We stayed at the Hotel Nacional in the second week of May for 3 nights. This hotel is a gem, and I would recommend it to anybody! Like everything in Cuba, it's a little worn in spots, but that just adds to it's charm.

The hotel stands out as you drive along the waterfront in Cuba, it really is an eyecatching hotel. The lobby is grand and the staff is friendly and prompt, and check-in was a breeze.

Our room was decent (we didn't have any problems with it), there were some worn spots on the rug but this is Cuba!! You can't expect it to be like a 5 star hotel at home.

We loved the outdoor lounge area facing the sea -- there are many couches and stuffed chairs to relax in as you sip your mojitos, smoke a cigar and enjoy the strains of "the girl from Ipanema" and "guantanamera" wafting from the guitars of the musicians in the corner.

We caught the tail end of a synchronised swimming show one night, which wasn't exactly the Tropicana, but was good campy fun.

All in all, having seen most of the hotels in Havana, this is the only place I would want to stay (although there's a pretty good argument for the NH Parque Central -- due to it's location). the Hotel Nacional is fabulous!!

The Nacional is - quite literally - a national landmark. Built in the early part of the 20th Century, it looms over the Malecon with views across the bay.
It's a beautiful hotel, although the rooms are probably not what we would class as 5 star. Some things are a little faded and in need of restoring - but sitting on the terrace with a Mojito in one hand and a Havana cigar in the other makes you feel like you've gone back to the 50's...an illusion also fuelled by the old cars that are liberally sprinkled across the island.
The cocktails are reasonably priced, and the gift shop stocks a range of t-shirts, shirts, books by Che or Fidel, and Cuban music.
The food in the breakfast buffet is a little limited, but cooked well. The restaurants serve a reasonable menu for evening consumption.
A beautiful location on a beautiful island.

Looks good from the outside, but inside its old, tierd, and has staff thyat want a tip for everything. The Cubans seem to think if you are staying here you are rich.

They even charge an extra 3 CUC per day to use the safe – what a rip off, and when the guy comes to activate it –he expects a tip too.

The tour around the hotel is interesting – and free. The food is not too badly priced, but the best find is the “Cinema” food area on the way to the poll where they have pizza (Lobster and Prawn). The High End rest just where you walk in is also excellent – but expensive.

The Bar which is to the side of the hotel – where the history tour ends up, is awesome, and has the best bar staff – they do make the best mojito’s in Cuba!.

Pool is quite a good size, lots of lounges.

However one big problems is that we ordered a King bed, but because none were available we were gven a room with 2 singles. No-one gave a real stuff and we were told that they were full, so we would just have to live with it. Every day we were told to call back and see if there was one free. Interestingly enough of course they were still checking people in, but were we moved – no…

They also ripped us off on checkout where we paid part cash paid credit card where the cashier double counted the conversion from Credit Card (11%), then converted from US$ (10%).

Come here as a day visitor, but stay elsewhere – rooms are small, badly furnished old, and they want cash at every turn. Cabbies even charge more as you are staying here!..

- There are hotel tours which retired Cuban university professors are guiding since it is accepted as historic monument!

- Do not expect 5 star hotel standards, clean bed, toilet paper, basic furnature is all you going to get

- Do reserve a room with ocean view, it is amazing!

- Two pools, good for sunbathing, refreshing but not luxury

- Food- Like anywhere in Cuba. If you are picky you may leave the restaurant with an empty stomach. Fresh orange juice is a bonus

- I was lucky enough to watch a Compay Segundo( from buena vista social club) performance.

- Garden is the best part of this hotel, not because it is well designed but has many funny birdys flying around, malecon view and it is giving you the chance of seeing this building in its full glory

- Very sweet hotel maids, always helpful, they are writing thank you letters before you leave...