particulares (private home stays), including a small, common-use kitchen, free hot breakfast, a dining area, and a TV lounge. For the same rates, Casa Castellon offers similar amenities in a quieter location.
A 19th century residence turned family-run bed-and-breakfast, upper-middle-range La Rosa de Ortega offers nine spacious, comfortable, and spotless rooms -- each with its own unique decor and perks. The property resembles a European villa set against terraced courtyard grounds with an appealing pool, pretty floral gardens, and a rustic open-air breakfast restaurant serving delicious morning spreads and excellent espresso coffee. Rooms span over three levels and range from a Standard hotel-style unit to an Extra Superior with huge private whirlpool, to a Penthouse Suite with a sprawling private terrace. Most guests appreciate the sanctuary-like setting that’s away from tourist bustle, but cabs are required to get virtually anywhere. Travelers seeking a boutique casa experience closer to nightlife and sights could try Casa 1932.
A 19th century residence turned family-run bed-and-breakfast, upper-middle-range La Rosa de Ortega offers nine spacious, comfortable, and spotless rooms -- each with its own unique decor and perks. The property resembles a European villa set against terraced courtyard grounds with an appealing pool, pretty floral gardens, and a rustic open-air breakfast restaurant serving delicious morning spreads and excellent espresso coffee. Rooms span over three levels and range from a Standard hotel-style unit to an Extra Superior with huge private whirlpool, to a Penthouse Suite with a sprawling private terrace. Most guests appreciate the sanctuary-like setting that’s away from tourist bustle, but cabs are required to get virtually anywhere. Travelers seeking a boutique casa experience closer to nightlife and sights could try Casa 1932.
Hotel Kohly Habana is a mid-range property located in a residential area outside the center of Havana. The 136 rooms here are simple and well-maintained, and almost all of them have decent-sized terraces. The spacious layout, cheap rates (and drinks), and multitude of on-site restaurants (including a 24-hour snack bar and a pizzeria) are enough to draw plenty of guests here, but the location outside of the city center and no-frills features puts some people off. Overall, it's a good deal for groups and families seeking a basic stay with plenty to eat and do on-site, and who don't mind hiring a car or fork out for cab fares. However, travelers seeking resort-like amenities who want to be in the heart of Havana would be better off at the Tryp Habana Libre.
Hotel Kohly Habana is a mid-range property located in a residential area outside the center of Havana. The 136 rooms here are simple and well-maintained, and almost all of them have decent-sized terraces. The spacious layout, cheap rates (and drinks), and multitude of on-site restaurants (including a 24-hour snack bar and a pizzeria) are enough to draw plenty of guests here, but the location outside of the city center and no-frills features puts some people off. Overall, it's a good deal for groups and families seeking a basic stay with plenty to eat and do on-site, and who don't mind hiring a car or fork out for cab fares. However, travelers seeking resort-like amenities who want to be in the heart of Havana would be better off at the Tryp Habana Libre.
