Opened in 2012, upper-middle-range Hotel Terral is unusually modern for Havana with its contemporary style and boutique vibe. Its 14 rooms and suites are huge with floor-to-ceiling views of the sea, reasonably priced minibars, and lovely big bathrooms (although a drain smell can linger). There’s no common outdoor area, but Junior Suites have expansive terraces. Guests love the large modern rooms, free breakfasts, sea-facing views, and the central location with plenty to eat, drink, and see nearby -- though Old Havana is a longish walk away. Also, traffic whizzing by on the six-laned Malecon can annoy guests at night, particularly light sleepers. Travelers seeking a boutique stay with a pool and no passing traffic could try La Rosa de Ortega.
Opened in 2012, upper-middle-range Hotel Terral is unusually modern for Havana with its contemporary style and boutique vibe. Its 14 rooms and suites are huge with floor-to-ceiling views of the sea, reasonably priced minibars, and lovely big bathrooms (although a drain smell can linger). There’s no common outdoor area, but Junior Suites have expansive terraces. Guests love the large modern rooms, free breakfasts, sea-facing views, and the central location with plenty to eat, drink, and see nearby -- though Old Havana is a longish walk away. Also, traffic whizzing by on the six-laned Malecon can annoy guests at night, particularly light sleepers. Travelers seeking a boutique stay with a pool and no passing traffic could try La Rosa de Ortega.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. Hotel Ambos Mundos offers some of Old Havana’s most beautiful and historical lodging, set along the tourist-friendly Obispo pedestrian mall. As a small, three-and-a-half-pearl property, there are few common amenities, but all are noteworthy. A large, rooftop restaurant provides free breakfast and panoramic views of Old Havana; live piano music in the lobby bar attracts constant crowds; and the Hemingway Room (in which the author previously lived) is now a unique, one-room museum that can be toured for a fee. Each of the 52 rooms is beautifully decorated and features air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and optional balconies. Armadores de Santander Hotel offers the same amenities and a water-view location for less cash.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. Hotel Ambos Mundos offers some of Old Havana’s most beautiful and historical lodging, set along the tourist-friendly Obispo pedestrian mall. As a small, three-and-a-half-pearl property, there are few common amenities, but all are noteworthy. A large, rooftop restaurant provides free breakfast and panoramic views of Old Havana; live piano music in the lobby bar attracts constant crowds; and the Hemingway Room (in which the author previously lived) is now a unique, one-room museum that can be toured for a fee. Each of the 52 rooms is beautifully decorated and features air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and optional balconies. Armadores de Santander Hotel offers the same amenities and a water-view location for less cash.
This iconic four-pearl property, originally a Hilton, sits in the thick of Havana's action -- surrounded by shops, bars, and nightlife on Calle 23, and five blocks from from the Malecon. Its towering 27-story stature allows for most of its 570 enormous rooms to showcase seemingly endless Havana views. Renovations have given the 1950s retro icon a sleek new vibe in common areas (following a 2016 overhaul), and Premium Rooms have an upscale boutique feel, while Standard units remain dated. Guests praise the three restaurants, free breakfast buffet, and overall quality of Habana Libre, but balk at the ludicrously marked up Wi-Fi. Travelers seeking a big, well-equipped hotel on the Malecon should try Melia Cohiba.
This iconic four-pearl property, originally a Hilton, sits in the thick of Havana's action -- surrounded by shops, bars, and nightlife on Calle 23, and five blocks from from the Malecon. Its towering 27-story stature allows for most of its 570 enormous rooms to showcase seemingly endless Havana views. Renovations have given the 1950s retro icon a sleek new vibe in common areas (following a 2016 overhaul), and Premium Rooms have an upscale boutique feel, while Standard units remain dated. Guests praise the three restaurants, free breakfast buffet, and overall quality of Habana Libre, but balk at the ludicrously marked up Wi-Fi. Travelers seeking a big, well-equipped hotel on the Malecon should try Melia Cohiba.
The mid-range Hotel Comodoro has a lively and twinkling past as a former casino during Havana’s mid-century boom, but today that sparkle falls a bit flat. It’s especially absent in the Comodoro’s 124 Standard Rooms and 159 Bungalows, which suffer from dated furnishings, smoky smells, and maintenance issues. But the lobby and the pool still have a touch of glamour, and the latter is surprisingly tranquil. There’s also a small rocky beach. But guests will have to take a taxi or drive to reach Old Havana’s cultural highlights. Travelers looking for a mid-range hotel with a more central location could try the Hotel Telegrafo, though it lacks a pool.
The mid-range Hotel Comodoro has a lively and twinkling past as a former casino during Havana’s mid-century boom, but today that sparkle falls a bit flat. It’s especially absent in the Comodoro’s 124 Standard Rooms and 159 Bungalows, which suffer from dated furnishings, smoky smells, and maintenance issues. But the lobby and the pool still have a touch of glamour, and the latter is surprisingly tranquil. There’s also a small rocky beach. But guests will have to take a taxi or drive to reach Old Havana’s cultural highlights. Travelers looking for a mid-range hotel with a more central location could try the Hotel Telegrafo, though it lacks a pool.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. As a former monastery, the three-pearl Hotel Los Frailes offers plenty of history and a healthy dose of religious-themed kitsch, right down to staff members dressed as friars. Beyond the tiny lobby bar, free hot breakfast, and loosely affiliated restaurant a short walk away, the best feature is its location near dozens of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions in Havana’s busiest, most tourist-friendly quarter. Each of the 22 rooms is clean but dark, and comes with the essentials of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee-making kits; some offer minibars and balconies. Pope Benedict XVI blessed the hotel during his visit in 2012. Although it’s a bit dated, Hotel Conde de Villanueva offers similar rates and amenities in a more dramatic, sophisticated setting.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, Americans are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. As a former monastery, the three-pearl Hotel Los Frailes offers plenty of history and a healthy dose of religious-themed kitsch, right down to staff members dressed as friars. Beyond the tiny lobby bar, free hot breakfast, and loosely affiliated restaurant a short walk away, the best feature is its location near dozens of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions in Havana’s busiest, most tourist-friendly quarter. Each of the 22 rooms is clean but dark, and comes with the essentials of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee-making kits; some offer minibars and balconies. Pope Benedict XVI blessed the hotel during his visit in 2012. Although it’s a bit dated, Hotel Conde de Villanueva offers similar rates and amenities in a more dramatic, sophisticated setting.
Ramiro’s House is a cozy, sun-filled apartment shared with the owner who resides in one bedroom, and rents the spare room to guests. It’s a modest budget option in a quiet residential area, walking distance to Plaza de La Revolucion, but otherwise well-removed from tourist bustle. Ramiro, a former English professor, is full of unbiased info on sights and culture which guests love -- although there’s not much to see or do nearby, so cabs (or long walks) are required. Guests enjoy the solid home-cooked breakfast offered for an extra charge, and the tranquil rooftop and patio. Travelers seeking accommodations that are a step up and closer to the Malecon can consider Aparthotel Casa Luis y Ada.
Ramiro’s House is a cozy, sun-filled apartment shared with the owner who resides in one bedroom, and rents the spare room to guests. It’s a modest budget option in a quiet residential area, walking distance to Plaza de La Revolucion, but otherwise well-removed from tourist bustle. Ramiro, a former English professor, is full of unbiased info on sights and culture which guests love -- although there’s not much to see or do nearby, so cabs (or long walks) are required. Guests enjoy the solid home-cooked breakfast offered for an extra charge, and the tranquil rooftop and patio. Travelers seeking accommodations that are a step up and closer to the Malecon can consider Aparthotel Casa Luis y Ada.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. This 317-room, 11-story hotel in Miramar is aptly named: Views of the ocean and city from its top floors truly are panoramic. It's a solid mid-range option, if dated and worn in areas, with a big buffet serving breakfast and dinner, an Italian restaurant, and a Caribbean restaurant. Rooms are spacious, if basic and lacking in style, but adequate for the rates. The Miramar location is near embassies but a 20-minute drive from tourist sights, though a free shuttle service to Old Havana is offered four times a day. Lines at the reception desk and waits for the elevator can be long. It's worth comparing rates with the more modern NH Capri La Habana in Vedado.
**Following new *U.S. State Department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. This 317-room, 11-story hotel in Miramar is aptly named: Views of the ocean and city from its top floors truly are panoramic. It's a solid mid-range option, if dated and worn in areas, with a big buffet serving breakfast and dinner, an Italian restaurant, and a Caribbean restaurant. Rooms are spacious, if basic and lacking in style, but adequate for the rates. The Miramar location is near embassies but a 20-minute drive from tourist sights, though a free shuttle service to Old Havana is offered four times a day. Lines at the reception desk and waits for the elevator can be long. It's worth comparing rates with the more modern NH Capri La Habana in Vedado.
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.