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.
For leisure travelers who want to stay in Old Havana, the 96-room Hotel Saratoga is the best luxury option (and it's priced accordingly). The chic rooftop pool with great city views, upscale, stately rooms and plush suites, impressive art displayed throughout, swanky bars, free Wi-Fi (rare for Havana), and air of historic elegance help make this a top pick. Hotel Nacional is typically more affordable and has even grander common spaces, but it's not right in Old Havana and its rooms aren't quite as nice.
For leisure travelers who want to stay in Old Havana, the 96-room Hotel Saratoga is the best luxury option (and it's priced accordingly). The chic rooftop pool with great city views, upscale, stately rooms and plush suites, impressive art displayed throughout, swanky bars, free Wi-Fi (rare for Havana), and air of historic elegance help make this a top pick. Hotel Nacional is typically more affordable and has even grander common spaces, but it's not right in Old Havana and its rooms aren't quite as nice.
