Nacional De Cuba Hotel

“ 5* by Cuban standards but not Western ones. Though the hotel has a superb history / pedigree it is located a very long way away from the main tourist hotspots. The surrounding area is very run down/intimidating to walk around and is by no means a tourist area. If you walk around outside the hotel expect locals to offer to guide you to wherever you are going - this is a standard trick as they will lead you somewhere they recommend and then ask you for money. You will need to take a taxi to get anywhere of interest from here. Do not buy the excursions from this hotel, they are overpriced. Instead buy them from some of the other famous hotels in Old Havana as they are more competitively priced. Though the hotel has many good facilities eg gym, internet etc nothing is complimentary and you will be overcharged for their use. The hotel restaurant serves very authentic Cuban food and instead focusses on high end European style dishes for which it overcharges.

“ Top Tip: Do not eat at the hotel directly opposite this hotel, it is heavily overpriced. The waiting staff will automatically attempt to get you to order the most expensive thing on the menu. (As they do in most Havana restaurants). Only when you attempt to leave will they tell you that the other menu items are available. As always when eating out in Cuba make sure to agree the price of everything, including drinks, even if it is not noted anywhere. The prices seem to be charged at random-they view Westerners as cash machines and they often short change you when paying. (Always try to pay with the correct money). A good way to get into Old Havana / the main tourist attractions from the hotel is to follow the sea wall opposite the hotel. This walk is relatviely incident free as there are few locals around, however you will be beeped at constantly by passing taxis, an endless problem in Havana. (You can get out of a taxi at your destination and immediately be approached by waiting taxi drivers offering to take you somewhere else). Be prepared to be constantly harangued by cab drivers and be ready to forcefully say no otherwise they will continue to chase you. This is also true for restaurant owners who will approach you in the street and follow you trying to get your business. Be prepared to be ruder than you normally would at home as 'no thank you' does not seem to translate in Havana.

“ A slice of luxery from a bygone era, fabulous architecture, views and history. Good breakfast and comfy rooms, also really enjoyed the pool, very relaxing.

“ Fantastic hotel. Loved every minute. Great food especially if you are out late and want something to eat at 4am :) Spotless and they've obviously recently spent a fortune on quality furniture in the rooms. Hope I can go back some day!

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