Hotel in Old Havana, Havana, Havana
Hotel Florida
An intimate 25-room hotel in an 18th-century colonial mansion near Plaza de Armas, featuring beamed ceilings, marble floors, and a beautiful central courtyard. One of Old Havana's most charming properties.
Hotel Florida is a 25-room boutique property housed in a meticulously restored 18th-century colonial mansion at the corner of Obispo and Cuba streets in the heart of Habana Vieja, Havana. The building's origins as a merchant's residence give it a domestic intimacy that larger Old Havana hotels cannot replicate, and the architectural restoration has preserved original elements including hand-hewn timber ceiling beams, veined marble floors, and carved stone doorways throughout. The property is managed by the Gran Caribe hotel chain.
The hotel sits on two of Old Havana's most historically significant streets, placing it within steps of Plaza de Armas — the oldest public square in Cuba — as well as the Catedral de San Cristóbal, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and the cobblestone streets that constitute Havana's UNESCO World Heritage historic core. Guests can walk to most of Habana Vieja's major colonial landmarks within 10 minutes.
The property is organized around a covered central courtyard that serves as the hotel's social heart and the setting for the restaurant and bar. Preserved ironwork railings, potted palms, and colonial columns make the courtyard one of the most attractive dining spaces in Old Havana. Breakfast is served here daily, and the bar operates through the evening with Cuban cocktails and occasional live music.
Rooms at Hotel Florida are individually appointed with period-appropriate furniture and textiles that complement the building's colonial character. Superior rooms with balconies overlooking Obispo Street offer direct views of one of Havana's most atmospheric pedestrian streets. All rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, and WiFi.
The hotel's small scale means service is personal and attentive, with staff who are familiar with the local area and able to arrange classic car excursions, restaurant reservations at well-regarded paladares, and day trips to surrounding attractions including the beaches of Playas del Este and the colonial city of Trinidad.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- WiFi
- Courtyard
Location
Obispo y Cuba, Old Havana
Highlights
- 25-room boutique intimacy
- Colonial courtyard
- Beamed ceilings and marble floors
- Central Old Havana location
Tips
- Book well in advance — with only 25 rooms, the hotel fills quickly, particularly during the November through February high season.
- The central courtyard restaurant is a lovely breakfast setting; arrive early to secure a table under the covered arcade before the midday heat builds.
- Corner balcony rooms facing both Obispo and Cuba streets offer the most dramatic views of the surrounding colonial streetscape.
- The hotel is walking distance from all major Old Havana sites, making a rental car or taxi largely unnecessary for daytime exploration.
- Ask front desk staff for paladar recommendations — the area around Obispo and nearby streets has several highly regarded private restaurants.
FAQ
How many rooms does Hotel Florida have?
Hotel Florida has 25 guest rooms, giving it an intimate boutique character unusual among Havana's state-managed hotels. The small scale means personalized service but also limited availability, so advance booking is strongly advised, especially for the high season from November through February.
Is Hotel Florida near Plaza de Armas?
Yes — Plaza de Armas, Havana's oldest public square, is approximately a 5-minute walk from the hotel along Obispo Street. Nearby attractions also include the Cathedral, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and the Bodeguita del Medio cocktail bar, all within easy walking distance.
Does Hotel Florida have a restaurant?
The hotel has a restaurant and bar set in the colonial courtyard, serving Cuban and international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The courtyard setting is one of Old Havana's most atmospheric dining environments, and live music is occasionally featured in the evenings.
What makes Hotel Florida different from other Old Havana hotels?
Hotel Florida's defining features are its colonial mansion origins, small room count, and preserved architectural details including timber beams, marble floors, and the covered courtyard. These elements give it a character and intimacy that larger, purpose-built hotels in the area cannot replicate.
Accessibility
Hotel Florida occupies an 18th-century colonial mansion with multiple levels. Elevator access may not be available for all floors due to the historic building structure. Travelers with mobility impairments should contact the property directly before booking to confirm ground-floor room availability. The cobblestone streets surrounding the hotel in Habana Vieja can be challenging for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.