Hostal Valencia

Centrally located, Hostal Valancia was built in the 18th century and has 12 rooms. The rooms have names rather than numbers and the best room is the main suite with an enormous double bed and a partitioned living room. Shuttered doors open onto small balconies at the front of the hotel overlooking the bustling alleyways. All rooms have private bathrooms and centre onto the courtyard.

Our Opinion: This is our preferred small and friendly hotel in the capital.

Hotel Florida

This historic hotel is in the heart of old Havana on Calee Obispo across from the Ambos Mundos Hotel. Originally built in 1836 as a residential mansion of the wealthy, this very romantic 40 room hotel was the former Palace of Tourism and has been completely refurbished reopening in early 1999. The restoration has been carried out quite beautifully and the hotel has a great restaurant and bar.

Our Opinion: A small and intimate base in the heart of Old Havana.

Hotel Saratoga

Famous for its gastronomy and popular Cuban orchestras in the 1930's, this legendary hotel has recently been restored and has now joined the ranks of colonial hotels in the city. Revamped features include a roof top pool and magnificant terrace with 270 degree views from north to south-west. The hotel has 99 bedrooms and 7 suites. There is a restaurant with a french chef and three bars including the roof top bar.

Our Opinion: For a real grand experience of Havana, this is the place to stay.

Santa Isabel Hotel

Without doubt one of the best hotels in old Havana and in a wonderful location on Plaza de Armas. Originally the Palacio de Santovenia, the Santa Isabel has only been a hotel since the middle of the 19th century and was renovated in 1996 to five star standards. There are only 27 rooms, the best at the front with views over the Plaza. The interior and courtyard are attractively decorated and there is a roof top terrace bar that overlooks river and square.

Our Opinion: A wonderful place to stay that is steeped in character and right in the heart of Havana’s Old Colonial sector.

Hotel Conde de Villanueva

This charming 9-room hotel was the mansion of Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, the Villanueva Count. It is located right at the historical heart of the city, surrounded by squares of singular attractiveness, museums and other facilities. Its homely atmosphere, breezy inner courtyard, spacious corridors and beautiful stained-glass windows combine to create an ambience of authentic colonial beauty, which perfectly harmonises with the most modern comfort. The hotel has very cosy and well-appointed rooms, named after famous Cuban tobacco-growing regions.

Our Opinion: A cool haven where you can enjoy the best Mojitos in Havana.

Cayo Levisa

A beautiful small coral caye off the north coast of Pinar del Rio, this island is known for its white coral beaches, thick mangroves, abundant sea birds and waters rich in red snapper, lobster, marlin and sea bass among other species. Accommodation consists of 40 simple small brick cabanas with thatched roofs. All have private bathrooms and a veranda. There is great snorkelling from here.

Our Opinion: One of Cuba's few low rise, low key beach resorts.

Moka Eco-Lodge

The 20 rooms in Moka are a delight. They are very simply but tastefully designed with wooden shutters, beautiful tile work and lovely terracotta pottery. All rooms are large, bright and airy with air-conditioning, TV, a fantastic balcony and a great bathroom where you can lie in the bath and peer out of a huge window at the scenery. The whole complex is wonderfully designed and a tree grows up through the lobby.

Our Opinion: A favourite with our clients, particuarly for the vegetarian restaurant.

Soroa Hotel and Villas

Soroa has a distincly 50's feel in its decor. There are 80 air-conditioned two room cottages with private bathroom. The forest surrounds it on all sides to create a peaceful and rural setting. This is a fairly basic but quite comfortable lodge. Paths lead to a miniature waterfall and a unique orchid garden, the biggest in Cuba with 700 orchid species (of which 250 are endemic to Cuba).

Our Opinion: This is an important ecotourism centre in its own right.

Los Jazmines

Situated on the edge of the valley, this hotel has stunning views over the fertile plains where the rich green tobacco leaves sway in the breeze. All 62 colonial style rooms have private bathroom and the majority have a view. Facilities include buffet restaurant, a la carte restaurants, 2 bars, shops, swimming pools (large pool overlooking the valley), massage, physiotherapy and horseriding. A very comfortable base.

Our Opinion: The best views in Cuba (not just us - Conde Nast say so too).

Hotel Mascotte

This charming nineteenth century 14 room mansion is typical of the beautiful Spanish colonial buildings that surround Parque Marti. It is the only hotel in this delightful town and is a great place to spend a few days enjoying the peace and quiet. Rooms are comfortable and although facilities are limited the hotel more than makes up for it with its charm and friendly staff.

Our Opinion: This makes a good base from which you can visit the unspoilt beaches along the north coast.

Villa Las Brujas

Set within a nature reserve on a small caye off the north coast of Cuba, this lodge has 24 simple cabanas each with an open terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean sea. There is a lovely walkway through the mangroves to a good beach and a restaurant serving fresh seafood. With two kilometers of pristine beach, there is a superb snorkelling and birdwatching. The atmosphere is laid back and unpretentious.

Our Opinion: Not for those looking for luxury but a great hideaway.

Union Hotel

The recently renovated and refurbished Union Hotel is located in the heart of the bustling city of Cienfuegos, just three blocks away from Prado, the main throughfare. There are 49 air-conditioned standard rooms and suites equipped with all the usual facilities. Some rooms have louvered windows that look out onto the street while others face inward into the courtyard and pool area. There is also a rooftop terrace.

Our Opinion: Elegant, cool, colonial chic with great views of the city.

Las Cuevas Motel

Situated on a hill just behind Trinidad, some of the 110 rooms overlook the picturesque valley while others have views of the town and sea. There are two swimming pools, a bar, disco (in a cave) and a restaurant serving buffet meals. The hotel is suitable for those without a car who wish to explore Trinidad on foot. It has been refurbished in 2002 and we have had favourable feedback from our clients.

Our Opinion: It is not the most stylish of places but in a great location for the town.

Hotel Ancon

Situated about 6 miles south of Trinidad nearly at the end of the Ancon Peninsula, this is an all-inclusive hotel (though Cuban style, so it is buffet food and local drinks only. For foreign brands you need to pay extra). There is a cocktail bar that serves an incredible range of concoctions and a cabaret every evening plus the obligatory disco.
There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a large concrete block on a reasonably nice beach. However it’s a great location and makes an ideal base for exploration.

Our Opinion: Considering there is little choice of any accommodation in Trinidad it’s a good choice if you accept it’s not your usual all inclusive.

Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad

Located in the heart of the town of Trinidad, this boutique hotel is a jewel of colonial architecture. It was founded in the 16th century and declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. The hotel has numerous facilities to make your stay luxurious including an a la carte restaurant and room service.

Our Opinion: A beautiful hotel.
 

Los Caneyes

The Hotel Los Caneyes is situated 5km from the centre of Santa Clara.  All the rooms are in cabins built in 1966 to resemble an Indian village. They have air-conditioning, TV and a private bathroom.  Other facilities include a swimming pool, cafeteria, restaurant and private parking. 

Our Opinion: An ideal base if you have a hire car. 

El Castillo

Built in 1770 in a fort above the town, El Castillo was originally built to keep the British out and served subsequently as a prison. It has colonial style rooms with lofty ceilings, terracotta-tiled floors and furniture carved from cedar by local craftsmen. The swimming pool has a spectacular view of the bay and El Yunque (the anvil shaped mountain). The surrounding area still has a notable Indian influence.

Our Opinion: The best located and most historic hotel in Baracoa.

Gran Hotel

An old five story building in the heart of Camaguey that really tries to live up to its name. Built in 1939, using an old 18th century residence, the 72 room hotel has long been considered the best in the city. There are great views from the roof top restaurant, and the cafe on street level has good coffee and plates of chips. The halcyon days of the Gran Hotel have passed but it is a special place to stay.

Our Opinion: This remains the best and most charismatic hotel in town.

Paradisus Rio De Oro

This elegant hotel is located right alongside Playa Esmeralda beach, in the Natural Park of Bahia Naranjo in the north-east of Cuba. This is one of the finest all-inclusive hotels in Cuba, with 300 rooms set in extensive tropical gardens. Overlooking both the palm shaded white sandy beach and a lagoon, the hotel boasts excellent standards, including three exquisite private beaches. There are plenty of activities for the more energentic.

Our Opinion: A great all-inclusive for those who just want to relax for a few days.

Casa Granda

This stately old hotel is in an excellent location with a roof top garden terrace bar that offers a great view of downtown Santiago de Cuba - great for a cocktail or beer. There are 55 rooms with private bathroom and 3 suites. The real star is the view of the Parque Cespedes and mountains. In a good position for the city's fantastic nightlife, local bars and Casa de Trova (house of music).

Our Opinion: The best place to stay in Santiago de Cuba.

Villa Santo Domingo

Located in the stunningly beautiful Sierra Maestra Mountains, the hotel has 20 basic cabanas with private bathroom. There is a bar and a restaurant specialising in the usual Cuban cuisine. The main reason to stay here is to hike up to the Commandancia La Plata, the headquarters of Che and Fidel in the early days of the Cuban Revolution. Very Cuban and very remote. There is no hot running water.

Our Opinion: Quite basic - expect pigs under the dining room floor!

Rio de Luna/Mares - Sol Club

The modern Sol Rio de Luna and Rio de Mares hotels are situated on Playa Esmeralda, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba, and have recently merged enabling you to enjoy their extensive shared facilities. Surrounded by jungle scenery, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural environment. Rooms have private bathroom, TV and balcony and are set in a series of two and three storey buildings.

Our Opinion: Everything you would expect from the Sol Melia Group.

Royalton Hotel

This colonial hotel was restored in 1996. It is situated in the heart of the town, next to the museum on the west side of Parque Cespedes. There are 33 air-conditioned rooms with telephone and private bath with hot and cold water. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour snack bar and an outdoor terrace to watch the world go by.A top tip in Bayamo is to eat out at the Hotel Telegrafo, which is a training school for the hotel industry.  The wine and food are excellent and the service can be superb.

Our Opinion: This is a basic property but the best available in Bayamo and in a good location.