This is the only hotel I have stayed in in Havana but I would give it a first class rating. The rooms are spacious, luxurious and spotless with efficient air conditioning and double-glazing (it was very noisy outside but very quiet in the room). The roof top pool and bar have fantastic views and the El Paseo restaurant is recommended, and comparable to expensive restaurants in London in terms of food and service (thankfully a little cheaper though!).

After staying in this hotel for four nights my husband and I travelled around Cuba staying in other hotels. I would say that the NH Parque Central was of a better class; but whilst it is top quality, it lacks a little in Cuban character. For example, we found the service adequate but not over friendly. So really it depends what kind of hotel you are looking for as to whether this is the one for you. If you are looking for an international style hotel with all the creature comforts you would expect you will probably love it!

We only stayed here for our final night in Cuba, in March 2005, having stayed at the neighbouring Telegrafo for 5 nights the previous week, before travelling around the country. So this review is necessarily limited in its scope.

Good points are

- it is clearly a top-class hotel, and the little touches of luxury are noticeable once you have stayed elsewhere in Cuba. For example, a carpet in your room, a very well-appointed bathroom, QUIET air conditioning, etc
- the lobby is impressive
- it is very well-placed for Old Havana
- the roof-top pool is excellent, with a wonderful view over the city
- the breakast buffet offered a huge choice, with options to have food freshly prepared just for you by a chef

Less good points are

- the receptionists were brusque and no one even offered to take our cases when we arrived. I didn't need to book any trips or flights but can well imagine (as a previous correspondent has indicated) that it would prove difficult, whereas it was no problem anywhere else we stayed at
- there is currently a major construction site to one side of the building
- in the lobby bar it took 20 minutes and one reminder for our drinks to be served, despite it being a fairly quiet period

But all in all, this was a nice touch of luxury at the end of our holiday. Given the choice, I'd still go for the Telegrafo though, which was not quite so luxurious but probably better value for money.

I will start by saying that this hotel is very comfortable and well located. The rooms are a good size and most of the hotel is well run. The restaurant El Paseo is very good quality and the breakfast offered is really first class.

But I have to say where this hotel falls down, or at least where it let us down over the Easter weekend. Granted it was busy, but the service around the bar area was appallingy slow and we were overcharged (as unfortunately we were when we stayed at this hotel in Oct 04). We ordered food that did not arrive for an hour and when it did a meal was missing without explanation.

Second gripe, check in was at 3 and when we arrived at 5 pm our room was not available. No apology from the very rude receptionist (sorry Mabel but you need to be friendlier) who was all together a bit off hand. We did eventually get into our rooms at 6 pm which was a relief after the journey.

Fairly minor problems maybe, after all you don't need to use the hotel bar when you are in the middle of Havana, but how about when you want to use the bar as a meeting place or have a nightcap ?

As I say this is the second trip I have made there and the second bad experience with the bar staff.

To finish on a plus point, the concierge was incredibly friendly and was a great help to us, I am sorry that I do not have his name, but he was fantastic.

Stayed in the Parque Central as part of a 2 centre holiday. Great location, very comfortable rooms, friendly and accommodating staff and the A la Carte restaurant was first class - and incredible value. Take advantage of the roof-top swimming pool - great views and an early introduction to the sun !
A great base for exploring the old city, found plenty to do in the 3 days we were there, including a cigar factory, a couple of museums and those all important bars. If you get the chance go on a Cubanacan bus tour of the city (and a rum factory) take it - our guide was informative and knowledgable and it was a couple of hours very well spent. Havana market was great fun and good for haggling - although prices were incredibly cheap.
Felt safe walking within the old city (no necklaces !) at any time of the day or night. Often approached by men wanting to sell us cigars or rum and women wanting cash "for the baby" A simple and firm "no gracias" invariably sent them away - unlike Greece or Turkey !!!!
If we ever get back to Cuba we will defintiely stay at the Park Central again.
Richard & Vicky