Hotel in Vedado, Havana, Havana
Hotel Capri
A renovated 1957 modernist hotel in Vedado once associated with the American mob (mob boss Santos Trafficante owned it). The rooftop pool and bar are popular with travelers and locals for sunset drinks.
Hotel Capri is a 19-story modernist tower in the Vedado neighborhood, built in 1957 at the corner of Calle 21 and Calle N during Havana's pre-revolutionary golden age. The hotel was constructed at the height of American organized crime's investment in Havana, with mob boss Santos Trafficante Jr. operating the property as part of a network of casino hotels that defined Vedado's entertainment culture in the late 1950s. The Capri's main-floor casino, now closed, was among the most lucrative in pre-revolutionary Cuba. Following the 1959 Revolution, the hotel was nationalized and operated as a state-run property; a comprehensive renovation completed in 2014 under the NH Hotels management group restored the building's original mid-century character and upgraded its amenities to contemporary standards.
The hotel's 220 rooms and suites are distributed across the tower's 19 floors, with room quality consistent across most categories following the renovation. Standard rooms feature clean mid-century modern furnishings, in-room safe, minibar, and flat-screen television. Upper-floor rooms on the ocean-facing side offer views toward the Malecón and the Straits of Florida; the city panorama from the higher floors extends across Vedado toward Old Havana and the bay.
The rooftop pool and bar, located on the top floors of the tower, is Hotel Capri's defining amenity. The pool deck is accessible to hotel guests and to outside visitors for a small cover charge, and has become a popular destination in Vedado for late-afternoon swimming and sunset drinks, drawing both international travelers and Havana residents. Poolside service includes cocktails, snacks, and light meals.
A restaurant on the ground floor serves Cuban and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel lobby bar operates throughout the day. A small fitness center is available to hotel guests. The hotel's Vedado location places it within walking distance of the Hotel Nacional, the Malecón seafront promenade, and the La Rampa commercial corridor, with Old Havana approximately 15–20 minutes away by taxi.
Hotel Capri is operated under the NH Hotels brand as NH Capri La Habana, making it one of the more reliably maintained mid-range options in Vedado for international visitors seeking the neighborhood's quieter residential character as an alternative to Old Havana.
Amenities
- Rooftop pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- WiFi
- Gym
Location
Calle 21 y N, Vedado
Highlights
- Rooftop pool and bar
- Modernist 1950s architecture
- Vedado location
- Mob history
Tips
- The rooftop pool and bar is open to non-guests for a small cover charge and is a popular sunset destination in Vedado; arrive before 6 p.m. to secure good seating before the terrace fills.
- Request a high-floor room on the ocean-facing side for views toward the Malecón and the Straits of Florida; the panorama from the upper floors is a highlight of the property.
- The hotel's Vedado location is convenient for the Hotel Nacional gardens and the Malecón promenade; both are within easy walking distance for a morning or evening stroll.
- The hotel's mob-era history and mid-century modernist design make it of interest to architectural and history enthusiasts; front desk staff can provide brief background on the hotel's pre-revolutionary origins.
- Taxis from Hotel Capri to Old Havana's historic center take approximately 15–20 minutes and run at fixed rates; the concierge can arrange official taxi service.
FAQ
What is the historical significance of Hotel Capri?
Hotel Capri was built in 1957 during the height of American organized crime's involvement in Havana's hotel and casino industry. Operated by mob figure Santos Trafficante Jr., its casino was among the most prominent in pre-revolutionary Cuba. Following the 1959 Revolution, the hotel was nationalized and its casino closed; it has operated as a state-managed and later internationally-managed hotel since.
Can non-guests use the rooftop pool at Hotel Capri?
The rooftop pool and bar at Hotel Capri is accessible to non-guests for a small cover charge. It is one of the more popular rooftop venues in Vedado and a recommended spot for afternoon swimming and sunset cocktails with panoramic city views.
How does Hotel Capri compare to other Vedado hotels?
Hotel Capri is positioned as a mid-range option in Vedado, priced between budget properties and the five-star Meliá Cohiba. The 2014 renovation significantly improved room standards, and NH Hotels management ensures more consistent service quality than many state-run properties in the area.
Is Hotel Capri within walking distance of the Hotel Nacional?
Hotel Nacional de Cuba is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from Hotel Capri along the Malecón seafront. The two hotels are the most historically significant properties in Vedado and the walk between them along the seafront promenade is scenic.
What amenities does Hotel Capri offer?
Hotel Capri offers a rooftop pool and bar, a ground-floor restaurant, a lobby bar, a fitness center, and WiFi throughout. The property does not have a full spa or dedicated conference center, positioning it as a leisure-focused mid-range hotel for travelers exploring Vedado and Havana.
Accessibility
Hotel Capri's 1957 tower was upgraded during the 2014 renovation; elevator access serves all floors and designated accessible rooms are available on request. The main entrance and lobby are step-free, though the original mid-century building design means some areas have limited turning radius for wheelchair users. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm specific accessibility arrangements.