10 Most Impressive Historic Hotels in Havana

Let’s start at the beginning, with the oldest hotel in Cuba. Hotel Inglaterra still radiates the same glamour and prestige it did when it was founded in 1844, as one of the crown jewels of Havana. This hotel played an important part in the history of Cuban independence and famously hosted Winston Churchill during the Spanish-Cuban war.

Located within a short walking distance of El Capitolio, the impressive former capitol building of Havana, Hotel Inglaterra provides the perfect starting point for delving into Havana’s colonial past. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s neoclassical restaurant El Colonial, before spending your day exploring the streets of downtown Havana, ending the evening with a sunset mojito on the Hotel Inglaterra’s rooftop terrace.

This extravagant 4-star property is one of the most popular historic hotels in Havana. Since 1908, the Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane has attracted the rich and famous from around the world, including the notorious gangster Al Capone. This iconic hotel, with its Moorish Revival architecture, evokes the mystery and elegance you would expect from a backdrop in a James Bond movie. In fact, the Hotel Sevilla was featured as a setting for the comic spy novel “Our Man in Havana” by former MI6 agent Graham Greene.

The Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane, is equipped with modern amenities, an outdoor swimming pool and a gym. The true draw, however, is the La Torre del Oro restaurant. Translated into English as “The Golden Tower”, this luxurious restaurant offers unparalleled views of the bay, as well as contemporary and classic French cuisine with a Cuban twist.

If you want a historic hotel with contemporary appeal, then Hotel Saratoga is the place for you. A popular venue since the 1930s, Hotel Saratoga played an instrumental role in the development of Cuban music. The lively colonnade terrace, known as Los Aires Libres, formed an important training ground for orchestras and musical talents, such as the legendary all-female Anacaonas orchestra.

The Bar Mezzanine is one of the classiest hotel bars in Havana, featuring palm trees and stunning murals of the Cuban countryside, while the poolside Bar Mirador serves up snacks and cocktails with a luxurious view of Old Havana. Two restaurants provide contemporary and classic international cuisine that is almost impossible to resist.

Ernest Hemingway stayed at this historic hotel for seven years during the 1930s. Hotel Ambos Mundos has since become the epicenter of countless myths and legends surrounding the famous author. This hotel is blessed with a charmingly eclectic character, sporting a pink 1920’s façade that hasn’t changed since Hemingway’s time.

Situated in the heart of Old Havana, this building oozes with classic Cuban charm. The walls in the bar and restaurant are adorned with historic photographs, documenting the hotel’s most famous resident, and the old-fashioned caged elevators help to create that timeless feeling you would expect from a historic hotel in Havana.

The beautiful white façade of Hotel Plaza does little to betray the turbulent past of this historic hotel. Originally built as a private mansion for the wealthy Pedroso family, it once served as the offices of the Diario de la Marina newspaper and was the target of violent protests. In the 1950s it was granted a casino license and became a notorious hangout for US mobsters. The casino was destroyed by rioters and permanently shut down by Castro’s forces during Cuban Revolution.

Famous guests include Babe Ruth, Ana Pavlova, and Albert Einstein. The restaurant and hotel bar have some nice Art Nouveau touches, hearkening back to the glory days of the 1930s. Like many of the historic hotels in Havana, the rooftop offers a spectacular view. The Gran Caribe Hotel Plaza is an affordable option, if you want to stay at a famous heritage hotel in central Havana, and is very accommodating to those travelling with pets.

If you want to stay in the heart of historical Havana, but require the highest standards of luxury in Cuba, then the Iberostar Parque Central is the hotel for you. Its unique blend of colonial and Art Nouveau styles means that you will be fully immersed in classic Havana grandeur. With the Parque Central (Central Park) literally on your doorstep, it is impossible find a more conveniently located hotel.

With three restaurants and five bars, a rooftop pool, jacuzzi and a luxurious spa, this is one of the best equipped hotels in Havana. Enjoy a coffee under the spectacular atrium of the lobby bar before heading out to explore the bustle of Havana’s streets, confident in the knowledge that you can easily retreat into the lap of luxury at any time.

This stunning hotel is one of the most distinctive and ornate buildings in Old Havana. Hotel Raquel features fantastic Art Nouveaux decor, including a massive atrium and an impressive dining room, giving it a quirky yet stylish atmosphere. An interesting feature is the restaurant, serving traditional Jewish cuisine.

Located in the heart of Old Havana, this historic hotel is the perfect starting point for travelers wishing to immerse themselves in local culture. Within easy walking distance, you will find a plethora of cozy cafes, authentic restaurants, and fascinating museums. Book a tour of the Havana Club Museum, to learn all about the history of Cuban rum and sample a few cocktails, or satisfy your sweet tooth at the Museo del Chocolate.

This converted mansion was once owned by Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, Count of Villanueva, an eccentric entrepreneur and patron of the arts. The Hotel Conde de Villanueva is perfect for those with artistic sensibilities, containing a gallery dedicated to contemporary photographic art and the renowned Cuban photographer Julio Larramendi.

The décor is luxurious, yet rustic, evoking the atmosphere of a Cuban countryside plantation. It is particularly popular among cigar aficionados, with rooms named after famous tobacco plantations. Even if you are not a fan of tobacco smoke, it is an interesting place to learn more about this important aspect of Cuban culture. The Hotel Conde de Villanueva even provides tours of tobacco plantations and farming villages in the picturesque Valle de Viñales.

Another aristocratic mansion turned luxury hotel, the Hotel Santa Isabel is one of the most elegant and well-appointed historic hotels in Havana. Featuring tasteful décor, with just the right level of extravagance, this colonial-era building boasts a beautiful central courtyard surrounded by a shaded seating area, perfect for a morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening.

The hotel is located right next door to the 16^th century Castillo de la Real Fuerza fortress, as well as the El Templete monument to the founding of Havana. Famous guests, such as Sting and Jack Nicholson, have been known to frequent the Hotel Santa Isabel, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re an autograph hunter!

If your budget is tight, but you still want to stay in a romantic colonial-era mansion, then you might want to consider a luxurious bed and breakfast such as La Villa Teresa. Away from the busy streets and tourist haunts of Central Havana, this charming B&B is set in the historic neighborhood of Loma de la Vibora. Artist and poets have flocked to this area, thanks to its lush gardens and impressive views of Havana.

The rooms in La Villa Teresa are classically furnished in a tasteful and romantic style, while the lounge and common areas are filled with authentic antiques and interesting artifacts. The views from the terrace are spectacular and offer a completely different perspective of Havana than you will see in the center.  This is the perfect accommodation for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing hideaway.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out 3 Top-Rated Cuban All-Inclusive Resorts to Get You Through the Winter