I have to wonder whether some of your correspondents stayed in the same hotel as my wife and I. We ‘had a ball’ in Cuba and Havana was undoubtedly the highlight of our twin centre holiday. Moreover, our four days at the Tryp Habana Libre was essential to our overall delight.
Architecturally fascinating, this twenty five storey monolith is Brutalism gone mad. On a practical basis the hotel is very well situated for access, either on foot or by taxi, to the innumerable attractions this vibrant city has to offer.
Our room, approached incidentally by fast and ‘fun’ lifts of which I cannot understand any criticism, was comfortable and maintained to the highest standard. More especially, the view along the Malecon to the Centro and Vieja areas was quite literally breathtaking.
The range and quality of food for the buffet breakfast was impressive - and, what joy, not a 'Full English' in sight! We dined in the Restaurant El Barracon one evening and found the Creole dishes both delicate and delicious. Customarily I am sceptical about being entertained whilst eating but will readily admit that the vocal and instrumental skills of the trio on this occasion did much to overcome my prejudice.
Of course, in any hotel clients have the right to expect attentive and efficient service. However, the staff at the Habana Libre, surely the hotel’s greatest asset, far exceed even the most demanding levels of customer care not least because of their innate charm and friendliness.
Certainly some aspects of the decor are a little faded but it would seem to me a very small price to pay for such a rich experience of a piece of living history.
Finally, a word on the pure joy of a daiquiri frappe in the lobby bar - but, I am close to exhausting my repertoire of superlatives. On the other hand if Carlsberg mixed cocktails ...







