We stayed here for three nights and then went to Sandals in Vardero for 4 nights as part of a package. I wished that Sandals would take some lessons from this property!!

We had a lovely room with a large outdoor terrace on the fourth floor that overlooked the park (room 447). It reminded me of a good quality European hotel. The staff were always attentive and helpful. The location was excellent with an easy walk to Old Habana.

The breakfasts were excellent, but we eat elsewhere for lunch and dinner so I can't comment on them.

Normally I don't write reviews but I guess what I want to say is that this should be your choice for Habana. Carefully read all the other review and see if what they complain about really matters to you. In most cases it shouldn't..

P.S. We checked out the National and there is no comparison.

This hotel is great with a fab position in the centre of the Old Town and with many restaraunts and places of interest within walking distance. The roof pool is really good as is the pool bar and terrace, both with ample seating. The room we had was spacious and comfortable and service on the whole was very good. It is such a pity this class of hotel is let down by a simple thing of not having enough irons and ironing boards to meet guests needs. I remembered noting a previous reviewer's comments about having to wait some time for an iron/board but assumed it may have been a one-off, not so unfortunately.
I requested one at 18.30 as I wanted to prepare to dine in the hotel's best restaurant. I was told that reception would request one from house-keeping. At 20.00 I was on the phone again to be told 'we don't have any available'.. At 22.00 I rang and said I was coming down to see the duty manager. On arrival at the desk I was told an iron/board was on its way to my room so I returned in anticipation. However, at 22.25 I was back at reception asking where it was! Eventually, at 22.35 it turned up. As it was, the board that turned up was in poor condition anyway. This is simply not good enough for this standard of hotel and the management should invest in a bulk buy of irons and boards.

We stayed in Parque Central for four nights in the hotel. Staff are very helpful and friendly. The pool on top of the hotel was great , especially since it was so hot during the day. It was lovely to chill out by the pool. The view was superb. The lobby is very spacious and great for a cup of coffee or a drink. It would be have been great to have a band or some live music in the evening as it would have added some extra atmosphere. Our room was at the back near the building works but we didn't hear it because the double glazing was good. Breakfast was great.

We went on a half day tour around the Havana which was good for getting to know your bearings. The shop in the fort was very good value for rum and cigars. In the evenings we went bar hopping to watch all the live bands, that was fantastic. The entertainment was superb. Just what we came to Havana for. We went to see the Cuban Allstars and a member of the Beuna Vista Club in the National Hotel. The performance was absolutely superb, we also had a meal which gave us front seats for the performance, great! The hotel was superb, with beautiful grounds. It cost about 5 convertable pesos to get there.

Lots of people stopped us in the street trying to sell us cigars, just say non gracias if you don't want them and they will go away eventually, just be firm! On the whole found Havana is a very friendly and safe place, the police keep the main touts away from people.

The money was a bit confusing at first. One convertable Peso is worth approx 25 cuban pesos, making a convertable Peso quite a lot of money to Cuban People. It is strange having tourists prices, it would be unacceptable in the UK to charge more for visitors!

We continued our travels onward to Varadero for 10 nights.

Booked this hotel independantly during a 2-week package deal to Varadero. We decided to treat ourselves to a mini city break to Havana but didn't want to join in with any of the standard tours run from the hotel.

Staff were all very pleasant and helpful even when the crazy Cuban monetary system caused confusion at check out - watch out for the massive hike in price for paying in cash, and an even bigger sur charge for using a credit card! The advertised rate is not what you will eventually pay!!!

This hotel is worth the money though - very plush and great location. Also nearby is the very grand International hotel - a peek at Havana in its heyday? A stark contrast to some of the living conditions only a couple of streets away, but excellently located for exploring all the main sites of the old town by foot. The roof top pool is a great feature and provides panoramic views of the city. Enjoyed our days wandering around taking it all in, and our evenings enjoying the local bars and restaurants - make sure you check out the live music found in many of the nearby bars.

Overall - Brilliant and would strongly recommend for a treat or romantic break!