We only spent an hour by the pool but in that one hour we fell in love with this hotel. Make sure you look at the pictures on the wall near the elevator. They are classic Cuba. We wanted to purchase the one of the Dachshund in front of the laundry. It was just darling. Don't miss the very interesting little grouping of bonsi trees over in the corner that you will only notice on your way to the restroom out by the pool. The drinks were delicious and nothing can top the view of the city from the pool area. We would definitely stay here next trip. Make sure you check out the photography-- especially the dachshund in front of the laundry. That dog is the cutest little dog in Cuba.

My husband and I have just returned from a fabulous holiday in Havana, Cuba. We stayed at the Hotel Saratoga which is an exquisite boutique hotel in Old Havana. There is a great pool area on the roof with excellent Mojitos and amazing views of the city. The architecture is fantastic and though much of the old city is very run down, it is reasuring to see a lot of restoration of these grand buildings is underway.
The biggest gem of the hotel is,however, the charming concierge Raul Hernandez Cano, who is perhaps the best concierge we have ever dealt with. My husband and I travel a great deal and are seasoned travellers, yet we were highly impressed with Raul's warm and professional service. It is refreshing to find hotel staff who knock themselves out to make sure visitors have the most up-to-date information and great insider tips so that we could have the best stay possible. Raul even stayed late to help us out when our dinner reservation fell through. It was just like having the advantages of staying with a friend who is a local.
The rest of the staff were friendly and pleasant with the exception of one incredibly grumpy front desk woman who has no business being in the hospitality industry and actually implied that I had lied about the room rate I had paid. Everyone else was just fine.
The restaurant is not bad, but is a bit overpriced. Be prepared to be regularly approached to buy black market cigars, even by the restaurant staff. This is part of any stay in Havana.
Be sure to check out the fabulous old 50's cars as well as the Cocotaxis which are fun to try.
For people who love trying new places for holidays, my husband and I are planning a repeat visit - that's how much we loved it, and the people.

Recently travelled to Havana with a group of friends and decided on the Hotel Saratoga. It was an excellent choice. From the level of service to the quality of the facilities, this is an ideal inner city hotel with the primary goal of seeing the sights with the option of relaxing by a pool, with a stunning view. Nicely appointed boutique styled rooms with spacious bathrooms and comfortable beds. Raul, our concierge contact, was very helpful in in making recommendation, and Antonio, our barman, took very good care of us.

The hotel is a short walk to many restaurants, bars and the many historic squares of Old Havana. While breakfast was not piping hot, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety of the buffet, from fruits, smoked salmon, eggs, cheeses, crepes, the Cuban espressos, you get the picture. Each night we visited one of the Paladars, those are the restaurants that have been set up in private homes. By far the best was La Guiarida - a must visit.

This is our hotel of choice for Havana