For decades, Havana was closed for tourists. But now, plenty of travelers visit Havana to discover and explore the blend of the old and new of the city. There are endless things, cultures, and places to see and experience. Amidst the Spanish colonial architectures, there are things you shouldn’t miss when you’re here. Make your memories even more unforgettable by staying only at the best hotels in Havana, Cuba.
Where to Stay in Havana, Cuba
As the capital city, Havana is the largest city in the island nation of Cuba. This lively, friendly, and unique colonial city once was a walled city. Now it’s considered as one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Cuba. To make the most of your visit, you need to find the best places to stay. There are some best neighborhoods and districts to stay, either you’re traveling alone, with a group or family, or couple. We’ll take a look at the city’s top areas, namely Centro Habana, Old Havana, Miramar, and El Vedado.
If you’re on a budget and want to experience the vibrancy of Havana, Centro Habana is your best bet. Located in the center of the city, this area offers so many great accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, to homestays. Stroll along the famous seaside walk, El Malecon, and enjoy the amazing views while you’re here.
Old Havana can also be your best choice if you’re visiting for the first time. It offers colorful heritage architecture and historical landmarks. Trying the Cuban dishes at many restaurants around and sip a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio is one of the Top 10 Things to do in Havana.
Located west of the city center, Miramar is one of the best areas to stay. It’s a recommended place to stay for families. You can find lots of family-friendly activities and attractions, including Acuario Nacional and Playita del Triton beach.
For those who love the nightlife, which is one of the 5 reasons to visit Cuba, staying at El Vedado will be perfect. It’s one of the hippiest and upscale neighborhoods in Havana with plentiful of clubs, bars, pubs, and restaurants. Trying the local cuisine in one of the best paladars will be a memorable experience. Whatever your travel style or budget, you’ll find the perfect hotels in Havana Cuba. Ready to find a place to leave half of your heart in Havana?
Be Live Havana City Copacabana
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Room with a view, a restaurant with a view, and an outdoor pool with a spectacular view! Expect nothing but the blue ocean and crashing waves to accompany your every step when staying at Be Live Havana City Copacabana. The beachfront hotel may not be luxurious, but it offers everything you need for a tropical getaway.
What we mostly love about this hotel, besides its homey vibe, is the breakfast buffet. Freshly made from local ingredients, every plate is just so tempting. So, make sure you’re actually hungry when breakfast is served.
Don’t expect fancy bedding or high-end furniture. But each room is designed with comfort in mind. Free toiletries are available for each guest, so you don’t have to worry about carrying extra weight.
Since no children nor pets are allowed, this hotel is a great option for a romantic getaway. Imagine strolling down the beach with your partner’s hand in yours. Then, retire to your bedroom with no worries of disturbing noises around, but the sound of the waves. Isn’t that all you need from one of the best hotels in Havana, Cuba?
Roc Presidente
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As you drive in slowly into the hotel’s parking lot, you’ll first notice the grand façade. Expect the same sensation as you walk into the lobby and all the way to the bedroom. Everything about Roc Presidente screams charm amidst its antiquity. And if you book the room with ocean views (which we highly recommend), you’ll be even more amazed!
Classic is what we’d use to describe the hotel’s room. With its red and brown themed furniture, you can feel the warmth right away. Expect to have a flat-screen TV and a desk whichever room you choose. It’s nothing fancy, but more than enough for a good night’s sleep. Isn’t a comfy bed all you need when you’re going to spend hours exploring Havana’s beauty outside?
Don’t feel like straying too far from your bed? Roc has got you covered! You’ll find two restaurants on-site. Chez Merito serves authentic local food among other international options. Just feeling a little peckish? The other restaurant by the swimming pool, serving Pizza and grills, is a good place to go. Don’t miss some of the best local drinks from the hotel’s bar. Enjoy a glass or two at the on-site garden or terrace!
Chateau Miramar
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The hotel’s name (and photo) says it all. Staying at Chateau Miramar is all about basking in the fantastic ocean view. It’s unobstructed and completely gorgeous! We bet you’ll be spending most of your time relaxing by the big outdoor pool right by the sea. Hear the waves crashing while sipping through a Cuban cocktail.
And if you can’t get enough of the ocean view, make sure to book a room that offers one, right in front of it. So, you can have a relaxing afternoon on the balcony with complete privacy. When you’re ready to mingle, head to the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Every day, they serve the Caribbean and international cuisine. How does breakfast in the garden by the sea sound like? To us, it sounds exactly like what the best hotels in Havana Cuba should offer!
Simplicity is what you’ll get when it comes to room amenities here, all the way from decoration to furnishing. TV is available in each room, but Wi-Fi is accessible only in public areas. Plus, you need to pay an additional fee of 10 USD every hour you use the hotel’s Wi-Fi. But hey, who needs browsing through social media when you have the ocean right in front of you?
NH Collection Victoria
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If you have to choose only three colors to describe Havana, what would they be? For us, they would be blue for the ocean, white for the sunny day, and orange for the vibrant nuance. Guess what, you’ll find these colors at almost every corner of NH Collection Victoria. From the lobby and pool area, all the way to the bedroom and its own private seating area. Everything has a chic design that’s just right for travelers like us.
A minibar complete with mini wine glasses is a nice touch for a romantic evening. On the other hand, a coffee maker with complementary coffee is also at your disposal for your morning caffeine boost. Want to look sharp for your important date? The ironing facility is available. All you need now is the right kind of perfume to pack.
But what we love most from this hotel is the breakfast! They have everything from continental to Italian. Vegetarian and Gluten-free options are available, too! Sounds like a good way to start your day exploring the historical area of Havana, which is less than two miles from here.
Hotel Plaza
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Some of us visit Havana, not just merely for its beaches and tropical beauty. Some of us are more interested in their local life and culture. If this sounds like you, Hotel Plaza is an excellent option. Located right in the heart of the Old Square, just minutes away on foot from the town’s attractions, it’s the perfect “basecamp” for explorers such as yourselves. But this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the tropical fun. The Malecon Habanero is less than half a mile away!
Unlike those luxury beachfront properties which dominate the list of best hotels in Havana Cuba, this hotel offers a humbling ambiance. Yes, you’ll be welcomed by pillars and high ceiling, but those are just a part of the hotel’s old construction as one of the oldest around the area. The rooms, however, have less grandeur.
The bed, the furniture, and the decoration are all simple, but with a touch of antiquity. It’s located in the Old Square area, after all. So it suits the neighborhood’s theme. That said, you’ll have all you need from a flat-screen TV to a minibar. The entertainment awaits you outside of the bedroom anyway.
NH Capri La Habana
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While the previous listing boasts its classic and antique style, this one combines it with modern touches. Yes, NH Capri La Habana also roots back to the 1950s when it comes to style, but it doesn’t feel outdated at all. In fact, every corner exudes modernity. The bedroom is sleek with white as a dominant color and a few touches of gray, blue, or red. Whichever color you pick, you’ll have a nice seating area (outdoor on the balcony or indoor), a dining table, and a TV set for your daily dose of entertainment.
That said, we do not recommend staying indoor all day. Even on your laziest day, at least go to the hotel’s rooftop pool area where you get to enjoy the view after or before some laps. Not feeling pumped enough? There’s an on-site gym overlooking the ocean. Talk about motivation!
Taste what the on-site restaurant, AnaCapri, has to offer during breakfast. A splendid buffet menu awaits! If you like it – which we’re sure you will – come back for lunch and dinner, too!
Hotel Sevilla
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If you can’t decide between staying on the beach or close to the city center, lock Hotel Sevilla in! Located in the city center, you’ll be surrounded by Havana’s beautiful landmarks. Every day is another day to explore. Yet, the ocean is only 20 minutes away on foot. So you can get there anytime you want!
Like most of our best hotels in Havana Cuba, expect colors in every corner. But they won’t overwhelm you as they are designed so elegantly, just enough to keep the Havana’s spirit alive even in the bedroom. Expect to have a big, comfy bed and classic furniture in whichever room you choose. A flat-screen TV and a coffee maker are also at your disposal.
But for the best Havana coffee, we recommend the hotel’s restaurants. One is the roof garden restaurant and the other one is La Giralda. The latter serves your warm breakfast every morning. While the former offers international cuisines you can devour overlooking the city center. Sounds like a perfect date!
Hotel Inglaterra
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Did you know that “Inglaterra” means “England” in Spanish? In Hotel Inglaterra, the name represents the Victorian-styled building and decoration. It is indeed a charming 19th-century beauty you get to marvel at inside and out. But the real gem is when you look out from the hotel’s sun terrace. A courtyard surrounded by historical buildings is right there in front of you. Now that’s an awesome background for your new Instagram feed!
Expect classic furniture with a touch of antiquity in the bedroom. Dark wood and old tiling complete the Victorian look. But this doesn’t mean the amenities are outdated. Modern facilities and amenities are available. You’ll have a flat-screen TV and complete toiletries. So go ahead and pack lightly!
While you’re here, do take time to explore around. The Revolution Museum is just 5 minutes away on foot. Some of the most beautiful castles and fortresses are less than a mile away! Namely Castillo de San Salvador and Fortress of San Carlos. These are must-see.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
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Looking for something elegant and classic? Look no further! Hotel Nacional de Cuba is exactly what you need. Staying here, you’ll be wrapped by warmth and comfort, literally. The first thing you’ll notice is how fancy the bedding and drapes look. Yet, it’s so comfortable on your skin. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed!
The common spaces are equally gorgeous. Everything screams elegancy. Not so much like a luxury hotel, but enough to make you feel like you’re a part of the royal family.
The hotel’s lack of proximity to Havana’s main attractions is compensated by the on-site fun it offers. There are not just one of two, but four restaurants catering to your palate’s needs. La Barraca is the one to go for local lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, breakfast is served at La Veranda.
From the hotel’s garden, you can view the ocean. This way, you get the best of both worlds: the elegant, classic historical nuance of Havana’s Old Quarter and the fun, vibrant ambiance of Havana’s beach life. What else you could ask for from one of the best hotels in Havana Cuba?
Tryp Habana Libre
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Tryp Habana Libre welcomes travelers who seek for Havana’s vibrant nightlife. Within walking distance of its premises, you’ll find popular shops and bars. Trust us, you won’t run out of things to do even during the wee hours!
What we personally love, though, is the hotel’s common areas. The lobby, bar, restaurant, and even the pool area exude that unique 1950’s retro style. But what makes this hotel one of the bestselling hotels in Havana Cuba is the views of the city with the sea on the background. Marvel at the ocean unobstructedly from the hotel’s bar, restaurant, and the comfort of your room. Now that’s what we call staycationing.
What’s better, each room is designed to give you enough space without compromising comfort. It’s like staying at home, but with upgraded amenities. A flat-screen TV with international channels and a fridge are available in every room. However, we recommend booking one with a balcony and the ocean view!
Melia Habana
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Where should we start with Melia Habana? The breakfast is amazing, not just the food quality and taste but also the waiting service. As if you’re in a fine-dining restaurant. While even the best hotels in Havana Cuba serve breakfast in just one restaurant, this one serves it in three! Perhaps today you want a simple omlette accompanied by the ocean view. And tomorrow you can have warm waffles by the garden. Whichever you like, the choice is yours!
Don’t get us started on the outdoor pool. First of all, it’s huge! Second of all, it’s designed with the ocean in mind. From the top, it looks like your own little ocean, with surrounding palm trees. We couldn’t get enough of it!
We have to admit, it was hard to get out of bed with such comfort it offers. Though not as elegant as the lobby, each bedroom is well decorated with wooden furniture and comfy couches. The bathroom is another story. Marble tiling makes it so classy! Enjoy the complete toiletries for a rejuvenating shower or a relaxing bath.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Havana:
- La Guarida – Experience fine-dining at this grand colonial building. Or enjoy the panoramic of central Havana from the rooftop while you’re eating fish tacos, tuna steak, watermelon soup, or ice cream on pineapple.
- Mojito-Mojito – Offering the best Mojito on the island, come here to eat and enjoy live music. Plus, you can dance in the halls tribute.
- Habana Mia 7 – Enjoy your dining experience in the comfort and intimacy atmosphere or panoramic view balcony. Select from a variety of unique flavors dishes, from South American style meats, juicy fruits, to fresh vegetables, and have a toast with its wine collection.
- Elizalde Bar-Restaurante – Local Cuban and Caribbean cuisine you shouldn’t miss! Try the authentic tapas from Pamplona and traditional Spanish and Cuban drinks.
Recommended Activities In Havana:
- 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour with a Cocktail – Take a journey back in time! Enjoy Havana sightseeing by riding the classic 1950’s American convertible and finish the tour with a sunset drink.
- Fabrica de Arte Cubano – Visit La Fabrica De Arte Cubano (the Cuban Art Factory), a hip and unique venue where you can see art, tango classes, and symphony performances. You can also enjoy live music, bar/restaurant, and cinema auditorium.
- Old Havana Local Food Tour – Get the experience trying the Cuban’s favorite local snacks, including fritters or churros, and drink a refreshing batido (fruit shake). You’ll also learn about Cuban life and culinary culture.
- Buena Vista Social Club and 3-Course Dinner – Spend your evening to enjoy the live performance of Buena Vista Social Club musicians and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars. Followed by a first class-3-course meal.
