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.