11 Best Hotels In Havana Cuba 5 Star

As Camila Cabello rightfully crooned, “Half of my heart is in Havana,” and it’s true! The vibrant Cuban capital of Havana is rewriting the script when it comes to hospitality. Once pretty dour, the hotel scene here is changing, and how. There seems to be an outpouring of architectural love, with many old spots with aristocratic bones being turned into upscale, luxurious, and boutique beauties with inimitable allure. When it comes to the best hotels in Havana, Cuba, 5-star ones are ruling the roost in this sun-splashed Spanish capital. Whether it is converted hotels or snazzy, modern establishments, the colorful city has more indulgent rest spots than we can count.

What’s more, they boast not only some of the best food in the city and the best amenities money can provide but are also the pinnacle of warm Caribbean hospitality. Along with top-notch service, indulgent touches such as rooftop terraces, and a cool design are making them popular with discerning travelers. To that end, here are the most luxurious 5-star stays in Havana.

La Reserva

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We begin with La Reserva, a gorgeous 1914-built-house-turned-luxury guesthouse. Meticulously restored with respect and dedication, the hotel has even collaborated with local artisans to preserve its original materials and bring back its original splendor.

The hotel, which unites two stunning white 20th-century neoclassical mansions in Vedado, Havana’s cultural neighborhood. This urban oasis features a whole boatload of contemporary art sprinkled everywhere. We loved the common spaces here, especially the leafy, lush patio tucked away at the back of the property. It’s where we’d begin our days with homemade breakfasts on artfully arranged seating nooks and dining tables. Later on, it became the popular restaurant La Bodega, where we gorged on Cuban fare. Finally, we’d end the day with cocktails at the late-night bar. What’s more, there’s an entire roster of complimentary services such as concierge services, Cuban regional cooking classes, airport transfers, free Wi-Fi, laundry services, Cuban dance classes, and even cocktail classes!

We loved the elegant rooms and suites, all of which sported large marble bathrooms, plush, comfy beds, sophisticated design, and sleek fixtures.

Hotel Grand Aston La Habana

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Hotel Grand Aston La Habana is a haven of sophistication and contemporary chic, ensuring five-star modern living right on Havana’s oceanfront. In fact, it offers some of the most spectacular views of the sparkling waters of Havana Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

We were floored by the amenities at this hotel. Firstly, it has a bevy of wonderful dining options, including a buffet restaurant, a fine dining one, a lobby bar, and even a poolside one, which has a summer vibe all the way with a house DJ and craft cocktails. Did we mention that the hotel is also home to Cuba’s first high-end mixology bar? Yes! The real stunner, though, is the rooftop bar with the most breathtaking sunsets over Havana Bay. A wellness center with relaxation rooms aside, the pinnacle is the rooftop infinity pool, complete with daybeds, parasols, poolside service, and dazzling views, of course.

Choose from a slew of modern and sleek rooms and suites, which also include the Club rooms, which come with world-class VIP service and a whole lot of extra perks while you’re staying in Havana.

Meliá Habana

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Located between the Gulf of Mexico and Fifth Avenue, Meliá Habana was ideally located for us to explore Havana in the best possible manner. We had the choice of many rooms and suites, which ranged from Classic, Premium, and The Level rooms to the higher-end suites. If you’re looking for something exclusive, then the Level Floor is ideal, as it also offers privacy and personalized service. Nevertheless, all digs came with plush beds, huge windows with excellent views, sitting areas, and luxe bathrooms with bespoke bath products. Did we mention that the suites even came with sea-facing balconies and alfresco seating? It was the best place to enjoy a cup of coffee and start the day.

That being said, Meliá Habana comes with a laundry list of amenities and offerings. Firstly, we loved that we had the option of not one or two but three freshwater swimming pools. In fact, the main pool is the largest in any city hotel in the whole of Havana. What’s more, it’s surrounded by lifeguard services, a kids’ area, sunbeds and parasols, an aquabar, whirlpools, and palm trees. If that wasn’t enough, the restaurants and bars on the property serve excellent international and Cuban cuisine and amazing cocktails.

That’s why it’s one of the best hotels in Havana.

Mystique Habana by Royalton

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The charming Mystique Habana by Royalton draws inspiration from the glamor of the 1900s. It blends two complementary experiences, the gentleness of Varadero and the colonial charm of Havana, along with contemporary touches for a comfy stay.

Are you a foodie? You’re going to have a fantastic time at this hotel, which has three amazing restaurants and bars. While the main fine dining restaurant has a detailed à la carte menu, the lobby bar is perfect for evening cocktails and nightcaps. However, it’s the rooftop casual bar and grill that was our favorite. Besides delicious fare, it also offers some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Choose from 61 comfortable rooms and suites, all of which feature updated mod-cons, contemporary design, and panoramic views of Havana. What’s more, they’re divided across 6 floors, which include 4 Deluxe Superior Rooms and 46 Deluxe Rooms.

Voya Boutique Hotel

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No one does boutique luxury in Havana quite like Voya Boutique Hotel, which sits in a quiet pocket of Havana’s beating heart. The chic boutique hotel is rewriting the rules of boutique hospitality by upping the ante with top-level service.

“We loved staying at this upscale boutique luxury hotel, which offered us a fantastic staying experience in Havana.”

WOW Travel

It all begins with the experiences here, which range from rum and cigar tasting masterclasses and poolside food and beverage services to dining at the in-house Brasserie 255. Breakfasts are long, delicious affairs, complete with a saxophonist playing in the corner. Other flair-filled flourishes here include the lovely Secret Garden bar that offers cocktails and tapas. Did you know that Voya’s staff can organize everything from complimentary cycles to Havana’s classic, colorful cars? Yes!

We loved the 10 characterful rooms and suites at this peachy 1925 mansion, all of which come with either private terraces or balconies. Since we were looking for something special, we booked the Voya Suite, which came with a whirlpool tub in the bathroom.

Tribe Caribe Cayo Hueso

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There’s a new boutique hotel in Havana that’s an absolute dream for art aficionados. Behold Tribe Caribe Cayo Hueso, a funky little find in Centro Habana. Tucked in a lovely 1930s structure, this hotel is all about embracing the unique history of the neighborhood. Co-owners Andrés Levin and Chris Cornell have embraced this very heritage. For instance, the on-site venue, Black Box, showcases top and emerging Cuban artists and talent. What’s more, they have a history professor-led bici taxi tour of the neighborhood to the tunes of thumping music. Now that’s what we call cultural luxury!

We had the choice of 11 gorgeous rooms and suites, all of which were decked out with contemporary art, restored furnishings, and mod-cons, evoking tropical warmth. Even outside the rooms, the hotel was amazing, as we’d described it above. In fact, there was even a ground-floor café, which was great for socializing during the day. Did we mention that Tribe Caribe has a beach house that’s around 25 minutes away, too? Yes!

Hotel Saratoga

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Do you want to stay where Madonna, Beyoncé, and the King of Morocco once stayed in Havana? Welcome to Hotel Saratoga, Havana’s high-end small hotel, which is eclectic and discreet, and also boasts some of the prettiest views in the city.

Don’t be fazed by the neoclassical mint facade that might not be much to look at from the street; on the inside, it’s quiet luxury all the way. Despite being small, the hotel has a laundry list of amenities. Think a fantastic rooftop pool with daybeds, parasols, and poolside service, a serene spa with a steam room, and even a fitness center. What’s more, the on-site restaurant serves fantastic local fare, as does the poolside one. A 24-hour bar with snacks and an Italian coffee machine on the mezzanine wraps up the offerings.

Despite the courtyard-facing standard rooms being slightly darker, the high ceilings make up for it. Nevertheless, they all have dark furnishings, massive bathrooms, and complicated yet quirky lighting.

Gardens Havana

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Best boutique hotel. Boutique chic and Cuban cozy combine to give you the four-room bolthole that is Gardens Havana. Sitting in a typical Havana townhouse on a quiet-ish street in the heart of Old Havana, this hotel, with its huge balcony, gave us front-row views of daily Havana life. Delivering a fresh take on Havana’s famed dandy-esque style, it retained many of the structure’s old fixtures, such as the stained-glass lunette windows and the kaleidoscopic floor tiles.

We were welcomed warmly by lovely local staff as it was their own home, with the main caretaker always around to organize everything from trips and pick-ups to dinner reservations. At the day’s end, we’d sit in the comfy living room-cum-bat, sipping drinks and smoking cigars, all to the tunes of the grand piano. During the day and early evenings, the palm-fringed courtyard was our favorite, complete with delicious cocktails and lantern-lit rooftop seating nooks. Our days began with wonderful local breakfasts, including fresh espressos. And despite there being no restaurant, the chef was quite happy to rustle up something if they’re given advance notice.

Choose from just four cream-and-white rooms across two stories, with the gardens making the place feel more like a private home than a hotel. What’s more, they feature locally made furniture and sleek and spacious bathrooms with perfect water pressure. Do you want a little more space? The master suite has a small balcony overlooking the courtyard.

Iberostar Grand Packard

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Most modern. Imagine a futuristic UFO sitting on a grand colonial structure on Havana’s famous waterfront; that’s the oh-so-Cuban Iberostar Grand Packard for you. Radiating a beach resort ambiance in the heart of the city, this hotel sits on the Malecon, Havana’s famous corniche. So, the views couldn’t be more spectacular.

Amenities are aplenty; there’s a fully kitted out fitness center and even an excellent spa with a sauna and steam rooms. In fact, treatments include ‘Cuban massages,’ where the oil is mixed with rum! Did we mention that we were even given cigars afterwards? Yep. The pinnacle was — quite literally — the terrace pool, which even held afternoon exercise classes. Two bars and four restaurants wrap up the offerings here. 

We had the choice of slick white digs, all with pops of color, misty glass bathrooms with powerful rain showers, and a bevy of comforting extras like coffee machines. We’d suggest choosing the rooms on the outside, which come with terraces.

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

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Best location. The grand, storied Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana might just be the most perfectly positioned hotel in Havana. It sits on the eastern flank of Parque Central, the city’s main square, offering an oasis of calm in the heart of the action. So, all the best things to see and do in Havana were either within walking distance or a short car or bus ride away. Did you know that this is the very first five-star hotel in all of Cuba? Yes! 

Aside from a knowledgeable, warm, and efficient staff, there are a lot of things we loved about the hotel. For instance, the sixth-floor spa, which was voted the best in Cuba for four consecutive years, was where we’d be most afternoons. However, our favorite, without a doubt, was the rooftop infinity pool. After all, it was where we’d float with city views and cocktails in our hands. Finally, three bars and three restaurants each, including a rooftop restaurant, a poolside terrace, and a bar serving traditional Cuban cocktails.

With nearly 250 rooms and suites to choose from, all of which had sinfully comfy beds, French doors, and high ceilings. The bathrooms were indulgent: think generous bathtubs, enormous rainfall showers, and huge vanity mirrors. We chose a room with a balcony overlooking Parque Central, watching life in Havana pass beneath.

Paseo 206 Hotel

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Best overall. Sitting in a historic 1934-built mansion in Vedado, Paseo 206 stemmed from the idea of bringing kindness, warmth, and Italian hospitality to Cuba. Formerly the home of the mistress of a Cuban senator, the 10-room hotel is all about craftsmanship, romance, and timeless charm.

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The suites are divided across the ground, first, and second floors, all of which have sleek bathrooms, Italian furnishings, Frette linens on cloud-like beds, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and more. While some suites even have bathtubs, the three rooftop ones even have outdoor Jacuzzis. Did we mention the Hermes and Erbolario bath products? Yep. Everything about the digs here whispers style, ease, and a deep sense of comfort.

Downstairs, it’s an entirely different and yet indulgent story. The restaurant, for instance, is a culinary bridge between the Caribbean and old-world Havana, while the cozy bar was perfect for cocktails and jazz evenings every Thursday. There’s even a beautiful library that was once the senator’s studio. Besides the delicious breakfasts, the hotel is all about tailored experiences: cigar and rum tastings, Cuban jazz evenings, alfresco salsa lessons, and private walks through Old Havana’s lesser-known nooks and crannies.

Our Verdict!

Havana is one of the most vibrant cities with one of the most colorful neighborhoods and stays ever. So, if you’re having a hard time choosing an accommodation, here’s a specialized list to actually help you zero in on one option.

• Best overall: Paseo 206 Hotel
• Best location: Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
• Most modern: Iberostar Grand Packard
• Best boutique hotel: Gardens Havana

Where to Stay in Havana?

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is its city shrouded in mystery due to the decades-long ban on tourists. Today it still continues to be one of the best-kept travel secrets in the Caribbean. So, which is the best neighborhood to stay in the Cuban capital city?

We begin with Old Havana or Havana Vieja, which is the neighborhood just west of the Bay of Havana. It’s, undoubtedly, the best neighborhood to stay in the city for first-timers and culture vultures. Not only is it bursting with charm and history, but it’s where you’ll find cultural institutions, historical landmarks and sights, and vibrant heritage architecture. Secondly, there’s the massive neighborhood of Centro Habana, which sits right in the center of the city. Even though it’s slightly more refined and ornate than the neighboring Havana Vieja, it still retains much of its original Cuban charm.

Thirdly, we have one of Havana’s hippest neighborhoods, El Vedado. It’s famed for its forward-thinking and modern attitudes, as well as its innovative and cutting-edge art. Finally, there’s the lovely neighborhood of Miramar, west of the city center. With lush parks, restaurants, and shops, it’s one of the best areas to stay in the city.

What is the best part of Havana to stay in?

Old Havana or Habana Vieja, which is smack dab in the historic heart of the city, is undoubtedly the best place to stay.

Where do celebrities stay in Havana?

The legendary Cuban National Hotel has been home to many of the world’s greatest celebrities, from literary geniuses like Jean Paul Sartre to cultural icons like Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney, and the like.

What is the most famous hotel in Havana?

The historic Spanish eclectic-style hotel, Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which opened in 1930, is Havana’s most famous hotel. Sitting on the seafront in Vedado, it offers the most commanding views of the city and the sea.