Memories Miramar Habana

Memories Miramar Havana packs a big punch for its category, with features at an impressive scale, from the outdoor pool that's one of Havana's biggest to the extensive fitness facilities. It's an advertised four-star hotel that feels like it's vying to go up a category, and with further renovation it may succeed. That being said, it's still not quite four stars by international standards because of its room quality -- though guests who book one of the renovated Executive Floor rooms may feel that it deserves its rating. The hotel was purpose-built in 2000 and has a big marble lobby with checkered marble tile and columns, potted plants, and a central fountain. It's a bit dated but still impressive, and live piano music performed here in the evenings contributes to the mature, grown-up vibe. It feels formal, and is not the type of place where guests can traipse through in their bathing suits after a dip in the pool -- there's even a sign warning them that swimwear is prohibited. The Memories looks and feels like the big corporate hotel that it is; it also does draw some tour groups (who can use the free shuttle service to sightsee in Old Havana). We didn't notice any families but they are certainly welcome. According to the hotel, most guests hail from Asia, Latin America, and Germany. It has a fair amount of celebrity cachet, with a wall of fame to prove it, during our late 2015 visit the Princess Charlotte of Monaco had just stayed. The Melia Habana has a more impressive celebrity roster, not surprising given its higher prices.The building itself is approximately X-shaped, with the front of the X facing the sea and the back facing the pool. It is five stories tall, and though not as tall as the Melia or H10 Panorama nearby, or as near the sea, the views here still impress, especially from the higher floors. 

Memories Miramar is in the safe, residential, and upscale Miramar neighborhood, where many foreign embassies are located. It has a big driveway located on a busy road, a block away from both the Melia Habana and H10 Panorama. It's practically across the street from the Miramar Trade Center (this proximity is why many business travelers choose to stay here), though the most direct route on foot may require some jaywalking. It's a 15-minute walk to the Galeria Comercial Comodoro, a shopping mall (the road to it runs by a construction site and the Melia Habana, and the entrance is at the end near the sea). - Five-minute walk to Iglesia de Jesús de Miramar

• 15-minute walk to the National Aquarium
• Five-minute drive to National Circus
• Seven-minute drive to the Malecon
• 20-minute drive to Old Havana
• 30-minute drive to José Martí International Airport

The rooms at Memories Miramar range from dated and mid-range to upscale and minimalist, and renovations are ongoing. Standard Rooms have cheerful Caribbean color schemes of mustard yellow and blue, with attractive details such as borders of painted tiles on the floor, but the look is dated and they are showing wear. The rooms on the Executive Floors, by contrast, are stylish and minimalist, with modern beds and bedding and streamlined furniture; some have tile floors (with a bit of dirty tile grout), others have carpet. Standard and Deluxe Rooms are on the first through third floors, and Standard Executive Rooms, Junior Suites, and Senior Suites are on the fourth and fifth. The Executive Floors get Wi-Fi, as well as access to a lounge with terrific ocean views where an exclusive free breakfast is served. All rooms can fit up to three guests (two adults and one child) and typically have two single beds that can be pushed together to form a queen (only the Senior Suite has a king). Most bathrooms are tiled with shower-tub combos, but all of the Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and four Standard Executive Rooms have separate jetted tubs. Senior Suites do not, but they do have a separate half bath. Amenities include minibars, coffee/tea makers, safes, irons and ironing boards, flat-screen TVs with around 40 channels (in languages including English, Italian, German, French, and Chinese), and AC. Plugs are 220 volts. About half of the rooms face the ocean, and half overlook the pool. 

The most notable feature at Memories Miramar is its massive outdoor pool, which is one of the largest in Havana (the one at the pricier Melia Habana is a tad larger). It is tiered, with a sloped shallow area (nice for kids) flowing down to a separate shallow pool, and a bar in the center dividing the pool into two sides. There's a volleyball net, lots of loungers, and pergolas or little tent-like coverings for shade (but no umbrellas). During our visit Latin music played quietly; there were almost no guests, as most leisure travelers spend their days in Old Havana sightseeing. After 6 p.m. when they return the pool scene can pick up a bit, but only for a short while, as the bar closes at 7 p.m. Both the lobby bar and snack bar have outdoor seating areas facing the pool. Fitness facilities are extensive, and include six tennis courts (the most of any Havana hotel -- though guests must bring their own racquets), squash courts (rare for Havana), and a big, mirrored air-conditioned fitness center that was very busy during our visit, with six treadmills, nearly 10 standing bikes, free weights, and strength training machines. Dining options include a la carte restaurant El Patio, which serves international and Creole dishes for lunch and dinner. There is also a snack bar restaurant. The lobby bar is open 24/7 and the buffet restaurant is massive, accommodating up to 300 guests; breakfast here is included, and both half- and full-board rates are offered. Wi-Fi is available in the common spaces, in the Executive Floor lounge, and in the Executive Floor rooms for a fee. There are also a business center and four meeting rooms that can fit 10 to 180 people; the hotel hosts lots of events and weddings. A lobby store sells cigars and rum, and currency exchange is offered on-site.