Just got back from two weeks in Cuba. We stayed all inclusive in Cayo Coco but couldn't resist the temptation to hire a car for a look round. Spent three days in Havana and stayed two nights in the Hostal Valencia as it was recommended in our Lonely Planet guidebook. The guidebook was two years old and the hotel had since joined the next door Hotel Comendador (and increased it's prices considerably!). Apart from that, it was even better than the guidebook said.

When we enquired about rooms, we were shown two huge double rooms, one with bath & one with shower, both for 120 pesos per night. We chose the one with shower that was on the front corner and had an "L" shaped balcony over two streets. It had a partition between the bed and the lounge area and really felt like being in Havana in the thirties (apart from the TV & aircon). I used to work for Hilton Hotels and have stayed in numerous Hiltons (and other hotels) around the world and this is now my favorite hotel room!

The hotel is set around a wonderful courtyard that has open air eating and drinking for guests. The staff were all really friendly and it is amazingly convenient for all of the sights.

We tried the paella and it was really good and, despite what our guidebook had said, big portions.

The bar is nice (but small) with glazed tiles signed by everyone famous whos stayed in the last 10 years and there's also a small picture gallery there.

I would REALLY recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Havana!

All of the staff