Hotel Nacional de Cuba

There are many ways one can experience Havana. But taking up residence in the ICONIC Hotel Nacional somehow is a life altering experience. You are right there in the heart of Vedado. You've been there many times before; but nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is in this league. Your room overlooks the Garden and the Malecon. Small, and dated; but if it was good enough for Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Nat King Cole, Sartre, Disney; Rita Hayworth; then I'm lucky to even be allowed to enter these hallowed grounds, let alone sleep in the same bed. The charm is at night. All the gawking tourists have gone. Now it's just residents only time. You mosey on over to the 24 hr garden bar. Order mojitos, plenty of tables with large wicker cane chairs available. You sit at a vacant table, and ponder the history this hotel has experienced, you sip on your mojito, order another. The call of the resident peacock breaks the silence of the night. The next evening you sit at one of the tables at the Rooftop Bar. The sun slowly turns an orange glow as it sets into the blue sea You sip on your second Pina Colada. The lights on the Malecon below and the rest of Cuidad Havana begin to twinkle and sparkle like diamonds. The dome of the Capitolio glows in the distance. The sound of a Sax player performing in the garden bar below drifts up and mixes with the music the DJ is playing up here. A cool breeze blows in from the sea and ruffles your hair. Later that night the sharp crack of cannonfire booms out over the bay from Castello del Morro signalling the hour of 'Nueve de la Noche.' From your vantage point atop Hotel Nacional you survey the city of La Habana that lies below you, and are marvelled and seduced by the spectacular view. A vibrant city? Yes!!

Walking though the halls of history. To know all extremes have walked the property . Mob bosses to Jimmy Buffet and hundreds of other famous Americans. It is an older property and get over that. One of our best experiences was the cigar bar and kind and friendly service of Yanset Torres, she is a master of cigar lighting. We had a nice time at the sky bar and the staff was very helpful. However the hall of fame bar had very interesting portraits and displays. The young man bartender was a bit rude and very unfriendly. But I guess everyone is not cut out for customer service. Thanks again for a very memorable stay.

Excellent attention by Anabell who led the hotel tour. World class installations and heartily personnel. The place is full of history and super vibes. Lots of bars, restaurants, and a cigar lounge which is awesome to learn about the art of smoking.

The tour of the hotel with Anabel was very nice!! She has a big knowledge about the history not just about the hotel but general about cuba. Ask her to bring you to the lobbie where you can also do the cubano sugar and cocktail experience and see the very old and beautiful coffee machine! Super recommended ❤️

Excellent place, with great customer service, and food. People are nice and helpful. The Barraca Restaurant is awesome 🌟 🌟🌟. Historic Hotel Great Ocean View. The employees are incredible and suggest the best food. The Barraca Restaurant is stunning in Cleanliness and Organize

A hotel like a museum. It is impressive to see how many personalities have set foot in this hotel. Although it has an outdated air, it impresses you with the history it displays right from the entrance. I recommend you visit it and enjoy a quality cigar made right there.