Hotel in Vedado, Havana, Havana
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
The iconic grand dame of Cuban hospitality, opened in 1930 and now a National Monument. This Moorish-influenced hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Malecon has hosted Churchill, Hemingway, and the mob bosses of the 1950s. Features magnificent gardens and a history-filled bar.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba stands on a limestone promontory overlooking the Malecón seafront boulevard in the Vedado neighborhood, commanding panoramic views of the Straits of Florida and the Havana skyline. Inaugurated in December 1930 and designed by the American architectural firm McKim, Mead & White in a blend of Moorish Revival and Art Deco styles, the hotel was declared a National Monument of Cuba in 1998. Its clifftop position above the sea has made it one of the most recognizable structures in the Caribbean and a defining symbol of Havana.
The hotel's history reads as a who's who of the twentieth century. Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Ava Gardner, Ernest Hemingway, and numerous heads of state have signed the guest register. In October 1946, the hotel hosted the Havana Conference — a gathering of American organized-crime figures including Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky — a chapter documented in the hotel's Hall of Fame corridor.
Hotel Nacional's 426 rooms and suites are arranged in two symmetrical towers that define its silhouette. Superior Rooms provide the entry-level option; Presidential and Diplomatic Suites on the upper floors include private terraces and butler service. Furnishings are classic rather than contemporary, consistent with the hotel's preservation mandate as a National Monument of Cuba.
Two main restaurants serve Cuban and international cuisine, with a pool-terrace grill providing a more casual option. The celebrated Bar Nacional at the base of the main staircase mixes classic Cuban cocktails in a setting lined with photographs of famous guests. The Cabaret Parisien, operating on selected evenings, presents a full-production floor show that draws both guests and Havana residents.
The hotel's extensive gardens extend along the clifftop and include two outdoor pools, a tennis court, and a cannon battery from the Spanish-American War period. A wellness center provides basic spa treatments and a fitness area. The concierge team arranges cigars, classic-car excursions, and cultural experiences throughout Havana.
Amenities
- Pool
- Gardens
- WiFi
- Multiple restaurants
- Bars
- Cabaret
- Tennis courts
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Calle O y 21, Vedado
Highlights
- Historic bar with celebrity legacy
- Clifftop Malecon views
- WWII underground tunnels
- Cabaret Nacional shows
Tips
- Request an ocean-view room when booking; the sea panorama from the upper floors of the ocean-facing wing is exceptional and one of the finest views in Havana.
- The Bar Nacional is open to the public — arrive before 7 p.m. to secure a window seat for cocktails before the evening crowd fills the room.
- Cabaret Parisien shows are popular and sell out quickly; purchase tickets at the hotel front desk at least one day in advance.
- The hotel gardens contain WWII-era anti-aircraft tunnels open to brief visitor tours — ask at the concierge desk for access arrangements.
- Taxis from the hotel to Old Havana take approximately 10–15 minutes; the hotel can arrange official cabs at posted prices, avoiding informal street-side negotiation.
FAQ
Is Hotel Nacional de Cuba a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The hotel is designated a National Monument of Cuba rather than a UNESCO site. However, it sits adjacent to Havana Vieja, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national monument status means alterations to the exterior and historic interior spaces are regulated.
What is the best time to visit Hotel Nacional de Cuba?
November through March is the dry high season with lower humidity and reliable sunshine. The hotel's outdoor areas — gardens, pools, and clifftop terrace — are most enjoyable during this period. The hotel operates year-round.
Does Hotel Nacional accept credit cards?
The hotel accepts major international credit cards from most non-US banks. American-issued credit and debit cards typically do not function due to US financial sanctions on Cuba; travelers with US-issued cards should carry sufficient cash in euros or Canadian dollars.
Are the underground tunnels open to visitors?
The WWII-era anti-aircraft tunnels beneath the hotel grounds are accessible for brief guided visits; inquire at the concierge desk as access is subject to operational hours and staff availability.
Can visitors dine at Hotel Nacional without staying?
The restaurants, bars, gardens, and cabaret at Hotel Nacional are open to non-guests. The cabaret requires a ticket purchase; dining reservations are recommended during the November–April peak season.
Accessibility
Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a historic 1930 building with some accessibility limitations; the main entrance is accessible via ramp and elevators serve the guest floors. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available on request, though the varied terrain of the clifftop gardens and some common areas may present challenges for guests with significant mobility impairments.