The room was huge...but damp and quite noisy overlooking the pool which had an evening event on. We had an online deal with free cabaret which we didn’t enjoy, maybe it is aimed at an older audience, besides the drinks were extortionately priced.

We stayed at St Johns hotel with a view over the National on our first stop and maybe should have been contented with that. However it is a great place to have a mojito or two, but again quite expensive. The diner in the basement is reasonably priced and relatively good food for Cuba.

We stayed at the Nacional from Feb 5-12 after a fascinating week-long tour of Central Cuba. Our travel agent booked the whole package with Signature Travel. It was our third trip to Cuba and our second to Havana (previously we'd stayed at the Sevilla on the edge of Havana Vieja).

It's true that this landmark hotel is full of history, the public areas are beautiful and the views from the room impressive. However, the room we stayed in (518, I think) was in dire need of refurbishment - the carpet and drapes were stained and there was a mildewy smell that could only be temporarily removed by leaving the window open to air the room. If we had been staying more than 7 nights, and if the hotel had been less busy, I may have requested a room change, but judging by the hallways and quick peeks into a couple of other rooms, ours wasn't the only one in need of an update.

We found the service in the lobby (concierge and reception) to be not very helpful or friendly, for the most part - although a kind woman at the management desk did help us to locate our missing Signature rep (she didn't show up when she said she would, or perhaps it was just a misunderstanding). The food was, overall, very good for Cuba, I thought - since our breakfast buffet was included, I'm not sure of the price so can't comment on value for money. The cabaret show was good, but in my opinion certainly not anywhere near as exciting as the Tropicana (which we saw on a previous visit). At this show, we chose the expensive meal option, and for $35 pesos extra per person (yes, I know - outrageous) - we ate a great meal - half a lobster, Canadian filet mignon done very nicely, etc.

We were supposed to stay at the Parque Central, so were a bit disappointed when we had to change due to a scheduling problem. If and when we return to Havana (who am I kidding - WHEN we return to that wonderful city), we will probably try the Central (or maybe the Saratoga). Staying in Vedado rather than Havana Vieja was an interestesting change, because you could walk down La Rampa, etc (can cab it to the old city - or walk, like we often did) - where you see a different part of the city - a bit less touristy - very few hustlers - people just going about their everyday business). By the way, the Hotel Isabella looked very interesting - very close to the Nacional - seems to be a smaller boutique hotel - read some good reviews of it. In Vedado you're also closer to jazz clubs like La Zorra y el Cuervo.

So - I don't regret staying at the Nacional, but we'll try the Parque Central next time, if possible.

Me and my fiancee spent four days at the Hotel Blau in Varadero (excellent) followed by two nights in this hole. We were so excited to be staying in a hotel which looked amazing from the outside, where it proudly displays its five stars, and which had such a rich history. However, I can only assume that the ratings system in Cuba must be out of 100 because:

-We arrived at the hotel at 5pm and couldn't check in until 7.30, because they hadn't got round to cleaning the rooms yet. They made us sit outside in the courtyard, with no information as to what was going on.

-When we did get in, the room smelt unclean and whatever we put down accumulated hairs by the time we pickied it up again

-The food was lacking, and my fiancee found 3 HAIRS in 1 MEAL!

-With the exception of the waiters, the attitude of every member of staff stank, especially the kitchen staff. They were rude and unhelpful and then were surprised when we weren't forthcoming with tips. This was in stark constrast to the brilliant staff in Varadero

-We were unable to change currency at any of the 3 bureau de changes on the hotel premises, even though we'd managed to get it changed everywhere else.

In short, DO NOT STAY HERE unless you want to come home feeling disappointed. Had we not spent time in Varadero, and made the effort to really make the most of the rest of Havana, we really would have come home having missed out n the magic that is Cuba.

We stayed at the Hotel Nationale for four days prior to going to Varadero and enjoyed our stay there thoroughly.

The staff were always friendly and helpful. We were put in a room that overlooked the entrance/parking lot and found it to be very noisy. Had no problem at all in changing rooms the next morning. The main security guards got to know you and were a source of very helpful information.

The buffet restaurant was great for breakfast. Sure, there was some things on the buffet that seemed strange to us, but when one thinks of the logistics involved in providing hot food for so many nationalities and ethic groups, they did a great job. There was always the omlette bar or crepe bar or smoothies bar for fresh made treats. The view of the ocean rolling in while having a second or third cup of coffee leche was a treat in itself.

The lobby bar was a bit breezy at times, but always had great service. The traveling musicians could be a bit annoying as they play for tips only.

The pools were nice and as was the little grill restaurant by the main pool. Only complaint there was the $2 peso surcharge for towels, could have done without that little surprise.

The Parisienne Cabaret was almost as good as the Tropicana show and less than half the price. Skip the meal options though. There are tons of great restaurants just a few blocks from the hotel at a fraction of the price.

Do take the Historical tour of the Hotel, well worth the $2 pesos and hour it takes.

Book the tours with the tour desk there rather than your travel representative. Same price, but you can use your credit cards at a much better exchange rate.

Cab ride to downtown was only $4 pesos, but take the cabs outside on the street rather than in front of the hotel.

After doing the half day city tour and seeing the other hotels, with the exception of the Central Park Hotel which is right in the heart of the old town, I did not see any other hotels that even compared with the Hotel Nationale.