Hotel in Old Havana, Havana, Havana
Hotel Ambos Mundos
Hemingway wrote much of 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' in room 511 of this pink colonial hotel on Havana's most lively pedestrian street. The rooftop bar offers one of the best views in Old Havana.
Hotel Ambos Mundos is a pink five-story colonial building on Obispo Street — Old Havana's busiest and most atmospheric pedestrian boulevard — distinguished above all by its literary heritage. Ernest Hemingway lived in Room 511 during extended stays in Havana through the 1930s, using the hotel as his working base during the period in which he conceived and began writing "For Whom the Bell Tolls." The room has been preserved as it was during Hemingway's occupancy and operates as a small museum, open to visitors for a nominal fee whether or not they are hotel guests.
Obispo Street connects the Parque Central area in the west with Plaza de Armas and the harbor in the east, placing Hotel Ambos Mundos at the center of Old Havana's pedestrian life. Bars, music venues, galleries, and shops line the street outside the hotel entrance; Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, and the Malecón seafront are all within a 10–15 minute walk.
The hotel's 52 rooms are spread across five floors and vary in size and furnishing. Standard rooms are modestly scaled and simply furnished with colonial-era furniture; the hotel's appeal lies in its literary atmosphere and exceptional location rather than in the scale or modernity of its amenities. In-room WiFi, minibar, and satellite television are standard. The most sought-after rooms are those with street-facing balconies on the upper floors, offering views along the length of Obispo Street.
The rooftop bar at the top of the building, accessible by a small elevator, is one of Old Havana's most celebrated outdoor spaces. The open terrace takes in views of the bay, the Colonial Quarter rooftops, and the hills beyond Havana, and is open to the public as well as hotel guests — making it a destination in its own right. A ground-floor restaurant and lobby-level bar serve Cuban food and cocktails.
Hotel Ambos Mundos is managed by Habaguanex, the commercial enterprise responsible for rehabilitating Old Havana's historic buildings under the Office of the City Historian. Revenues from Habaguanex properties fund the ongoing restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage zone.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Rooftop bar
- WiFi
- Museum room
Location
Obispo 153, Old Havana
Highlights
- Hemingway's Room 511 (museum)
- Rooftop bar with city views
- Obispo Street location
- Historic atmosphere
Tips
- Room 511, preserved as a Hemingway museum, is accessible to non-guests for a small fee; hotel guests have easier access, but arrive early as the room is crowded by mid-morning.
- The rooftop bar is open to non-guests and is among the most spectacular viewpoints in Old Havana; visit at sunset before the evening crowds arrive.
- Obispo Street is lively day and night; rooms on the street-facing side may experience noise into the late evening — request a courtyard-facing room for quieter sleep.
- The hotel's central Obispo position makes it an ideal walking base; most major Old Havana attractions are within a 10–15 minute walk in any direction.
- Request an upper-floor room with a balcony facing Obispo Street for the most atmospheric views down the pedestrian boulevard.
FAQ
Can non-guests visit Hemingway's Room 511 at Hotel Ambos Mundos?
Yes. Room 511, preserved as a small museum dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, is open to visitors regardless of whether they are staying at the hotel. A nominal entrance fee applies; opening hours align with the hotel's general operating hours.
What is the quality of rooms at Hotel Ambos Mundos?
Rooms at Hotel Ambos Mundos are modest by international standards, simply furnished with colonial character. The hotel's appeal is its literary heritage, Obispo location, and rooftop bar rather than the scale or contemporary modernity of its room amenities.
Is the rooftop bar at Hotel Ambos Mundos open to the public?
The rooftop terrace bar is open to non-guests and is a popular destination for travelers and Havana residents. It offers one of the most comprehensive panoramic views of Old Havana and the harbor, and is particularly recommended at sunset.
How does Hotel Ambos Mundos contribute to Old Havana's preservation?
Hotel Ambos Mundos is managed by Habaguanex, the commercial arm of the Office of the City Historian of Havana. Revenues generated by Habaguanex properties fund the ongoing restoration and preservation of Old Havana's UNESCO World Heritage buildings and public spaces.
What is the noise level at Hotel Ambos Mundos?
Obispo Street is one of the liveliest thoroughfares in Havana, with music, foot traffic, and ambient noise extending into the evening. Street-facing rooms may experience significant noise; guests sensitive to this should request interior or rear-facing rooms when booking.
Accessibility
Hotel Ambos Mundos is a historic five-story colonial building; a small elevator provides access to upper floors but the building's age and preservation status mean some corridors and bathrooms have limited space and may not comfortably accommodate wheelchair users. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel before booking to discuss available options.