2 Best Hotels in Peninsula de Ancon, Central Cuba

Its many colonial-style arches, columns, Spanish tiles, and pastel colors give this all-inclusive resort a Disneyesque look. Rooms have tile floors, small balconies, and paintings of Trinidad street scenes on the walls. About half the rooms face the ocean, most of the rest have views of a pool that's surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs. As is the case with many Cuban resorts, the main restaurant serves a mediocre buffet; the evening seafood beach grill is a better option (reservations are required).

This massive beachfront complex has the appearance of two hotels, and you want to choose the right section. Rooms in the main building are unattractive little boxes, the best of which have tiny balconies overlooking the sea. Those in the Módulo Nuevo—the newer, two-story buildings next door—are spacious, tastefully furnished, and have large balconies.

All rooms cost the same, so request one (with an ocean view) in the Módulo Nuevo.

The beach is a long, narrow strip of white sand shaded by thatched parasols in a stunning location on the tip of the peninsula. The restaurants are on the ground floor of the main building, next to which are a large pool, tennis courts, and other facilities.