I have just arrived home after a trip to Cuba with my daughter. We began our trip at the Paradisus Rio de Oro FANTASTIC!!!!!! I would recommend it to anyone. But beware of light fingered maids at the Nacional! I arrived home today and unpacked to find gifts that were packed in my case on Friday morning (we checked out Friday @ 3pm) were no longer there! I didn't think them valuable so I didn't lock them in the safe! Well to be honest we did not think that staff would riffle through our cases at any opportunity as these things were with us at the Paradisus Rio de Oro and their staff did not take the opportunity to go through our bags.

The loss of the objects is not the most distressing thought, moreover; it is the thought that our personal sphere has been violated by trusted employees. We gave a large tip to the maid and she (or whoever had access to our room) found it necessary to steal from us. SO PLEASE BEWARE!

We stayed for three nights at the nacional as part of our twin centre Cuba holiday. When we first arrived we were a bit apprehensive, but by the time we left we loved the place. True the hotel is a bit rough around the edges but the charm of the place soon wins you over. Having a Drink in one of the hotel bars, you could just be transformed back to the 1930's I doubt the hotel has changed much since then.
Not many hotels you stay in would have guided tours around them for non guests!
If you stay In havana,you have to Stay at the Nacional, its an unforgattable experience!

The Hotel Nacional fufilled all our expectations and surpassed them. The staff were helpful. the bedrooms were spotlessley clean and the terrace bar is the most relaxing place to sit, enjoy the wonderful view and have a cocktail. We would not hesitate to return.

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.