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.

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