Hotel in Parque Central, Havana, Havana
Hotel Inglaterra
Havana's oldest continuously operating hotel (1875), this Neo-Moorish landmark on Parque Central has a storied history including hosting Spanish-American War correspondents. The terrace bar is a perfect spot for people-watching.
Hotel Inglaterra is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Cuba, founded in 1875 and occupying a prominent Neo-Moorish building on the eastern edge of Parque Central at Paseo del Prado 416. The hotel's position facing the square — where Havana's main political, cultural, and social life has played out for two centuries — has made it a witness to pivotal moments in Cuban history. American journalists covering the Spanish-American War of 1898 based themselves at the Inglaterra, and the hotel's terrace café became a gathering point for Havana's intellectual class through much of the twentieth century.
The building's exterior, with its elaborate Moorish tile work, arched loggia, and ornamental ironwork, is among the most photographed hotel facades in Cuba. The interior repeats the Andalusian aesthetic with patterned floor tiles, plasterwork columns, and high-ceilinged common rooms retaining considerable colonial-era grandeur. The hotel is managed by Gaviota Grupo, the Cuban state tourism enterprise.
Hotel Inglaterra's 83 rooms and suites are distributed across four floors and vary in size, condition, and finishing. The property has undergone partial renovations over successive decades, meaning room quality is uneven; guests are advised to request a renovated room when booking. In-room amenities include air conditioning, minibar, and WiFi. Courtyard-facing rooms tend to be quieter than those overlooking the busy Prado and Parque Central, though street-facing rooms have the park view and evening activity below.
The hotel's most prized public space is the terrace café and bar on the Prado side — a ground-level outdoor seating area separated from the boulevard by a low wall, ideal for watching the passing parade of Havana street life, vintage cars, and musicians. The La Sevillana dining room on the ground floor serves Cuban cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A small indoor bar adjoins the lobby.
The location is central to Old Havana's tourist geography: the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso is immediately adjacent, El Capitolio is a two-minute walk, and Plaza de Armas and the harbor are 15–20 minutes on foot via Obispo Street.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- WiFi
- Terrace
Location
Paseo del Prado 416, Parque Central
Highlights
- Oldest hotel in Cuba (1875)
- Parque Central terrace bar
- Neo-Moorish architecture
- Historic atmosphere
Tips
- Rooms at Hotel Inglaterra vary significantly in quality; specifically request a renovated room when booking and confirm the condition at check-in, as older unrenovated rooms show their age considerably.
- The Prado-facing terrace café is one of Havana's best people-watching spots; visit in the late afternoon or early evening when the boulevard's social life peaks.
- Street-facing rooms on the Parque Central side can be noisy into the night due to outdoor music and activity; request a courtyard room if noise sensitivity is a concern.
- The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, immediately next door, hosts ballet and cultural performances; the concierge can assist with ticket inquiries and performance schedules.
- The hotel is among the most centrally located in Havana for exploring on foot; a map from the front desk identifies major Old Havana sites all within easy walking distance.
FAQ
Is Hotel Inglaterra the oldest hotel in Cuba?
Hotel Inglaterra, founded in 1875 on Parque Central, is generally recognized as the oldest continuously operating hotel in Cuba. Its century and a half of uninterrupted operation makes it a historically unique property in the Caribbean.
What is the historical significance of Hotel Inglaterra?
The hotel served as a base for American and international journalists during the Spanish-American War of 1898, placing it at the center of a pivotal moment in Cuban and Caribbean history. Its Parque Central location has kept it at the heart of Havana's social and political life through the colonial, republican, and revolutionary eras.
How does Hotel Inglaterra's room quality compare to other Havana hotels?
Hotel Inglaterra is a four-star mid-range property with variable room quality. Renovated rooms offer acceptable modern standards; older unrenovated rooms show their age significantly. Requesting a renovated room when booking is strongly advised.
Is the hotel's terrace bar accessible to non-guests?
The terrace café and bar at Hotel Inglaterra facing the Prado boulevard is open to non-guests. It is a popular spot for morning coffee, afternoon drinks, and evening cocktails with views across the activity of Parque Central.
How far is Hotel Inglaterra from Old Havana's main sites?
The hotel's Parque Central position places it at the geographic center of Old Havana's tourism zone. The Gran Teatro is immediately adjacent; El Capitolio is a 2-minute walk; Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the harbor are 15–20 minutes on foot heading east along Obispo Street.
Accessibility
Hotel Inglaterra's historic Neo-Moorish building has elevator access to upper floors, though the building's age means some corridors and bathrooms are narrow and may not comfortably accommodate wheelchairs. The ground-floor terrace café is accessible from street level. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel in advance to discuss available room options.