Best Hotels near Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

Located in downtown Havana, the Iberostar Parque Central is within steps of the National Capitol Building, popular restaurants and museums. This GRUPO IBEROSTAR outpost's Spanish colonial-style exterior blends in with its surroundings, but the interior truly sets it apart: The lobby alone boasts rows of columns, lush tropical plants, winding staircases and a towering glass ceiling. The 427 guest rooms are also impressive, with intricately carved wooden headboards and floor-to-ceiling views of the city's storied landmarks. Additional amenities include satellite TVs and coffee makers. When you're not in your room or out exploring the city, visitors recommend taking in the vistas from the hotel's rooftop pools or enjoying a drink in one of the lobby's two bars, both of which host live performances from Cuban musicians. Or, savor the regional bites served at Mirabana Restaurant. Other cuisines can be found at Habana Elegante Restaurant and El Paseo Steak House. While the food throughout the property satisfied recent patrons, some remarked that the service could be better. Keep in mind that relations between the U.S. and Cuba are still evolving, and at the time of publication, visitors must have a specific purpose for traveling to Cuba that falls under the 12 categories of travel.

Hotel Saratoga proves that you don't have to skimp on luxury when vacationing in Havana. Unlike some of the property's nearby competitors, Hotel Saratoga is lauded by guests for more than its central location in Old Havana. Lodgers rave about the hotel's swanky atmosphere, stylish interiors and customer-oriented staff members. The Mezzanine Bar was a big hit, especially considering Cuban cigar smoking is encouraged (the free Wi-Fi access certainly helps, too). Travelers were equally impressed with the rooftop bar and pool, especially those who visited during the sweltering summer months. What's more, rooms are often described as well-equipped thanks to the addition of TVs, DVD players and minibars. However, some visitors bemoan the in-room showers, citing their dated appearances and weak water pressure as negatives. For dining, guests can count on Anacaona, which serves a blend of Cuban and international delicacies, as well as the Mirador Saratoga, another rooftop hideaway. The property also features a spa and fitness center.

If you want to be in the heart of Havana's action, Hotel Telégrafo is where you need to be, according to recent visitors. The hotel sits along the bustling Paseo del Prado, rubbing elbows with both the Museum of Fine Arts and El Capitolio (both of which are just a couple of blocks away). From here, guests are less than a mile away from top attractions, including the Museum of the Revolution and Old Havana. If you aren't a light sleeper, lodgers recommend reserving a room facing the bustling street to make the most of the property's central location. All accommodations feature satellite TVs, minibars and safes. However, some travelers warn that parts of the property (which opened in 1911) reflect its age, citing dated decor and malfunctioning water boilers as negatives. Others caution that the Spanish-speaking staff knows very little English, which can cause communication issues. Outside the rooms, you'll find a 24-hour internet cafe, a snack bar, a rental car desk and a restaurant. The property can also help arrange off-site excursions for a fee.

A historic hotel (originally opened in 1875) located in central Havana, Hotel Inglaterra is a great choice for visitors looking to be in the heart of the city. Staying here means travelers are just a short walk from Old Havana, Plaza de la Catedral and the Museum of Fine Arts, plus many restaurants and bars. For those who'd rather dine on-site, Hotel Inglaterra offers a restaurant, though recent guests were disappointed with the eatery's mediocre food and unattentive waitstaff. Inside the accommodations, travelers will find unique furnishings (some feature gilded headboards and antiques, while others are outfitted with floral bedspreads and curtains), as well as satellite televisions, showers and radios. Before retiring for the night, previous lodgers highly recommend visiting the rooftop bar to take in the sights of Havana, sip tasty drinks and listen to incredible live music.

Located in Old Havana, the Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane puts visitors near many of Havana's top sights. Guests can easily walk to the Plaza de la Catedral and the Museum of the Revolution, in addition to some surrounding parks, bars and eateries. At the hotel, visitors can take advantage of the spa offerings (a sauna and massage services), the fitness center and the outdoor swimming pool. Meanwhile, rooms include desks, minibars and safes and are decorated in neutral tones with pops of red, blue and gold. However, some travelers note that the room furnishings and decor are a bit dated. When you get hungry, head to Buffet La Giralda for international fare or sit down for a gourmet French meal at the Roof Garden Torre del Oro. Overall, recent guests loved the Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane, citing its great location, impeccable service and Old World charm as highlights. And as part of the AccorHotels brand, Le Club AccorHotels rewards members can earn or redeem points and perks here.