Overall a satisfactory experience. The hotel was clean and well run, with the front desk staff being particularly helpful. One of our number had a medical problem and the concierge sorted it out with the minimum of fuss. Also, she was very helpful with restaurant recommendations, which in Cuba is crucial information.

The junior suite I took was on the 3rd floor and was big and airy - the a/c worked perfectly when I needed it and all the facilities were fine.

The breakfasts were truly vile but I found this a problem throughout Cuba. Apart from the coffee I hated everything: the sawdust bread, the dodgy meats, the tasteless fruit, the leathery eggs, the horrible jam, the deeply dubious deep-fried stuff etc. Next time I'll bring my own cereal, crackers and peanut butter.

The other negative is the ominous and ever present security men. This is a feature of all the tourist hotels. Their main function seems to be to keep Cuban women out of the hotels - unless of course they have pimped them themselves. In which case it's fine.

The rooftop pool was a major amenity. Chill out with a Bucanero (the excellent local beer) and look out across the bomb site that is downtown Havana.

We stayed at the Saratoga a couple of weeks ago when we had 4 nights in Havana. All the staff are lovely, the room was great, really clean, great decoration etc but it had a bit of a damp problem. Also if you want a good nights sleep maybe better to stay at the HN cos they have double glazing, wow Cuba is a noisy place ( I realise cities are noisy but heck this was something else!!).
Breakfast was hit and miss, the first morning looking at the selection we thought we'd be ok with bread, jam and eggs but the eggs and butter were off. The next 3 days they were ok though, so bread and jam was the staple. Champers is a nice touch but get the basics right before moving onto champers I say.
The pool is great and a really nice relief after walking around the city, we had pizza up there on the first night (as i think all newcomers were doing), hmmm even that wasn't great.
I mean I know about the country and its not a gastro holiday but when you are paying international prices you feel rather cheated when the basics are wrong. So just be warned. Great location though and the lady in the tourist office is an absolute gem. Get all thoughts of 5 star out of your head 'cos i'm afraid you maybe disappointed!

When you arrive at Havana after a long journey from Europe you problably need to rest in a quiet hotel with luxurious rooms and facilities. This is why we choosed Saratoga and we were in no circumstances disappointed. We got a wonderful standard room on the sixth floor where everything functioned. The pool area on the top floor says everything about this hotel: wonderful pool, relaxing surroundings and a view of the town that can't be beaten (not even by the nearby Parque Central which we visited).
The price is spicey but relating what you get for the same money in the capitals of Europe Saratoga is good value for money. We stayed there 3 nights and enjoyed every minute.

Spent our last night in Cuba at this lovely hotel. Having stayed at an all inclusive in Varadero were keen to experience the real Cuba for a couple of days at least. Our rep in Varadero organised this hotel for us and we were not disappointed. We arrived by Cocotaxi and were given a junior suite on the first floor looking out onto the Capitolio. Spacious room, well furnished. Bathroom with separate shower, nice Etro toiletries, bathrobes. Was surprisingly quiet at night.
Restored and extended character property situated opposite Capitolio and Cigar Factory / museum. All old town attractions available on foot within minutes.
Best feature is the rooftop terrace with beautiful pool and bar and at less than £2 each, the cocktail menu is just asking to be fully sampled. Tried out all 3 bars (partly due to the inefficiency of Cubana airlines). Service good. Concierge particularly helpful. Only ate breakfast in the restaurant but was good.