La Rosa de Ortega

Perched atop Havana’s second highest hill, La Rosa de Ortega exudes a vibe of exclusivity from the get-go. The house itself -- a restored 19th-century mansion -- is dressed in soft sunshine yellow, stamped with an ever-so-subtle “La Rosa de Ortega” emblem behind skinny palms, and framed with a wrought-iron privacy fence garnished with fuchsia bougainvillea. 

Past the buzzer entrance gates, the house unfolds over three levels -- with private rooms scattered throughout. The property is owned and run by husband-and-wife team, Silvio and Julia, who are both multilingual. Julia tends to run the "front of house" offering a warm welcome and plenty of helpful local tips (in flawless English). Inside the main house, the common living area feels like a mini museum of Old World artifacts curated beneath an exquisite crystal basket chandelier. The sunroom out the back continues this vibe, with a more relaxed alfresco feel, and bi-fold windows frame three walls and fabulous city views. At such elevation, these views can offer a fresh perspective on the city and its sights. 

Outside, terraced courtyards with shady trees, pretty landscaped gardens, and a couple of classic old cars add to the property's charm, and the sky-blue courtyard pool gives a cooling oasis amid Havana’s humid temperatures. If guests aren’t out and about, they may be taking a dip, dining in the rustic and casual open-air restaurant, or taking time out in the courtyard. Ultimately, La Rosa feels like sharing a sprawling villa with a few other guests doing their own Havana thing. 

La Rose de Ortega is located in the residential neighborhood of La Vibora. It's a tranquil spot, but it's hardly walking distance to any of the city's major attractions. Old Havana's sights, music venues, bars, and general buzz are about an 18-minute drive, and the nightlife hub of Vedado can be reached in 15 minutes. Most sites are generally in around 15 minutes or so by car, so taxis or a rental car are most certainly required -- and staff will happily assist in this regard. Self-drivers can utilize on-street parking. Jose Marti International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute drive away.

Each of La Rosa's nine rooms reflects a contemporary look -- all beautifully presented, yet differing in their style, layout, size, and amenities. For instance, the Master Suite features a huge separate living area, kitchen, and romantic whirlpool room; while the duplex-style Penthouse Suite embraces a full-floor master bedroom opening onto a huge private terrace with panoramic city views. Categories available include Standard, Extra Superior Bedroom, Junior, Master, Familiar, or Penthouse Suites -- each of which sleeps from two to four. High ceilings, exposed brick and terra-cotta floors are common decor themes, and the minimalist approach to furniture includes a rustic blend of wood and wrought-iron pieces such as luxurious four-poster beds. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, air-conditioning, safes, mini-fridges, and soaps. Bathrooms are modern, vibrant, and eclectic with varying color schemes, white marble vanities, and either shower stalls, walk-in showers, or shower/tub combos, depending on the room. 

The beautiful courtyard pool is a highlight -- it’s big enough for laps and neighbored by deck chairs for sunbathing. A massage room is on hand for in-house treatments that can be arranged with management. Delicious breakfast, lunch, and espresso coffee are all available (at extra cost) in the rustic, open-air restaurant. Shady, terraced courtyard grounds are perfect for taking alfresco time out. There’s usually a classic old cab on hand to take guests from point A to B -- or taxis can easily be arranged with staff. Host Julia is multilingual (her English is exceptional), and full of local insight. There's no Wi-Fi on site, but that's not unusual for Havana, and the hosts can help guests reach a local hot spot to connect.