Hotel Nacional De Cuba

Tall marble pillars, actual wicker furniture. In the corner, Latin jazz - live music, the sound of peacocks - the aroma of cigars – a cool breeze rustling the tall palm trees. Over there, the vast blue ocean. The vantage from the back of the hotel cleverly disguises the road between us, and where the waves meet the sand. And the staff - so well dressed, so polite and accommodating. That's just the back of the hotel.

There is always someone to greet you at the impressive front doors. Inside – regal and elegant. Clean, and beautiful. Sculptures, crystal chandeliers – art. The cabaret show – so fun. The room, lovely. Nothing extravagant, just clean and cool and neat.

Can we talk about the food? When you read reviews about the food, I would have you remember, as some are clearly not aware, that the climate of the country must always be taken into consideration. This is not Canada. The food was fine, and honestly, we were there the day the mandatory mask issue lifted…we were lucky. After two years of almost no travel – when tourism is so important, the country was suffering.

And to that…tipping. We brought with us things that are very difficult to get in Cuba. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, aspirin, school supplies, make-up – it is on you to do some research, and bring something good to this country. In retrospect, I wish we'd brought more. Believe me when I say, rather than a tip of money, their economy is very complicated, they were so grateful to have gifts of small bottles of shampoo, razors, etc. To give you an example, when we were there, toothpaste was in such high demand, and so difficult to get, it cost them, at the very least, $16 Canadian. To give you some idea – the average Cuban makes about $150. US dollars per month.

My only complaint, is to save anyone from my fate. There are two sets of elevators at the hotel. The old ones, with the brass arrow over them, and the new ones. The second last day of my trip, I was getting off the elevator, mask on, carrying something, and landed face first sprawled over the hallway. I hadn't seen the elevator was still about 8 inches from being level with my floor. The two maids were more upset than me, and when they sent up a doctor to look at my knee and take my blood pressure, and my roommate showed up in the midst of the drama – one maid, still crying, she suggested the doctor take her blood pressure instead. It was a month before I was walking normally.

It was a great trip. I'd recommend the hotel. You'll feel like you've just fallen into the book – The Great Gatsby. [Details]

Hotel was fine-service was very good as was the price [Details]

Located along the majestic malecon just outside of old havana, the hotel nacional is a grand old dame with good amenities, picturesque grounds and very helpful staff. It is considered one of the best hotels in havana for a reason. As it is Cuba, not London or New York you must recognize that some things may not work and things are a little different. That is part of the charm for me. The breakfast buffet is outstanding and well above expectations. There are beaches approximately 30 minutes by taxi outside of havana but you don't. go to the city just for that. [Details]

All was perfect, we loved the room as it is decorated with historical fashion with wood furniture. A very clean and tidy room, thanks for the room maid. Good minibar, also good bars and restaurants and bars in the hotel.The prices are good and affordable. Everyone around is very kind. Above all the city was wonderful and a "must see" as the hotel is a "must stay". On the streets they say that Hotel Nacional is the most prestigious hotel of Havana.Now we know why... [Details]

This is a very nice 5* hotel, but bear in mind that it is situated in Cuba and not 5th avenue in NYC. Its location and history with its old charm is great! Will definitely travel back! [Details]

Pretty much everything went very well, check in took 5 minutes at the most.
I had someone coming in within 5 minutes to program my security box. There was lots of bell boys, opening boors, welcoming you, taking care of your luggage, I remember at some point even thinking there was too many!

Breakfast food was not very good but there was variety at least. I expected this from Cuba. The food by the pool and the food served in the 24/7 restaurant and starts at around 6 pesos which is a bit pricey for what it is.

I suggest you dont use the mini bar because it is way over priced. [Details]

Location and atmoshere is great! Rooms have been renovated; the only issue is the breakfast: the staff can not cope to provide sufficient food, it is difficult to find an available table. Pool closes already at 6pm. [Details]

The hotel was gorgeous and the staff really helpful. Rooms were old but elegant and clean.

The food was poor though as others have noted about Cuba in general. The breakfast buffet was decent (you can't really screw up eggs can you?) but dinner options are limited, especially if you don't like pork or seafood.

Great trip overall but not the best value for money. [Details]

this was my THIRD time and LAST time going to the Hotel Nacional. The hotel looks great from far, However, as you stary there, you will discover poor service, moulded rooms, old old old uncared furniture and very bad music that goes on until midnight....same band EVERY NIGHT [Details]

We chose the Nacional for our first vist to Havana because of it's history. It proved to be a very good hotel for us. We stayed on the executive level as a little treat, and think it was worth the slight extra charge. Its old and the maintenance is basic but everything worked and it was comfortable. [Details]

Classic hotel, with beautiful grounds and bars, nice pools. One thing that was a bit of a minus was that the pools closed very early around 6-7pm – after a hot day in Havana it would have been really nice to come home and have a swim in the evening. Our room was not as nice as we would have expected – very small, with a worn carpet and very poor air-conditioning, but the bathroom had recently been redone and everything was working. The breakfast buffet was good by Cuban standards although I was a little disappointed at the lack of tropical juices that I have seen at other resorts but there was abundant fresh fruit including mangoes and also freshly squeezed orange juice. The staff was professional. I suggest walking down to La Rampa or elsewhere to hail a cab and bargaining with the driver to save yourself a lot of money. Great location near the Malecon and La Rampa, lots of clubs, and restaurants. A reasonable walk to most anywhere in the city if you're willing, or a cheap cab ride (we usually spent between 2 - 4 CUC for cab rides). Overall a good time, although in terms of value for money I might be tempted to stay at the Melia Cohiba next time instead. But for the price we paid in June, really we couldn't complain, as I've paid almost the same amount, and one could pay far more depending on the time of year, to stay at vastly inferior hotels. [Details]

Room on Executive Floor was spacious, clean, and afforded nice ocean view. All staff were courteous and professional even though hotel was packed. Loved the mojitos on the wonderful veranda where we met many interesting people. Taxis to Old Havana between 5-8 CUC. [Details]

Hotel Nacional is pretty much the cream of the crop of hotels in the Havana area. Yes there are newer hotels (Melia's), but none have the character and history of this hotel. One thing to remember is that hotel star ratings are not the same as elsewhere is the world. That is to say that although the service you receive is four - five star, the condition of the rooms (ie. mattresses) and the condition of buildings is not the same. In addition, food in Cuba is hit and miss. If you do a bit of research you can end up with some very good meals. Keep these things in mind and you will have a great time. [Details]

If you're looking for a taste of glamour and a splash of history, the Hotel Nacional is the perfect place. Staying there gives you a real taste of what pre-Revolutionary Havana must have been like--sophisticated and sexy. Yes, it isn't nearly as luxurious and well equipped as one would expect according to North American standards, but that's not what I go to Havana looking for. You're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy. This is Cuba. It was clean and stately, and I loved it. [Details]

A great old hotel with history and comforatble amenities. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel is well situatted close to the must see sights of Havana. [Details]

Overall a very nice hotel, with service at a level better than we were led to expect. Clean rooms with good housekeeping. Nice pools, lots of space. Great bars and the outdoor lounge area, with resident Cuban musicians, was idyllic. [Details]

Exceeded our (admittedly low) expectations! Clean large room - better than some we've had in US/Europe - great grounds including pool. Breakfast not so great, but some things at least edible. Would definitely stay here again. [Details]

The hotel was great, rooms were clean and the staff was friendly. Would definately recommend it but be aware of the following:
breakfast buffett was abdundant but quantity is not better than quality. Make sure you bet the freshly made breakfast (omelettes).
It's a little far to walk to the major tourist spots but there is public transport.
I would definately stay there again if I wasn't by myself. The hotel is historic, clean (for the most part), the staff is friendly and the grounds are wonderful. [Details]