We just got back from 6 nights in the Sevilla. We had a superior room and I really think it was worth the extra for the space. The hotel has bags of character, friendly staff, tasty breakfasts and the patio bar serves a mean mojito. If you want a sterile, expensive and non-Cuban experience then DONT bother with the Sevilla try the Parque Central.

First off, remember this is Habana, in Cuba and you are working with supply restrictions in everything, at all times. The Sevilla's location was perfect for walking tours of the Old City, and convenient enough to let you pop back and then head out again. It is also right beside the Museum of the Revolution and the Fine Arts Museum. The roof top restaurant's wonderful view was diminished by the dismal food preparation and somewhat condescending service. Go for a drink before dark to enjoy the view, but in the hotel, eat at the bar in the main floor courtyard - slow but satisfying - also some great musicians serenading diners. The hotel staff were all very helpful and friendly and the cashiers never ran out of convertible pesos. Taxis were always available right outside the door and the outdoor pool was lovely. We had a corner room (8th floor) and, just as another reviewer mentioned, it had two large beds and loads of room - a window with a view, but no balcony. On the street in front of the lobby we could hear the music from the ballet academy across the road. Breakfast was included and was good by Cuban standards. Outside the hotel, we had a terrific evening meal at La Mina restaurant in Plaza de Armas - roaming peacocks no less! We would definitley return to this hotel and have happy memories of our visit.

Myself and my girlfriend have just returned from Cuba and our last night was spent at this hotel. Having stayed in a number of state run hotels over the previous week the sevilla was certainly a breath of fresh air or rather a breath of exhaust air as for some strange reason our room collected all the smells of the smoggy street outside over the course of the night!! Resulting in a rather groggy and disorientated awakening the following morning. I noticed another reviewer also found this so be warned! The rooftop restaurant is out of this world however, with a sumptious surrounding to rival any restaurant in which you're ever likely to dine! The food was adequate but couldn't live up to the surroundings but the real problems started when I presented my visa card for payment, the hotel connection was down and I ended up having to hang around for over an hour while the hapless maitre'd repeatedly tried swiping the card while labouring under the impression that the more he did it the more likely the connection would suddenly right itself!! I would have preferred him to take an imprint of my card in order that he could deal with the situation without requiring my personal attendance!! Take cash, patience and a gasmask to get the most out of the sevilla. It has flawed charm in abundance.

A nine day stay early March 2005 convinced that this is the worst Sofitel hotel I have ever been to.
Together with hords of other clients I spent a considerable amount of time there trying to get on the elevator. There are only a few, and half of them did not work most of the time. Our section of the building had around 150 rooms, with only one or two elevators working on average!
It was quite a scene to see day in and day out so many frustrated guests infuriated, and cursing in their respective language!
Sofitel is part of French-owned Accord, and it has a chain of lovely hotels around the world. I have been lucky enough to be able to sample quite a number, and they are all of stop standard! But this is the worst of the lot.

Havana has a government-owned chain of top hotels (Havaguabanex). I have been in several, and they are not without problems, but nothing compares to the elevator situation in Sofitel-Sevilla. My advice is: when in Havana, go Cuban not French!