Pros

  • A 19th-century residence turned bed-and-breakfast
  • Havana hilltop setting wraps the place with panoramic views
  • Calm residential setting completely removed from bustle
  • A choice of spacious, comfortable rooms -- all beautiful yet unique
  • Pleasant outdoor pool surrounded by striped loungers
  • Delicious breakfast and lunch available (at extra cost)
  • Family run by warm, helpful husband-and-wife owners
  • On-site massage room, plus tranquil terraced courtyard
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Cons

  • Out-of-the-way setting requires cabs to reach attractions
  • No Wi-Fi (not atypical for Havana)
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Bottom Line

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. 

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

La Rosa de Ortega

Scene

Sprawling hilltop villa with vibrant grounds all overlooking Havana city

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. 

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Location

In La Vibora -- a calm residential area about 20 minutes from sites

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.

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Rooms

Fresh and immaculate with a refined-rustic feel -- differing in size, layout, and perks

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. 

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Features

Beautiful outdoor pool, massage room, delicious on-site restaurant, and relaxing grounds 

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.

See More Features

Things You Should Know About La Rosa de Ortega

Also Known As

  • La Rosa D'Ortega

Address

Patrocinio No. 252, corner to Juan Bruno Zayas. Víbora. 10 de Octubre, Havana 10500, Cuba

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

La Rosa de Ortega

Scene

Sprawling hilltop villa with vibrant grounds all overlooking Havana city

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. 

See More Scene

Location

In La Vibora -- a calm residential area about 20 minutes from sites

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.

See More Location

Rooms

Fresh and immaculate with a refined-rustic feel -- differing in size, layout, and perks

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. 

See More Rooms

Features

Beautiful outdoor pool, massage room, delicious on-site restaurant, and relaxing grounds 

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.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Full Kitchen

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.