Being an avid reader of Trip Advisor I was overwhelmingly happy to discover that I had made the right informed decision. Hostal Valencia is majestically beautiful, and its staff - from the gardener to the maid to the reception staff - were courteous, efficient, and best of all after we became a little more familiar, downright fun!

I think the mistake that some reviewers have made here has been to compare the food to the British and American tourist food available in many parts of the world. In fact the westernised Cuban food available at Hostal Valencia is much better quality than even the average Cuban could expect to find in their local restaurant.

The hotel made the perfect base for us as we checked out Havana Vieja's incredible sites, and the perfect refuge after nights out at its crazy bars and clubs!

And if this is budget I need never upgrade.

If I had any criticism at all its that the new lifelong friends we made in Cuba - who were neither criminals nor jinteros - were not allowed to join us in the hotel. We thought this was the case for all visitors, however, an Australian friend of ours who coincidentally was travelling through Cuba at the same time we were there was permitted to join us on several occasions. Cubans are used to this kind of tourist apartheid but I must admit the Brit in me feels quite adamant that the only person that should be allowed to discriminate between these friends is me.

Anyway, the smallest of gripes outweighed by a memorable experience - I will never forget my stay in this beautiful hotel.