As first impressions go, this hotel is stunning. Striking you as elegant and opulent as you arrive, this impression extends right the way around the gardens with a unspoilt seaview. Once you get inside, the reception area is spacious and tasteful, almost like a work of art, but there are a lot of people around so you know straight away this is a popular hotel, not a fragile museum piece or a stuffy establishment. All the staff were helpful so our queries were always dealt with fully and professionally. Our room was at the corner of the building so it was big, but sadly its decor didn't match the finery of the reception. Still, the beds were comfy, the bathroom was good (with hotel personalised towels, which I found enjoyably decadent), and there was no noise at night. We thought the Nacional would be nearer the centre and if it weren't for the fearsome heat, we could have walked to Old Havana. However, we took the taxis (5 pesos, 10mins max) straight to the old town without any problems. The breakfast choices were vast and fresh so you get plenty to keep you going throughout the day. We booked to see the Buena Vista Social Club evening at the hotel (Tuesday nights only) along with dinner. A very good evening, and the food was good too. The Nacional is right in the centre of Vedado and there is a good choice of restaurants and cafes, and the fabulous Coppelia ice cream place is only a couple of minutes away. We loved Havana and we were very sorry to leave. If we get the chance to return, we will only stay at the Nacional and I suggest anyone else does the same! Given that the hotel was full whilst we were there, I can see we weren't wrong!

We ( two adults and one son age 14) stayed there one night and we wanted to stay longer but we could not because the hotel was fully booked. We loved it. We got a nice room in the 3rd floor but after a problem in the bathroom ( water allover) we got a new room without any argument in the 8th floor with great view, The breakfast was good and we had the best pina colada in the garden bar.
the staff we met was very nice and polite and the hotel was nice and clean. We got the best price on the hotel own web side.
3 amigos from Norway

My husband and I stayed here from Jan 28/08 for 4 nights as part of a 14 day Havana/Varadero package. We both loved the hotel, especially the grounds and the lovely veranda with bar (great espresso, daquiris and Carona!. While a little tired, our room was large and comfortable. The breakfast buffet was included in our package along with attendance for 2 to the Parisien Cabaret Show (which was excellent). We had dinner in the main dining room that was expensive ($75.00 with wine) and not that good, but the maitre'd made up for it all. Outside of the hotel and just down entrance way we went to the Monsigneur Restaurant and had a great meal for $35.00 including drinks, then ate 2 nights later at "Palador Nerei" which is only a few blocks away at Calle 19 & L - and had a fantastic meal for $35.00. We also splurged and ate at the top of the Hotel Libre at the Sierra Maestra which had a decent wine list, decent food and great views - spent $100.00. The hotel has a great location right on the Malecon and is close to Old Havana. It's also close to "La Zorra y El Cuervo" which is an awesome jazz night club and well worth the cover charge of $10.00. We hired a guide in advance based on trip advisor reviews thru the internet (---) for a full day in Old Havana. Our guide was Dania and she was very good and very knowledgeable with excellent English.We loved the hotel and the whole Havana experience - we could have used a couple of more days to see it all. PS - if you have time, check out the Colon Cemetary and be patient with the Cuban's - their idea of service is quite a bit lower than ours. They don't have phones in their own homes, so at work they take great advantage of the opportunity to talk to friends, relatives etc.

Stayed at the Nacional for three nights. You're immediately hit by the size and grandeur of the place when you arrive. It has a real sense of history which is almost worth staying there for alone. As for the accommodation, the rooms are large and well kept, the food fair, and the staff a little on the inattentive side. Despite not being located in the old town, the location is just fine giving you a nice chance to walk along Malecon into town. The hotel also hosts various shows including the excellent Buena Vista Social Club.