13 Best Hotels in Havana, Cuba

Inaugurated in 1875, this is Cuba's oldest hotel and there's much to admire here—photographs of old Havana, intricate Andalusian tiles, the shield of Spain's Catholic kings behind the bar. Rooms are gloomy, but they seem more "real" than those in the glass-and-steel high-rises; Graham Greene stayed here when he last visited Havana in 1958. The ground-floor Gran Café del Louvre is a great people-watching spot, the roof-terrace restaurant has unparalleled views, and all the sights of Centro and La Habana Vieja are a short walk away.

Named for a mesón (tavern) frequented by Spanish sailors in colonial times, this hotel in the heart of the Old City has five rooms with every modern amenity and spotless bathrooms. The bar's nightly flamenco performances are worth a look, and the restaurant's Spanish cooking offers respite from Antillean fare.

It won't take your breath away, but this modern, all-inclusive hotel has acceptably furnished and equipped bungalows. It also has sports facilities, water-sport equipment for rent, a swimming pool, and kids' play area. Plus, it's on a beach less than 20 minutes from the city.

A vast complex overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the hotel is close to the National Aquarium and is a few hundred meters from the Miramar Trade Center. A lively colorful entryway leads to the reception area, which is lighted from above where hanging plants dangle. The property has three main restaurants and two pools. Rooms are pretty standard here but have lovely views. Book one of the Privilege Suites for the best vistas.

Although it's large, impersonal, and inefficient, the Riviera provides fantastic sea views and a large swimming pool. Rooms here look tired and in need of renewal. If you end up staying here, take comfort in the fact that Esther Williams and Ginger Rogers once splashed about in the pool and the notion that you're not far from some of the city's best music venues and paladares.

Although the bougainvillea-draped central patio is more reminiscent of Seville and Andalusia, the theme at this restored 18th-century mansion is really Valencia. Each room is named after a Valencian village or town—such as Jijona, Silia, or Alzira.

Request the Morella Room, which has a private rooftop patio.

Filled with beautiful colonial-style furniture and original ceramic tiles, the hotel makes quite an impression. Following the eastern Spain theme, the on-site restaurant is known (and named) for its paella.

This adults-only resort, now owned by the Memories hotel group, is one of Cuba's best. Located between the mountains and the sea, and just steps from the beach, there are activities aplenty offered including diving, snorkeling, volleyball, and basketball. Dining options include three specialty restaurants and one international buffet. The staff members are helpful, intelligent, and cheerful; the rooms are clean, and the beaches are impeccable.

There's something charming about the entrance way of the Plaza, despite its cavernous, tourist-packed hallways. Although the rooms aren't very distinguished and facilities have definitely seen better days, the early-20th-century Spanish architecture has inspiring overtones of pre–civil war Madrid. This hotel is no Madrid Ritz, but it does have all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay. It boasts no less than three restaurants and three bars, so you're never too far away from a decent meal or a mojito. Albert Einstein and Babe Ruth were both once guests of this grand hotel.

If the shady lobby bar and a refreshing beverage don't soothe your weary traveler's soul, then head immediately to your comfortable room overlooking the pool and the Straits of Florida beyond. The artwork in the traditionally appointed rooms is a nice touch, but we would hope for better quality furnishings in a hotel of this class and style. Step back in time at the hotel's restaurant, Chez Merito, which has a good wine list and serves delicious pizzas and pastas cooked by an Italian chef. The breakfast room next to the pool is bright and cheery, and breakfast is generous, enough to get you through to a late dinner in a nearby paladar.

A few blocks from the Malecón, this Gran Caribe hotel may be modest, but it has much to recommend it. One of Vedado's few intimate establishments, rooms are small but well equipped, the restaurant is passable, and you can't help but make a new friend or two at the pocket-size swimming pool. The Victoria's clientele tends to return faithfully, so reserve well in advance.

The setting for several episodes in Graham Greene's Our Man in Havana, this hotel is technically in Centro Habana but right on the edge of La Habana Vieja. Although it has a pleasant, club-like atmosphere and an appealing garden surrounding its swimming pool, the rooms are small and disappointing. Famous guests that once have stayed here include dancer Josephine Baker, gangster Al Capone, and the Spanish flamenco dancer Lola Flores, as well as Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros.