If you’ve ever traveled with a travel advisor, you’ve undoubtedly heard, “Let’s just pop into this hotel and have a look around the lobby.” Or maybe, “I’d like to have lunch at so-and-so hotel to see if the service lives up to its name.” The desire for hotel inspections must be engrained in our DNA – we have an endless craving to personally experience the décor, ambiance, and service so that we can share our first-hand perspective with our clients. On a recent four-day trip to Cuba, a contingent of Covington staff enjoyed formal inspections of seven Cuban hotels in Havana and Varadero. Yes, we stayed busy! Here are the highlights of each of the Cuban hotels we inspected.

Update: Effective June 4, 2019, American citizens can no longer legally stay in government-owned hotels. You can still travel to Cuba but must stay in casa particulares, or private B&Bs. Read more about how Americans can travel to Cuba legally here.

Cuban Hotels in Havana

In Havana, we stayed in the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in the heart of Old Havana is a true five-star hotel, by any standard. Originally built over 25 years beginning in 1894 as Cuba’s first European-style department store, the building fell into disrepair over the last 60 years. Recently it went through a massive transformation and just one month before our arrival, reopened as a hotel. The landmark building now features 246 spacious guest rooms and suites with soaring ceilings and massive walk-in showers. Public areas include the unique Evocación cigar lounge, the charming Constante Bar, an exquisite spa, and a panoramic view of the Capitol and old Havana from the rooftop infinity pool. Travel Maestro tip: Without a doubt, this is the address you want in Havana!

We inspected three additional hotels in Havana: the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Iberostar Parque Central, and Four Points Sheraton. The Hotel Nacional in the center of Havana is a symbol of history, culture, and Cuban identity. In fact, it’s so important that it was declared a National Monument and inscribed in the World Memory Register. Murals of the many famous people who visited the Nacional over the years cover its walls. They include heads of state, singers, actors, sports heroes, poets, writers, intellectuals, and scientists. Original tile floors, wood paneling, and chandeliers from 1930 grace the building lending it an air of bygone elegance.

The Iberostar is located in the heart of Havana on Central Park. It occupies two buildings: a sleek and contemporary tower decorated in glass, steel, and bright colors, and a classic colonial with a subtly elegant ambiance. Each building has its own lobby and restaurants, but the two connect by an underground tunnel.

Four Points by Sheraton is in the upscale Miramar district, just a short drive from Old Havana. The design and feel of the property is an elegant blend of colonial charm and contemporary style. The guestrooms are colorful and airy, and the Daiquiri Lobby Bar features live Latin music in the evenings.

Varadero Resort Area Hotels

Varadero is a city located on the Hicacos Peninsula about three hours drive east of Havana and the premier beach vacation destination for Cuba. Visitors and locals alike flock to the many resorts along 20+ kilometers of pristine white sand surrounded by calm turquoise water. The area boasts swimming with dolphins, water sports and scuba diving, sightseeing and fishing boat charters, as well as authentic local dining and exciting cabaret entertainment. Travel Maestro tip: Complete your trip to Cuba by following up a cultural immersion in Havana with some sun and fun at this gorgeous beach resort.

We stayed at the all-inclusive Be Live Experience Varadero for two nights. The resort offers rooms and suites in the main hotel building, as well as individual villas. Most of our group stayed in the villas that have up to six en suite bedrooms, a kitchen, living and dining rooms, and private pool. The resort pool at the main building was expansive, with a pool bar on a center island. They have regularly scheduled evening dance shows and the beach was absolutely fabulous. Travel Maestro tip: This was one of the first resorts built in the Varadero area 30 years ago and the rooms are in dire need of refurbishment. While we can’t recommend this property in its current state, the General Manager informed us that upgrades will begin in September, and we look forward to recommending it when the renovations are complete.

We did inspect another resort in Varadero that we can happily recommend right away. The Melia Marina Varadero is a five-star, all-inclusive, nautical-themed resort that sits on a lovely marina. An easy walk through an eco-reserve takes you to the beach. Everywhere you turn, the views are spectacular. The 423 rooms and suites are fresh and modern, plus ‘The Level’ is an exclusive floor offering personalized service and complete privacy.

Our last hotel inspection was at the all-inclusive Iberostar Varadero, one of five Iberostar resorts in the Varadero area. We give this resort a thumbs up for families, as there are so many activity options ranging from spa to soccer and aerobics to archery. Five restaurants offer a nearly unending variety of international cuisine and the resort emphasizes the Cuban passion for music with daily shows and live bands five nights a week.

These brief overviews of the Cuban hotels we inspected are just meant to give you a taste of the delightful options available. To find out more and plan your trip to Cuba, contact a Covington vacation advisor.

You may also enjoy these Travel Maestro blogs about Cuba:

The Captivating Faces of Cuba Will Make You Smile

This is What You Need to Know about American Travel to Cuba

* Disclosure: Covington advisors were guests of the resorts inspected for accommodations and/or meals; however, that does not ever influence any hotel review. All opinions are our own.