Cuba, Havana’s Old Town and its attractions, history and traditions has impacted the international market for tourism in the Caribbean island, informed authorities of the tourist industry in Cuba.

The peculiarities of its hotels and the vivid colours of its colonial architecture keep charming travellers from all over the world – explained Tania Sibori, Managing Director of Habaguanex.

The 4 square kilometres that make up the Old Town area – declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982- is the favourite location in Havana specially for the European and Latin-American market.

One of the recent investments of Habaguanex – the company in charge of the restoration of the Havana’s Old Town – is the refurbishment of Marques del Prado Ameno Residence, a lush property built on the 18^th Century for one of the richest families in Havana. Located in one of the most affluent streets of Old Havana today Marques del Prado Ameno residence opens its doors as a hotel with 3 suites and 16 standard rooms.

Siborit reported that Habaguanex is in charge of a project of restoration that includes over 300 installations such as hotels, restaurants, bars and museums. Habaguanex is planning to open another hotel, this time Marques de Felipe y Santiago with a total of 30 rooms.

The 19 rooms at Prado Ameno Hotel add up to a total of 546 existing at present in Havana’s Old Town.

In the narrow alleys of Old Havana, The los Frailes Hotel raises just few steps away from the majestic convent of san Francisco de Asis and the populous Old Square.

The former mansion of the fourth Marquis and Captain of the French Navy Don Pedro Claudio Duquesne is today Los Frailes Hotel. Once visited by the finest and most prominent personalities and renowned artists the Hotel Los Frailes is the prefect place to enjoy the voice of the silence and meditation in the pleasant afternoons of the Old Town.

Right at the entrance a sculpture made of cooper resembling a monk welcomes visitors inviting them into the imaginary trip to a medieval abbey.

Its lobby bar, comfortable rooms and quiet courtyard, decorated with outstanding works of art, its enigmatic and intimate atmosphere combined with the suggestive sound of a water fountain invite to contemplation and meditation in this exclusive hotel.

Facilities:

22 rooms (18 standard rooms and 4 mini-suites) all with air conditioning, private bathroom, satellite T, min bar, national and international telephone access in the room, safe box and lobby bar.

Address:
Los Frailes Hotel
Calle Teniente Rey No 8 entre Mercaderes y Oficios, La Habana Vieja
Telephones: (00 53 7) 629383/(00 53 7) 629510

The Hostal San Miguel is located very near to Havana`s Harbour, witness of the non grata presence of filibusters, whose visits to this city brought in the construction of colossal fortresses: La Cabana, El Morro and La Punta.

The building was acquired and modified towards 1923 by Antonio San Miguel y Segala, outstanding man of letters, altruist and promoter of Cuban culture. He was the director of La Lucha newspaper, a very important one during the war of Independence in 1895. Later on, he became a distinguished businessman.

This elegant architecture ensemble is distinguished by the disposition and good taste of its compartments, which show the life style of well consolidated high class of Havana in the 1920’s.

Its comfortable ten rooms, the Grand Saloon, designed with pompous filigree to hold protocol banquets as in the 20ies, its attractive lobby bar and a captivating terrace with and excellent panoramic view make this place a concurrent stop for travellers who enjoy exquisiteness and good appearance.

The Terrace: The lookout point offers a fascinating view of the Harbour and its fortresses. Excellent spot for breakfast lunch or dinner overlooking the best of Havana’s architecture.

Facilities at Palacio San Miguel:
Ten air conditioning moms, private bathrooms, safe box, minibar, satellite TV, room service, national and international telephone lines, laundry, snack bar on the terrace, rent of Grand Saloon, e-mail, fax, photocopy, specialized shop, parking, luggage storage room.

Address:
Hotel San Miguel
Calle Cuba N0. 52 esquina s Peña Pobre,
La Habana Vieja, Cuba
Telephones: (0053 7) 627656, (0053 7) 634029 Fax: (0053 7) 634088

The real Cuban fiesta is everywhere: at unimagined corners, hidden behind any bend in the road. This is the opinion of some European travelers that have seen and lived a lot in Cuba, place where they return to in order to spend vacations again.
Cubans are deeply proud of this idea. They welcome visitors with their best smile, wherever they come from.
Nevertheless, one of the most distinctive marks of this philosophy has to be unquestionably related with accommodations. Certainly, Havana –the Cuban capital- is plenty of good examples; the same happens with the rest of the Island.
Many travelers prefer those places full of history; others, huge buildings exuding light and brightness through and through.
However, those who bet for small places have always the opportunity of taking advantages of higher intimacy and a more personalized attention from employees who soon become long-lasting friends.
This is the case of a very interesting hotel that also has a worthy-to-take-note history that can be kept as well as the good memories and pictures of the family in the place they spend vacations.
In addition, this place is located at one of Havana’s busiest corners, very closed to the Paseo del Prado.
That is why, this distinguished Hotel Telégrafo, located in the previously mentioned city, attracts thousands of European travelers due to its relations with arts and intimacy although being so close to hurly-burly of city life.
Featuring an average of more than 85 per cent of occupation and many years of management; it has undergone a complete repair and constitutes a much demanded place for tourists run by Habaguanex S.A.
It is located between two very crowded streets: Neptuno and Galiano. It has a beautiful façade and it is even more attractive inside. In addition, the Telégrafo holds many stories of the city.
Opened in 1860, it was located few blocks away from Amistad Street, near the place it occupies today. Around 1888, it was moved into the populous current site; and in 1911 it was fully rebuilt, representing the key reason for today’s recovery.

The Telégrafo has 63 rooms and the privileges of modern tourism services, as well as an excellent location within the Cuban capital. That is the reason why it receives many visitors who come repeated times from all over the world.
Elegance is its distinctive mark as well as a very intimate style remarked by its employees´ top-quality service that is mentioned by some surveyed guests.

Habaguanex S.A. -name of a native cacique of the region- represents a paramount tourism group for the oldest part of Havana and it is in charge of some other hotels with plenty of intimacy and charm.
This renewed hotel keeps stories of each outstanding person and celebrated happening surrounding this area of old Havana, still in time, an architectural landscape with plenty of anecdotes.
Those places are increasingly much demanded by, mainly, Europeans that come to Cuba, and specifically to Havana, who have historical and cultural interests.

To enjoy a magnificent journey along Havana’s littoral is an adventure that San Cristobal Travel Agency offers the visitor. Havana’s Harbour has been the source of inspiration for French sailors and pirates who like Jacques de Sores, defiantly bordered our coasts as far back as the 16th century.

We propose a rendezvous with the history that lies in the sea bottoms together with anchors, bottles and coffers stored on the vessels carrying the corsairs. The journey
will also allow you to know about the traits ot a colonial architecture integrated to a city with a modern personality, and at the same time to admire remembrances contained in the Castles La Real Fuerza, San Salvador de la Punta or Tres Reyes del Morro, which stand up, protective and legendary, in the waters of Havana’s waterfront.

There is a specialized guide with you all the time. There is also a tour around the bay. Two drinks included. The tour ends with a brief colonial promenade. Lunch is optional.

It is compulsory to carry your passport with you. Departing for the excursion will depend on the weather conditions.

Duration: approximately 4 hours (without lunch)

Prices
Number of People

From Hotels in the Historical Colonial Area
Minimum 1 per person
266.00 CUC
Minimum 2 per person
133.00 CUC
Minimum 3 per person
98.00 CUC `
Minimum 4 per person
74.00 CUC
Minimum 5 per person
59.00 CUC
Minimum 6 per person
49.00 CUC
Minimum 7-10 per person
42.00 CUC

Given its near geographic location and the friendly relations with Mexico, Cuba will
celebrate the national holiday of the Aztec territory, from September 13 to 20.

For this reason, those travel agencies operating destination Cuba, together with Cuban
tourism entities and Cuba’s Tourism Office, have organized a special celebration in the Biggest island of the Antilles, to allow all Mexicans celebrate in Cuba their national holiday (Grito de Dolores) as if they were on their own country.

A Mexican Day hill take place at Havana’s Hotel Comodoro, in Playa district, starting
September 13, composed by a great dinner and musical show, and Mexican artists photo exhibitions, sea and sport activities, fashion shows. opening of a Mexican food
restaurant, Cuba—Mexico gastronomic traditions meetings, Bolero night, and a week of Aztec cinema.

Also a huge party will take place September 15 on Havana’s Hotel Occidental Miramar, and on any place where Benito Juarez’s fellow countrymen are lodged they will have transportation services to go to this hotel.

The Cultural show will present typical dances, Mexican ballads, mariachis and boleros and the presence of the Cuban Group.

See the whole of Havana for just 5.00 CUC

Brand new tourist buses tour the city in three different routes - T1, T2 and T3 – that come together at two points: Plaza de a Revolucion for T1 and T2, Parque Central for T1 and T3. One ticket at 5.00 CUC is valid for the whole day for use in all three interconnecting routes.

These buses with the Hop On/ Hop off service, let you get on and off the bus as you wish at any bus stop, simply by showing your valid ticket purchased on the day.

The service runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Possessing a wealth of history, culture and traditions, Havana is the most popular destination in Cuba and one of the most enchanting cities in the world. Ernest Hemingway, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, once said that, in terms of beauty, it was surpassed only by Venice and Paris.

Ever since the 16th century Havana has been Cuba’s Capital. It has many attractions: beautiful beaches, well-preserved colonial architecture, splendid recreation areas, grand hotels, renowned night clubs and cabarets and famous restaurants.

Havana is a cosmopolitan city where, over the centuries, Spaniards and blacks provided the main ingredients in its ethnic mixing. Now, conference tourism is increasing steadily, and there are tempting water sports and health tourism programs, as well. All of Cuba’s main hospitals and scientific research centers are in Havana, and around 21 health installations —including laboratories, optician’s and drugstores— guarantee that, if needed, you’ll get top-quality care. Enjoy peace, good health and safety.

Location

Havana is on the northwestern coast of the island of Cuba. It is bounded by the Straits of Florida to the North and by Havana Province to the South, East and West. It is both the largest city and the smallest province in Cuba and consists of 15 municipalities, nine of which are predominantly urban.

Climate

Warm an humid, but cooled by sea breezes by day and by land breezes by night.

How to get there

Most people come by air, through any of Havana’s airports that handle international flights. Or you can come by sea, arriving at the Hemingway or Tarara Marina.

Culture

Havana is the main cultural centre in Cub. Its offers include all manifestations of the arts, literature, science and sports. The head quarters of renowned cultural institutions are situated in Havana. The city hosts many important festivals such as International Ballet Festivals, Latin-American Film Festivals, International Guitar Festivals of Havana, International Festival of Latin Jazz and so much more.

What to See
Stroll through Havana to savor the beauty of its architecture and the treasures displayed in its museums.

In 1982 in recognition of the patrimonial values of its old city part and its system of fortifications protecting the entrance of Havana’s harbor, the colonial elegance of its mansions and its impressive churches; Unesco declared Havana a World Heritage Site.

Recommended

Old Havana, the Malecon seawall walk, La rampa, Plaza de La Revolucion, Cementerio de Colon, ExpoCuba, Jardin Botanico Nacional, East Havana 60 kilometer long sandy beaches, Morro Cabaña park, El Floridita Restaurant, La Bodeguita del Medio, El Patio Restaurant. Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Square, Marina Hemingway, Tropicana Show and Parisien Show.

Where to Stay

The city has the largest hotel infrastructure in the country. It is solidly supported by the professionalism of its personnel. There are many 5 star hotels such as The National Hotel de Cuba, Parque Central Hotel, Saratoga Hotel, Melia Cohiba and Melia Habana hotels. There is a wide range of 4 star hotels and the ones in the old town area stand out for its unique architecture and character. Raquel Hotel, Ambos Mundos, Palacio Ofarriil Hotel, Florida Hotel, Condes de Villanueva are just some of Havana’s best 4 star hotels. There are also a number of budget hotels such as Park View, Hostal Valencia, Caribbean Hotel, Lincoln Hotel, Lido and so many more.