We stayed at the nacional as part of a twin-centre holiday. The hotel itself is a stunning building with a beautiful lobby and tranquil gardens at the back. The place is generally well looked after and of course has a rich history of celebrity guests which adds to the whole experience. The rooms were modest in size, but had all the expected requirements (minibar, safe, cable TV etc). The breakfast was fine, with enough variety to keep you happy. We tried the garden restaurant for lunch which serves basic Cuban cuisine (barbecued meat with rice and beans), and really enjoyed our meal. Excursions can be conveniently booked on site and were excellent value. The staff were a little subdued but spoke good English and were helpful when required. Overall we were impressed with the hotel, it is not 5 star by definition -more like 3 stars- but because of the history surrounding the place, definitely a five star experience.

hotel much in need of update rooms smelt musty and stale there were also
a lot of mosquitoes coming in through vents in bathroom buffet left a lot to be desired having come from the melia varadero for three nights here the change was quite dramatic no potatoes or good vegatables to speak of also food was quite cold would not stay here again.

We stayed at the Nacional for 3 nights as the second part of a twin centre two week trip to Cuba in July 04. Yes, the hotel is a bit frayed at the edges. The rooms are small and basic and we experienced a 12 hour power cut which are apparently quite common, but as an overall experience it was fantastic. The fact that the hotel has hardly been touched in fifty years must surely add to it's charm. You wouldn't go to Egypt and complain that the sphinx needs a nose job would you? Don't be put off by negative reviews. True, it should no longer be rated as 5 star but i am sure as tourism to Cuba develops that before long an international chain will come along and redevelop the hotel. For me this will just sanitize the experience. The rooms will probably be the same as any other 5 star hotel but the overall ambience will be lost. Take my advice, go soon before it is too late and don't expect Hilton standards. P.s. The views of the malecon are unbeatable.

We spent 3 nights at the Nacional and would go back there again. We found the staff very helpful and friendly and the buffet meals were better than we expected. The room was clean and had a great view of the Malecon and the gardens.Pool area was exceptionally nice. Lots of great spots to sit and people watch in many different areas of the hotel. Our one disappointment was the cabaret show, lots of wonderful costumes but no great variety in the dancing pieces and we were crammed in like sardines.