The Raquel opened in June 2003 following extensive renovation work in the heart of Old Havana. Located in a wonderfully idiosyncratic building with a neo—Churrigueresque façade and tendrils of Art Nouveau wrought iron decoration, the Hotel Raquel contains further delightful design eccentricities including a vast stained glass canopy roof and a watchtower from which one can look out over the streets and squares of Old Havana.

Up till recently, discerning visitors have bemoaned the lack of a really luxurious hotel in Havana. The Saratoga, which opened in November 2005, has rectified the situation. Standing on the western edge of the Historical Centre of the city, its elegant façade overlooks the other nineteenth—century architectural glories of the Prado and Parque Central.

Hotel NH Parque Central is a luxury 5-star hotel within touching distance of the old town. surrounded by numerous famous buildings, such as the Capitolio, The García Lorca Theatre and the Museum of Modern Arts. Inside, the hotel is very welcoming, professional and comfortable and combines the elegance of colonial style with modern services (including the best wi-fi in town). It is strongly favored by repeat business visitors to Havana.

The Nacional is a magnificent hotel, fully deserving the ranking that places it amongst the world´s best. It is Havana´s signature hotel soaked in history which you will tangibly feel as soon as you are ushered into the South-of-Spain inspired lobby with its mosaics, deep leather couches, chandeliers and precious hardwood ceilings.

The Panorama opened its doors in 2002 as a completely new hotel. The cascades of glass are not to everyone´s taste but once inside, the lobby is modern, bright, appealing and often with an appreciable buzz.
Ultramodern elevators whisk you promptly up to one of 317 airy rooms that offer great views over Miramar and beyond.

The Occidental is a large glass-fronted creation opposite the Miramar Trade Center, which while not to everyone´s liking, represents exceptional good value and is largely underrated. Its clientele is remarkably diverse.
The place is refreshingly uncluttered and there is a feeling of space in the lobby.

This plush hotel really is one of the very best in Cuba. It is located opposite the ever expanding Miramar trade center and subsequently has a largely business clientele. While there is a lot of marble there is also slightly more greenery than its twin the Melia Cohiba in Vedado and this adds a pleasant touch.

When it opened in 2005, this huge and sprawling hotel was called the Barceló Cayo Largo Beach Resort. Shortly thereafter Hurricane Wilma whipped through, stripping the sands away entirely and leaving this hotel high and dry above a rocky shore. Fortunately, the trucks soon started arriving and the beach—albeit narrow—has been restored and is continuing to slowly replenish itself.

By far the nicest property on Cayo Largo, this Sol Meliá-managed hotel outshines the neighboring and similarly priced Sol Pelícano by a mile. The lovely aesthetic of pastel-toned Caribbean-style wooden structures with plantation rails is enhanced by thoughtful landscaping that makes clever use of the natural eroded limestone and foliage.

This was formerly known as the Gran Hotel and with its lurid pinks, yellows and greens is somewhat difficult to miss. This is part of the Cubanacán chain, although since January 2009 has been managed by the Spanish group Hoteles C. It is a reasonable mid-range offering, which we are not convinced lives up to a 4 star billing.

Just a few minutes stroll from the heart of the action in Varadero, this contemporary hotel is a perfectly adequate four-star all-inclusive establishment that is advantageous for its proximity to central Varadero. Some people might find the rich tropical-fruit color schemes a tad too overripe, and much of the infrastructure and furnishings are dated.

The 5-star Barceló Cayo Libertad Hotel is best seen as an exclusive adjunct to its much larger twin the Barceló Marina Palace which is connected by golf buggies and to whose facilities you may also use.
It is located on a small exclusive Cayo Libertad Royal Island (the exclusive area of Barceló Marina Palace) and was opened in February 2006. It features 80 spacious junior suites, 4 large suites and 1 exclusive garden villa.

Perhaps our favorite all-inclusive beach resort hotel in the country, this beauty knocked us out the second it opened in December 2005. As if hinting at its exclusivity, it commands the very tip of the Hicacos Peninsula—a superb breeze-swept location just minutes from the Gaviota marina. Here the winds have kicked up sand dunes along the beach, sheltering the hotel grounds and adding a touch of drama to the local coastline.

Here´s a hotel that stole our hearts the moment we entered the lobby of this mammoth and architecturally-inspired hotel, which opened in 2005. The sloping, Mayan ziggurat-style structure—“Wow!”—is approached via a sweeping elevated drive framed by international flags. The cavernous, albeit sparsely furnished, atrium lobby speaks to the hip contemporary vogue, such as brushed stainless steel rails, that infuses this property throughout.

This hotel was renovated in January 2007 and re-opened under Iberostar management. It is located towards the end of the Hicacos Peninsula and occupies some prime beach real estate. There are 391 rooms including 4 junior suites and 40 connecting rooms.

A lovely property, this is one of our favorite all-inclusive hotels on the island, and ranks well against the nearby Sandals and even many similar properties on neighboring islands. Launched in 2005 at the far eastern extreme of the peninsula, this sprawling and gracious resort is centered on a huge irregular swimming pool framed by a faux Spanish castle. There´s nothing outdated here, though.

Purpose-built for the packaged tour group trade, this all-inclusive resort at Playa Ancón opened in 2004. Designed in a quasi-colonial fashion (architectural elements imitate the nearby city of Trinidad´s famous landmarks), it is far superior to the lackluster Hotel Ancón next door, despite its garish color schemes. It makes a big play for families with its kid´s club, children´s swimming pool, and special programs for children.

The most upscale of the Meliá group´s three Cayo Santa María properties, this visual stunner rivals deluxe all-inclusive resorts elsewhere in the Caribbean, at least in ambiance and decor. The setting, of course, excels. The white sands here are stupendous, as are the turquoise waters, although there is very little shade. The grandiose lobby, with its open plan and reflecting pools with fountains, sets the tone with a dramatic welcome.