In 95 trips
Occupying an entire block in the centrally located Vedado district, this is arguably one of Havana's most famous …
Hotel
Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Plaza
Havana, 10400
Cuba
7-836-3564
Havana, 10400
Cuba
7-836-3564
Fri Apr 7 2:00pm - Thu Apr 13 3:00pm
Notes
The most famous hotel in Cuba. Not 5 stars by usual standards, but still a grand monument brimming over with history. It stands as an oasis on the edge of the city in its own beautiful grounds. Watch out for scam artists outside though, we were almost caught by someone who had all the paperwork for our airline. The plan is that a young friendly Cuban begins chatting, getting information without you realising, then an hour or so later another Cuban uses the information to pose as your Agency rep! Good, but not good enough!! Beware those with excellent English!
As soon as we arrived, after 20 hours of travelling or so, we had a mojito (or four) and retired to bed. We spent most of the next day exploring the hotel and its grounds, and drinking lots of cocktails.
As soon as we arrived, after 20 hours of travelling or so, we had a mojito (or four) and retired to bed. We spent most of the next day exploring the hotel and its grounds, and drinking lots of cocktails.
You can pretty much go anywhere in Cuba as there is little crime though I'm sure this will change as capitalism creeps in. There are some scams and pickpockets to beware though so stay alert. Also, if you want to go into the center of Havana at night bring a torch. Massive electricity shortages due to the US embargo have left much of the city in darkness.
There are very cheap places to stay and to eat in Cuba, shop around. But even the 5* Hotel Nacional isn't too expensive and is very impressive. Stars such as Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Nat King Cole have stayed there as well as gangsters Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Seigel who ran casinos here in the '50s.
Finally, if you are American get your money changed to Cuban Convertible Pesos before you go to Cuba. You have to pay a 10% charge that no-one else pays otherwise.
I had no problem going in an out of Cuba via Cancun. The Cuba people were very friendly everywhere I went. As someone mentions here, crime is low, though in Havana there are plentiful scammers trying to make a buck.
Go to Cuba before it becomes Puerto Rico, as my friend says. In other words, before the US bowls it over economically. Havana already is showing signs of capitalism taking over. Go to Santiage de Cuba in the east (or other cities) and you'll see the wonderful unique atmosphere in Cuba.
Of course, things are not perfect there. You can see that people's freedoms are being stemmed. That was the best part of the trip for me.
Talking to people. Really worth visiting Cuba. Especially Americans should go since we are spoon-fed news about Cuba from biased sources all the time. Go and find out about your neighbor for yourselves.
natamckj, I heard when I was over there that there is property already ear-marked along the malecon for McDonalds in anticipation of Castro's death... I hope this isn't true. As you say, the atmosphere in Cuba is something you won't find anywhere else in the world.
chavelo2006, haven't a clue what you're on about!?
I would apreciate any ideas...My partner & I are planning to go to Cuba (Playa del este)for NY Eve. We are actually goign via Kingston, Jamaica which sems to be very easy. I am staying at a villa in the area. Is that a fun area? I'm looking to experience the Cuba in Cuba. Good drink, good food and talking to good local people.
Any recomendations for NY Eve? Any sights I should see..I only have 5 days so I want to relax a bit but still experience the local flair.