I booked in advance the Armadores de Santander hotel in advance of my arrival in Havana and spent some time researching/reviewing the hotel on the internet. Consequently was really looking forward to enjoying a mojito and a cigar seated in the red leather sofas, enjoying the views from the roof terrace or taking in the hospitality of the bar. I specifically wanted to stay in a small hotel with character in the old part of the city and the Armadores de Santander fitted the bill perfectly.

However, when I arrived I was told I couldn't stay there. I wasn't able to fully ascertain why due to my non-existent Spanish but I guess they had overbooked or something like that. Granted they had made alternative arrangements and they paid for the taxi transfer but it was in the Tryp Habana Libre hotel, which is "modern" 572 room behemoth outside of the old city and without any real atmosphere or character.

It would be wrong of me to criticize the Tryp Habana Libre because I didn't chose it but I am extremely disappointed with the Armadores de Santander for sending me to another hotel that didn't bear any resemblance to what I wanted, in a different location and for not giving me any choice in the matter.

My wife and I stayed at this hotel for five nights in January 2007 and found it totally satisfactory. The main thing was that everything worked as it should i.e. the minibar, TV, toilets, lift, lights, internet access, etc. It may not be quite so central to the Old Town as other hotels but we found this an advantage since we were spared noise from perambulating bands and in any case you could walk to the centre of Havana Vieja in five minutes. There was also a small, but useful, supermarket opposite the hotel.

We occupied a very spacious room with two bathrooms but no windows, which meant that we had no views, but no mosquitos either. We would not recommend dining there simply because there are so many better options quite close but the breakfasts were reasonable (steer clear of the cold sausages and spaghetti). The staff were all very helpful and the bar operates as a good social meeting place. The balconies offer views over the harbour and many interesting photos of old Havana are on display.

We stayed here for four days as part of a two centre holiday. I can't understand why other reviewers thought the decor was tired - the hotel has recently been done- up and all the paintwork etc was as fresh as it could be.

Our room was lovely, with a little balcony overlooking the docks, perfect for relaxing with a Cuba Libre. It was noisy at times but it is a noisy, vibrant city, thats the appeal! There are plenty of places nearby to eat and drink and the trinket market is within walking distance, as is the bank.

The only meals we took at the hotel were breakfasts and that was only twice. Cubans live off cheese and ham and thats what you get!! The bread was good though. We were put off by the violin player who appears every morning, screeches a few notes at 7 am and then puts his hand out for a tip! Hmmm. We also had a toasted sandwich, the choice was cheese and ham, or ham and cheese!

The staff were friendly here, unlike the hotel we stayed in at Varadero.

Havana is a fantastic place and I would go back like a shot!

I’m guessing that the previous reviewer hasn’t been to Havana before, so has nothing to compare the Hotel Santander to. My wife and I spent three nights here back in February and loved it. The building has been very nicely converted from old shipping offices: there’s a reception area with leather sofas and slatted blinds; a central marble staircase with stone pillars, and high ceilings everywhere. Very cool and elegant. Our room (108) was split-level, with bedroom above and sitting area below. There was a minibar, TV, hairdrier, toiletries – all the usual amenities. We thought the 24 hour bar (unusual in Cuba) was great: good sandwiches, can’t speak for other food, but with so many interesting options available in Havana you’d be mad to spend your time eating at the hotel restaurant. Breakfast was fine, too – though we could have done without the poor guy who was sent in to play a violin that no-one wanted to hear at eight in the morning.

Now to the downside. Location: yes it overlooks the docks, and docks aren’t beautiful. But they are atmospheric in a way, and certainly very ‘Havana’. They’re also quiet, at least compared to the street noise you’d get if staying in a hotel on a busy street in Old Havana. Staff: this is Cuba, and hotel staff here aren’t trained up as well as they could be, but we found their willingness to help more than compensated for that. We experienced no rudeness at all – quite the opposite. On a separate point, it might be useful if the hotel either opened its rooftop terrace bar or stopped referring to it in its publicity.

Do bear in mind that is Havana, not London and not New York. If 5-star service and facilities are all-important to you might as well keep your blood pressure down and holiday elsewhere, because believe me, the Santander is pretty much as good as it gets. Take a look at some of the other Havana hotel reviews on Tripadvisor and you’ll see what I mean.