Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a landmark hotel in Havana’s Vedado district, on a rise above the Malecón and the sea. Opened in 1930, it is known for its eclectic architecture, long guest history and gardens. You can visit for a mojito on the terrace, a stroll through the grounds or a history tour; staying overnight is another option. The setting and past are the draw, but rooms and service can be dated, so check recent information before booking if modern standards are a priority.
A hotel opened in 1930
Hotel Nacional de Cuba opened in 1930 in Vedado, above the coastal Malecón. Its architecture combines Art Deco with neoclassical and other historic influences. The large building, with its twin towers, became one of Havana’s most recognizable hotels and was declared a national monument.
The hotel’s guest history includes political figures, writers and entertainers. Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway and Frank Sinatra are among the names associated with it. The building also draws visitors interested in the city’s 20th-century history, including the 1946 gathering of organized-crime figures known as the Havana Conference and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Gardens, towers and the hotel’s past
The grounds give you room to explore beyond the entrance hall. The gardens include flowers and Cold War-era trenches, a reminder that the hotel’s history reaches beyond its glamorous reputation. The pool and terrace look out toward the sea and Havana, and live music is sometimes heard in the gardens.
A history tour helps connect the building to the people and events associated with it. The tour has included access to the towers, which are not ordinarily open to visitors, for views across the city and Atlantic. Ask about the tour on arrival, since the supplied information does not establish its schedule or availability.
A drink without an overnight stay
You can stop at the hotel for a drink even if you are not staying there. The terrace bar is a setting for a mojito and views over the coast; the hotel also has classic bars and a cigar shop. The building’s public spaces and gardens make the visit as much about its history and setting as about the drink.
The hotel’s atmosphere is more old-fashioned than contemporary. Some accommodation reports raise concerns about cleanliness and dated rooms, and service has been uneven. If you are deciding whether to book a room, check recent information and weigh the historic character against your preference for modern facilities. A visit for the grounds, architecture or terrace is a separate option.
FAQ
When did Hotel Nacional de Cuba open?
The hotel opened in 1930.
Can you visit without staying at the hotel?
Yes. You can visit for the gardens, bars or terrace without booking a room.
What can you see on a history tour?
The tour covers the hotel’s history and has included access to the towers for views over Havana and the Atlantic. Ask at the hotel about current arrangements.
Where is Hotel Nacional de Cuba?
It is in Vedado, Havana, above the Malecón and close to the sea.
