Stayed here from 11th sept for 3 nights when we arrived we was taken aback by the splendour of this hotel. We only stayed b&b but eat the rest of our meals here, we couldnt complain about anything the restaurant in the garden is small and cosy i would go to say romantic. The birds in the cages are well looked after cleaned out and fed regular, the view from bottom of garden over the malecon are brilliant. A must to do is get a convertible outside the hotel for a hour its a eye opener in some parts of havana. It cost only 30 pesos and worth every penny, ask to go to havana wood its so beautiful. Remember when booking this is a old hotel and there is a fusty smell but that soon disperses. The hall of fame is well worth a look plus look for the locals with there ages. the staff all seem to helpful,polite and proffesional not as said in other reviews cant do enough for you. all rooms are beautiful big and clean. WELL WORTH A STAY !!

We spent a week here in June and for the same money we could have had two weeks at the Deauville instead,

The entrance hall and terrace just beyond are wonderful , stay late, enjoy a cocktail and listen to the singing of the (caged) birds.
All of this you can do without staying.
The room was basic with ancient air conditioning and not that much space. We would have loved a balcony in that heat (but made do with sitting by the window with the air con off.)

The location is in the city as such but away from the old town so you get more bars etc used by locals.

The pool was ok but again it was well used by visitors so you could do the same.

I stayed at the National for 3 nights with my husband and two sons (ages 14 and 18) prior to holidaying in Varadero for a further 10 nights and we had a wonderful experience.
The rooms were comfortable even if they are slightly tired looking. However dont let this put you off, staying here is an experience you should not miss as you really do feel as if you have stepped back in time (but with 'mod cons').
The outside bar is a wonderful place to sit and relax watching the world go by. The museum bar also a good place to relax with the Wurlitzer juke box.
The food in the buffet, 24hr snack bar and pool bar was all ok - we were not expecting haute cuisine having read many reviews on Cuban food - but the food in the a la carte restaurant was awful, save your money. Our steaks were cooked badly despite returning them.
Havana is amazing with beautiful buildings and lots of old American cars.
If you visit Cuba you must visit Havana and the famous National.

When we arrived at the hotel we were instantly looked after.

However i had trouble as i am claustrophobic and cannot use lifts. The staircase was only in use for emergancies and was always locked so i had no choice but to use the lift, which i was none to happy about. We requested a low floor, but were assigned one of the highest as this was an upgrade. The lift experience was not pleasant for me, but i had to do it.

The hotel in itself was lovely. It was mainly a base for us, as we only satyed two nights. We explored Havana which was very educational.

The hotel has so much history so it was fabulous. I loved the photos of the celebs, and the hall of fame was great. The pool was very relaxed, and the food and drink was affordable. However the choice was limited.

It was well worth the money and for anoyone who wants to vist the most luxurious hotel in the city then this hotel is well worth it