The upscale, 457-room Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the country's grande dame, with fascinating history, from a major mafia meeting in the '40s that took place on-site to tunnels in the gardens used during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The common spaces, including the lobby and the ocean-view gardens, are gorgeous, and the food impresses. Rooms are charmingly traditional if a bit dated for some tastes (and occasionally musty), but they're still among the nicest in Havana. Just note that Old Havana isn't within walking distance, and that the common spaces are often milling with tourists. Those willing to sacrifice the historic ambience here in favor of a modern look should consider the nearby NH Capri La Habana.
The upscale, 457-room Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the country's grande dame, with fascinating history, from a major mafia meeting in the '40s that took place on-site to tunnels in the gardens used during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The common spaces, including the lobby and the ocean-view gardens, are gorgeous, and the food impresses. Rooms are charmingly traditional if a bit dated for some tastes (and occasionally musty), but they're still among the nicest in Havana. Just note that Old Havana isn't within walking distance, and that the common spaces are often milling with tourists. Those willing to sacrifice the historic ambience here in favor of a modern look should consider the nearby NH Capri La Habana.
**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. Melia Jardines Del Rey is a family-friendly, upper-middle-range whopper of an all-inclusive resort that's spread out across sprawling beachfront grounds like a private island compound. Its 1176 rooms are spacious, with balconies and stocked mini-fridges. Classic Rooms are pleasant, although they show some wear. Suites up the style ante, with beachy wicker furniture and perks like hydromassage bathtubs. The white-sand beach with a cute thatch-roof bar, is without a doubt the property's best feature. The outdoor pools with swim-up bars are also a hit. While there are nine dining options and six bars, food reviews are mixed and many of the a la carte restaurants are open only for dinner. For couples seeking a quieter vacation, the adult-only Melia Cayo Coco offers many of the same all-inclusive features and similar rooms.
**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. Melia Jardines Del Rey is a family-friendly, upper-middle-range whopper of an all-inclusive resort that's spread out across sprawling beachfront grounds like a private island compound. Its 1176 rooms are spacious, with balconies and stocked mini-fridges. Classic Rooms are pleasant, although they show some wear. Suites up the style ante, with beachy wicker furniture and perks like hydromassage bathtubs. The white-sand beach with a cute thatch-roof bar, is without a doubt the property's best feature. The outdoor pools with swim-up bars are also a hit. While there are nine dining options and six bars, food reviews are mixed and many of the a la carte restaurants are open only for dinner. For couples seeking a quieter vacation, the adult-only Melia Cayo Coco offers many of the same all-inclusive features and similar rooms.
**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. Located on the site of a restored 18th-century mansion, Hotel Conde de Villanueva pays homage to the history of the Cuban cigar through its decor. It's central to many of Old Havana’s restaurants, shops, galleries, and historic attractions. The list of amenities -- including a lovely, but small, restaurant, a cigar bar, and a large, open-air courtyard -- is short, even for a three-pearl hotel. All nine rooms are equally historic and dated in terms of decor but they have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and optional hot tubs (though many don’t work). Credit cards are accepted here. For a bit more money, Hotel Ambos Mundos offers more sophistication and a stunning rooftop restaurant.
**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. Located on the site of a restored 18th-century mansion, Hotel Conde de Villanueva pays homage to the history of the Cuban cigar through its decor. It's central to many of Old Havana’s restaurants, shops, galleries, and historic attractions. The list of amenities -- including a lovely, but small, restaurant, a cigar bar, and a large, open-air courtyard -- is short, even for a three-pearl hotel. All nine rooms are equally historic and dated in terms of decor but they have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and optional hot tubs (though many don’t work). Credit cards are accepted here. For a bit more money, Hotel Ambos Mundos offers more sophistication and a stunning rooftop restaurant.
This 220-room upscale 19-story chain hotel is one of the most modern options in Havana, and is usually more affordable than the Melia Habana in Miramar. It reopened in 2013 after a 12-year renovation, and its decor is inspired by its 1950s roots. A lovely rooftop pool, cool bar, modern gym, stylish Italian restaurant, free breakfast buffet, and attractive, well-maintained rooms (half with sea views) help make this a standout option for the price in Vedado. Leisure travelers should note that it's about a five-minute taxi ride to Old Havana.
This 220-room upscale 19-story chain hotel is one of the most modern options in Havana, and is usually more affordable than the Melia Habana in Miramar. It reopened in 2013 after a 12-year renovation, and its decor is inspired by its 1950s roots. A lovely rooftop pool, cool bar, modern gym, stylish Italian restaurant, free breakfast buffet, and attractive, well-maintained rooms (half with sea views) help make this a standout option for the price in Vedado. Leisure travelers should note that it's about a five-minute taxi ride to Old Havana.
Melia Cohiba is an upper-middle-range high-rise property with a refined, business-like vibe -- right opposite the Malecon in Havana’s Vedado district. Its 460 rooms are clean, comfortable, sunlit, and most take in spectacular city or sea views. Rooms are fresh, contemporary, and chic on “The Level” floors, yet more conservative and dated on others. Standout features include the huge pool, top-notch food (guests rave about the breakfast buffet), cigar lounge (with evening jazz), and the seafront Malecon setting. Cabs are required to most sights, but there’s a free shuttle to Old Havana, plus plenty of dining and bar options located nearby. Melia Cohiba presents polished amenities and across-the-board consistency, which many travelers seek. However, it doesn't reflect much of a sense of place. Those seeking a similar option closer to sights could try Tryp Habana Libre.
Melia Cohiba is an upper-middle-range high-rise property with a refined, business-like vibe -- right opposite the Malecon in Havana’s Vedado district. Its 460 rooms are clean, comfortable, sunlit, and most take in spectacular city or sea views. Rooms are fresh, contemporary, and chic on “The Level” floors, yet more conservative and dated on others. Standout features include the huge pool, top-notch food (guests rave about the breakfast buffet), cigar lounge (with evening jazz), and the seafront Malecon setting. Cabs are required to most sights, but there’s a free shuttle to Old Havana, plus plenty of dining and bar options located nearby. Melia Cohiba presents polished amenities and across-the-board consistency, which many travelers seek. However, it doesn't reflect much of a sense of place. Those seeking a similar option closer to sights could try Tryp Habana Libre.
**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. The atmospheric, mid-range Hotel Telegrafo has an excellent central location, parked right at the end of Prado Street and looking toward the Malecón. It’s an ideal spot for sightseeing, and the Telegrafo itself could be counted among the area’s landmarks. It dates back to the 1800s and is famed as the first Havana hotel with telephones. Hints of that history are still on display in the hotel’s courtyard and restaurant. Its 63 rooms are simple but have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and some have balconies. A few maintenance issues are ongoing, like AC leaks, but these are common throughout Cuba. As an alternative, travelers could consider the Hotel Inglaterra, another historic property with a central location.
**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. The atmospheric, mid-range Hotel Telegrafo has an excellent central location, parked right at the end of Prado Street and looking toward the Malecón. It’s an ideal spot for sightseeing, and the Telegrafo itself could be counted among the area’s landmarks. It dates back to the 1800s and is famed as the first Havana hotel with telephones. Hints of that history are still on display in the hotel’s courtyard and restaurant. Its 63 rooms are simple but have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and some have balconies. A few maintenance issues are ongoing, like AC leaks, but these are common throughout Cuba. As an alternative, travelers could consider the Hotel Inglaterra, another historic property with a central location.
**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. The 427-room, upper-middle-range Memories Miramar is a competitively priced option with facilities to rival those at the more upscale Melia Habana -- a whopping six tennis courts, a huge outdoor pool, two restaurants, spa services, and a free shuttle bus to Old Havana four times a day (a 20-minute drive away). Rooms, however, aren't as nice as the Melia's; about half have ocean views but they are dated and worn -- except for the renovated rooms on the fourth and fifth (Executive) floors, which are more stylish and well worth the upgrade. Most rooms lack Wi-Fi, though, which many competing properties offer in all rooms.
**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. The 427-room, upper-middle-range Memories Miramar is a competitively priced option with facilities to rival those at the more upscale Melia Habana -- a whopping six tennis courts, a huge outdoor pool, two restaurants, spa services, and a free shuttle bus to Old Havana four times a day (a 20-minute drive away). Rooms, however, aren't as nice as the Melia's; about half have ocean views but they are dated and worn -- except for the renovated rooms on the fourth and fifth (Executive) floors, which are more stylish and well worth the upgrade. Most rooms lack Wi-Fi, though, which many competing properties offer in all rooms.
Located across from the lovely waterfront Malecón boardwalk, Armadores de Santander Hotel offers commanding views of Havana Port. The history is palpable in the property’s many original architectural and design elements, although some guests may find it too dated for their tastes. The three-and-half-pearl property has three small common areas: an intimate restaurant, a panoramic rooftop terrace, and a historical bar. All 32 rooms feature original design elements, plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning; some add balconies and seating areas. As an older property, maintenance issues are evident. For a bit more money, Hotel Ambos Mundos has similar amenities and a more central location on the Calle Obispo pedestrian mall.
Located across from the lovely waterfront Malecón boardwalk, Armadores de Santander Hotel offers commanding views of Havana Port. The history is palpable in the property’s many original architectural and design elements, although some guests may find it too dated for their tastes. The three-and-half-pearl property has three small common areas: an intimate restaurant, a panoramic rooftop terrace, and a historical bar. All 32 rooms feature original design elements, plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning; some add balconies and seating areas. As an older property, maintenance issues are evident. For a bit more money, Hotel Ambos Mundos has similar amenities and a more central location on the Calle Obispo pedestrian mall.
The budget Hotel St John’s has a central Havana address, right in the heart of Vedado. It’s a short stroll from nightlife and restaurant hub Calle 23, and easy walking distance from the iconic coastal stretch the Malecon. Many of the property’s 88 rooms and suites take in lovely city or sea views. However, they’re terribly dated, and they're prone to the odd maintenance issue. Sporadic hot water is a common complaint, and while some guests praise the cleanliness, others find it lacking. Light sleepers should get a room facing away from the street, but the top-floor nightclub may warrant earplugs, too. Probably the best thing about this place is the location; it's best suited to night owls seeking cheap digs with plenty to eat and drink nearby. Travelers seeking more on-site amenities could try Hotel Kohly.
The budget Hotel St John’s has a central Havana address, right in the heart of Vedado. It’s a short stroll from nightlife and restaurant hub Calle 23, and easy walking distance from the iconic coastal stretch the Malecon. Many of the property’s 88 rooms and suites take in lovely city or sea views. However, they’re terribly dated, and they're prone to the odd maintenance issue. Sporadic hot water is a common complaint, and while some guests praise the cleanliness, others find it lacking. Light sleepers should get a room facing away from the street, but the top-floor nightclub may warrant earplugs, too. Probably the best thing about this place is the location; it's best suited to night owls seeking cheap digs with plenty to eat and drink nearby. Travelers seeking more on-site amenities could try Hotel Kohly.
The upscale, 397-room Melia Habana has a firm place as one of the top handful of hotels in Havana, along with the Parque Central, Melia Cohiba, and Hotel Nacional. Its huge outdoor pool is the largest of any city hotel, many of the spacious, clean rooms have sea views, the 24-hour lobby bar is vast and elegant, and there are multiple restaurants, from a 24-hour cafeteria to a buffet to a formal Asian a la carte. It's a hub for business travelers as well as the occasional celebrity (Katy Perry and Mick Jagger both stayed here). Guests who upgrade to the Level get free Wi-Fi -- a rarity in Havana. Its Miramar location is a 15-minute drive to Old Havana, but there's a free shuttle.
The upscale, 397-room Melia Habana has a firm place as one of the top handful of hotels in Havana, along with the Parque Central, Melia Cohiba, and Hotel Nacional. Its huge outdoor pool is the largest of any city hotel, many of the spacious, clean rooms have sea views, the 24-hour lobby bar is vast and elegant, and there are multiple restaurants, from a 24-hour cafeteria to a buffet to a formal Asian a la carte. It's a hub for business travelers as well as the occasional celebrity (Katy Perry and Mick Jagger both stayed here). Guests who upgrade to the Level get free Wi-Fi -- a rarity in Havana. Its Miramar location is a 15-minute drive to Old Havana, but there's a free shuttle.