Hotel in Havana 10400, Cuba
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Historic 1930s National Monument where celebrities and world leaders have stayed. Clifftop gardens, period decor, and legendary status make this an experience beyond accommodation.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba occupies a commanding clifftop position at the corner of Calle 21 and Calle O in the Vedado district of Havana, overlooking the Straits of Florida with unobstructed sea views and a sweeping panorama of the Malecón. Declared a National Monument of Cuba, the hotel was designed by the New York architecture firm McKim, Mead & White in the Spanish colonial revival style and opened in 1930, making it one of the oldest and most storied grand hotels in the Caribbean.
The property's 426 rooms and suites are distributed across an eight-storey main building flanked by two Moorish towers, a silhouette that has remained an emblem of the Havana skyline for nearly a century. Guest rooms are furnished in period style with dark wood, Cuban artwork, and tiled bathrooms; categories range from classic doubles to junior suites with sea views. The hotel's storied guest registry has included Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, and virtually every Cuban head of state, alongside gangster-era figures who attended the 1946 Havana Conference held in the property's salons.
Dining options include the main restaurant offering international and Cuban cuisine with views across the gardens, a poolside bar, the Hall of Fame bar — lined with memorabilia from celebrity guests — and the Comedor de Aguiar, a formal dining room. The hotel hosts a nightly cabaret espectáculo reflecting Cuba's tradition of live performance.
The grounds encompass manicured tropical gardens, two outdoor swimming pools, and an underground network of tunnels and gun battery installations from the 1898 Spanish-American War period, which guests may tour. A dedicated concierge team assists with classic car transfers, Havana city tours, cigar humidor access, and bookings at other Cuban tourism properties.
The hotel is managed by Gran Caribe and caters to international leisure travelers, government delegations, and business visitors drawn as much by the property's historical significance as by its amenities. The Vedado location provides quieter, more residential surroundings than Old Havana, with the University of Havana and La Rampa commercial strip within walking distance.
Amenities
- pools
- gardens
- restaurants
- bars
- cabaret
- historic tours
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +53 7 836 3564
Location
Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba
23.1444, -82.3889 — View on map
Highlights
- Clifftop National Monument with views across the Malecón and the Straits of Florida
- Historic 1930 architecture designed by McKim, Mead & White with landmark Spanish colonial revival towers
- Underground war tunnels and gun battery from 1898, open for guest exploration within the grounds
- Nightly cabaret espectáculo showcasing Cuban music and dance performance
- Legendary guest list spanning Winston Churchill, Hemingway, Ava Gardner, and the 1946 Havana Conference
Tips
- Reserve a sea-view room or suite for the most dramatic views — garden-view rooms are quieter but miss the vista
- The Hall of Fame bar is open to non-guests and is one of Havana's best settings for a mojito and historic atmosphere
- Book the nightly cabaret show in advance during high season (December–February) as seating is limited
- Classic cars queue outside the main entrance at all hours — negotiate a set rate before departing for Old Havana
- The hotel's garden tunnels can be visited independently; arrive early to avoid organized tour groups
FAQ
What is the historical significance of Hotel Nacional de Cuba?
The hotel opened in 1930 and is a designated Cuban National Monument. It hosted the 1946 Havana Conference organized by American mobster Lucky Luciano. Guests over the decades have included Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Ernest Hemingway, and numerous heads of state.
Does the hotel have a swimming pool?
Yes, there are two outdoor swimming pools set in the landscaped clifftop gardens. The poolside area offers bar service and sea views toward the Straits of Florida.
How far is the hotel from Old Havana?
Hotel Nacional is in Vedado, approximately 3 km west of Old Havana's historic center. The drive by classic car or taxi takes 10 to 15 minutes; walking along the Malecón takes around 35 minutes.
Is the hotel suitable for families with children?
Yes. The hotel accommodates families with larger suite configurations and ample garden and pool space. The cabaret show has age requirements — confirm current restrictions with the hotel at booking.
Accessibility
Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a heritage property with steps at the main entrance and some uneven garden paths. Lifts serve the guest room floors. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to arrange ground-floor accommodation and assess individual access needs.