After reading the reviews, I expected the worse! We arrived approx. 1am from London, (as you can imagine very tired after a 12 hour flight) , the staff were amiable, a porter (for 3 pesos) showed us to our room which was clean and larger than I expected, with 2 double beds and a balcony with a view over looking the marina.

The hotel does provide a FREE shuttle bus into Havana (and return) which takes approx 30 mins (20 mins by taxi - 10 - 15 pesos each way) approx 3 times a day, but any good holiday company should advise this before you travel.

There where some local people using the pool, however we did not find them a problem, generally there was enough tables and sunbeds for everyone. Remember - this is a Marina and therefore a lot of people dock here and use the facilities. It is Cuba, unless you are in a all inclusive private tourist complex, you will here salsa music and see local cuabn people.

OK, so it I don't think it is a 4 star hotel (maybe 3 star or 3 star plus) but please remember where you are going and how much you paid. Please don't be put off by so many negative reports, its really not that bad.

Please let me know if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help and be honest about it - DeborahBaber@AOL.com

Have a great time!

This is a straightforward tourist hotel a little out of Havana but with a reliable free shuttle bus. The problem is that all afternoon it operates as a kind of public swimming pool with an unreasonably noisy public address blaring out disco and local music for the sole benefit of the many local people who flood in and certainly not for the hotel guests whose complaints go unheard. Oh, and they are not above cheating you on the hotel reception. Don't miss seeing Havana, but stay somewhere else if the hotel is important to you.

The hotel comprises a number of buildings alongside a private road within a gated marina. We arrived late in the evening and there was no one to show us where our room was or to help with luggage. Refurbishment is taking place but it caused us no problems. Rooms are quiet and spacious with two double beds and they have pleasant views over the water, but they are nondescript. There was no sign of mossies in February so we didn't need to spray or use electrical devices at all. Breakfast is in a large self service restaurant and of average quality though as a plus point the choice is wide. There are a few restaurants just a short stroll away in the marina complex, Italian, Spanish and Chinese, also there are expensive clothes shops and a small supermarket. In the afternoons the pool gets busy with lots of yacht owners and crew etc. The biggest drawback we found was the distance from old Havana; it is claimed to be 20 minutes but that must be in a fast car with little traffic. Using the hotel bus or one of the old american cars took more like 35 - 40 minutes and can become tiresome after a coulpe of trips. Exhaust fumes are a real turn off in the old cars by the way as they all seem to have leaking exhausts. Oh, and don't lose your electronic door key as there appears to be no way to have a replacement cut!

We stayed there for 4 nights June04 and the first day we killed over 80 mosquito,s in our room. There was hundreds of splat marks on the wall before we arrived. Its an old hotel which is in need of remoderation. The locals can also use the pool area. We left a beach towel and a t-shirt by accident at the pool. We went back and it was gone. Staff unhelpful and not really bothered,so beware what you leave behind.

Its quite east to get to central havana about 9-10 dollars taxi ride.

Really helpful bell boy Pedro. I tipped him lots of times.