Hotels in Havana

Modern or traditional? City or beach? There are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to stay in Havana...

Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is the historic heart of the city, and most of the major attractions, such as the famed colonial buildings, are located here. Book Havana hotels in this area to be close to the tourist hotspots. You can find everything from budget hotels to top-class luxury hotels that positively drip with old-world charm and elegance.

The city centre, or Centro Habana, is slightly newer, with wider avenues and monolithic buildings. It's also the location of exciting Chinatown. More modern hotels, many with five stars, can be booked in the convenient environs of this central area.

As Havana once again becomes a hit on the tourist trail, several international names have opened properties in the city. These include H10, Iberostar, Melia, Tryp and Gran Caribe as well as local chain Cubanacan. The star of the show though is the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, with its much-touted history with the jet set.

The bars and clubs of Havana provide nightly entertainment in the Vedado district. It's a large and vibrant area, and there are quiet spots as well as lively quarters. Hotels come in all shapes and sizes, with many rooms offered in beautiful old homes.

Colonial mansions dominate the streetscape in the largely residential Miramar district, which is also home to the famous cabaret club Tropicana. This is also a handy location in which to base your break, with good access to the city's sights.

Just 20 minutes from the central sights are the beaches of Playas del Este; this is a great location if you want to blend city sightseeing with days chilling on the sands.

Sightseeing in Havana feels like a whirlwind tour of the nation’s icons. Don’t miss these top picks of things to see and do…

Top five attractions

Vintage car tour

Climb inside a classic American car, such as a Buick or a Pontiac, and see the sights in style.

Tropicana Club

A must do on every Havana itinerary, this glitzy, glamorous, glitter-sprinkled open-air show is quintessential Cuba for many visitors.

Old Havana

On the waterfront, Old Havana is a Unesco World Heritage Site and home to a number of astounding buildings. Start in Plaza Vieja and explore the area all day long.

Malecon

Also called the Avenida de Maceo, this four-mile esplanade follows the coast. It's a great place to saunter, sit and people-watch of an evening.

Club Habana

Buy a daily pass for this exclusive club, which centres on an old mansion, and enjoy the lifestyle of the jet set. There's a health club, private beach, swimming pools and a great range of drinking and dining options.

It’s always party time in Havana, though these annual events are sure to add extra interest to your holiday album...

26th of July Movement Celebrations: A huge outdoor party marks the annual celebrations of the overthrowing of the dictatorship in the 1950s.

Havana Carnival; July-August: Everyone is welcome to join in the fun times of the annual carnival, which is usually based around the Malecon. There's a day especially for children.

Havana International Jazz Festival; December: This feast of music has been running for years and is very popular. Book tickets to see some of the greats of the jazz world, who perform at a variety of Havana venues.