Presidente Hotel

“ The hotel was cheap and comfortable but I had misread the map and did not realise how remote it was. If I had I would have paid more to be more central.

When in Havana it is better to be in central Havana and pay more rather than be out in Valedo and even most of the Valedo hotels are better positioned than this.

Evening buffet was really poor. I have never been anywhere where I have complained about the food so this is a first. Breakfast is OK so I would book B&B.

“ Top Tip: Ask for a room at the back of the hotel on a high floor as trafic noise was still significant despite being on the 9th floor (second from top) but at front.

Chose a more central hotel which will cost more.

Do not pay for half board. Breakfast was fine but dinner was really poor and you can eat out very cheaply in Valedo at the Cuban restaurants.

The hotal provides towels and shampoo and shower gell so you don't need to bring these.

“ The best thing about this hotel was the staff and their friendliness and eagerness to help even when they were let down by Cuban circumstances beyond their control.

“ Top Tip: This hotel is quite a way from the centre of Havana but is one of the stops of the hop on hop off bus tour, so daytime often the cheapest way of getting around is purely to use this almost as a taxi.

“ Hotel was excellent considering what hardships the locals have to put up with. Room was clean and maid came every day. Staff were courteous and friendly although did get overcharged once or twice at the Pool Bar. Hotel is in Vedado area and therefore a little way from Central and Old Havanna. We did walk it a few times but it is about 3km, in the sun, which can make it a long and tiring walk.

“ Top Tip: Havanna is very safe and we had no issues walking around in any part of Havanna, day or night. (safer than Bristol!). Locals are friendly but don't be taken in by the 'Where are you from merchants' who will try and lead you to bars / restaurants where they get a kickback from the expensive drink you buy them. We went to many restaurants in the immediate location of our hotel (Vedado area) obtaining them from Lonely Planet, Cuba. Definitely cheaper to eat out of the central and old Havanna areas and food of better quality. Don't be mislead by locals and taxi drivers who take you to restaurants where they get a kick back and also say you can't eat for less than 12 cuc's per person. You can! We ate, on one occassion for 8 cucs in total for both of us which included main course, dessert and drink. Some good, cheap restaurants around the Hotel National area. If you are paying more than 20 cucs for a meal for two with a drink, youv'e been had! Also try and find privately owned restaurants which aren't always easy to find but offer great value and good quality. Trip to Santa Clara to see Che Guevara's mauseluem definitely worth it, also trip to Vinales. With regard to Taxis (including Coco taxis) always negotiate and walk away if price to high. We found it was more expensive on the meter than negotiation. You don't need to spend 25 cucs from the airport to your hotel although you will be told that is the price. We did it for 15 one way and 20 the other by locating a yellow Lada taxi. Finally retain the small half of your visa, given back to you on arrival, as it will be required when you leave the country.

“ Typically Cuban. Excellent location.
Decayed elegance. Faded granduer.