Hotel in Vedado, Havana, Havana
Hotel Riviera
Built by Meyer Lansky in 1957 as the most modern hotel in Latin America, the Riviera retains much of its original Rat Pack-era glamour. Located directly on the Malecon with ocean views from many rooms.
Hotel Riviera occupies a landmark position at the junction of Paseo and the Malecón in Havana's Vedado district, one of the Cuban capital's most storied mid-century architectural achievements. Commissioned by American businessman Meyer Lansky and opened in December 1957, the hotel was designed as the most modern property in Latin America at the time, a status it held for little more than a year before the Cuban Revolution transformed the country's social and economic landscape. That compressed history makes the Riviera one of the most resonant addresses in the Caribbean — a building that encapsulates a pivotal moment in hemispheric history.
The 20-floor modernist tower retains much of its original 1950s character. Many of the period furnishings, light fixtures, terrazzo floors, and decorative motifs from the original interior design remain in place, giving the property a time-capsule quality rarely found in working hotels anywhere in the world. The lobby's curving lines and preserved Rat Pack-era aesthetic attract visitors for its historical significance as much as its practical accommodation offering. The property is managed by the Gran Caribe hotel chain.
Room offerings range from standard doubles to superior Malecón-facing rooms with ocean views and a selection of suites for extended stays. Ocean-facing rooms on upper floors provide expansive views across the Straits of Florida from the moment guests wake. Air conditioning, private bathrooms, and WiFi connectivity are standard throughout.
Dining at Hotel Riviera centers on the main restaurant serving Cuban and international cuisine, with a full bar operation that extends through the evening. The hotel's weekend cabaret entertainment is one of Vedado's better value shows and draws both hotel guests and Habaneros. The outdoor swimming pool, positioned to take advantage of Malecón sea breezes, is a major asset in Havana's tropical heat and serves as a popular late-afternoon gathering point. Concierge staff are experienced in arranging classic car excursions, live music reservations, and day trips to Trinidad and the Viñales Valley.
Amenities
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- WiFi
- Entertainment
Location
Paseo y Malecon, Vedado
Highlights
- Malecon seafront location
- 1950s mob-era architecture
- Original design elements
- Ocean views
Tips
- Request a Malecón-facing room when booking — ocean views from upper floors are among the best available in Vedado at this price point.
- The weekend cabaret show is excellent value; ask at the front desk on arrival to reserve a seat.
- The outdoor pool is quietest in the early morning before afternoon temperatures peak.
- The hotel is a 10-minute walk from La Rampa and Vedado's main restaurant and bar strip on Calle 23.
- Currency exchange at the hotel is convenient but rates at official CADECA bureaux nearby are generally better.
FAQ
Was Hotel Riviera really built by a mobster?
Meyer Lansky commissioned Hotel Riviera, which opened in December 1957. It was conceived as the most modern hotel in Latin America and included a casino operation. The Cuban Revolution in January 1959 ended foreign casino operations, but the hotel continued under state management and remains open today.
Does Hotel Riviera have a swimming pool?
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool on the lower levels, positioned to catch sea breezes off the Malecón. It is open to hotel guests and is particularly welcome during Havana's hot and humid months from May through October.
Is Hotel Riviera close to Old Havana?
The Riviera is located in Vedado, approximately 4 km from Habana Vieja. A classic taxi or coco-taxi takes around 10 to 15 minutes. The Malecón boulevard provides a scenic walking route of roughly 40 minutes on foot.
What types of rooms are available at Hotel Riviera?
The hotel offers standard rooms, superior Malecón-facing rooms with direct ocean views, and a number of suites. Ocean-facing rooms on higher floors are the most sought after and should be requested at booking, as they are not guaranteed as standard.
Accessibility
Hotel Riviera has elevator access to all guest floors from the main lobby, making it more navigable than many older Havana properties. The lobby and pool area are at ground level with minimal steps. Travelers with mobility requirements should request lower floor rooms in advance, as corridor widths and layouts vary across the building's older sections, and some corridors have uneven surfaces typical of mid-century construction.