Hotel Santa Isabel, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba
Palatial in magnitude and elegance, the Santa Isabel enjoys what is perhaps the most privileged location of all hotels in the area: facing the charming Plaza de Armas (a cobbled square flanked by colonial-era constructions, museums and restaurants), the long, three-storey property is literally in the very heart of Old Havana, close to the sightseeing beat’s most interesting sites.
The colonial grandeur of the façade is well matched by the large, air-conditioned lobby, where crystal chandeliers, ostentatious upholstered sofas, and period furnishings take one back to the time the property was owned by the Count of Santovenia, a member of 19th century Cuban nobility. A less formal and more relaxed atmosphere is found in the shady Spanish-styled courtyard which adjoins the lobby, where one can enjoy a fine cocktail or quiet read at one of the tables surrounding the central fountain.
Off the lobby is the Condado, a posh restaurant appointed with antique furnishings that extends the general mood of elegance found elsewhere in the hotel.
In addition to affording a spectacular view of the Plaza, the hotel rooftop is a place of some historical significance: in 1830, the Count arranged for a hot-air balloon, carrying a flower-decked basket, to lift off from here, in honour of princess María Isabel Luisa. Though some efforts have reportedly been devoted to re-staging this spectacle as part of the hotel’s entertainment offer, guests will have to content themselves with the magnificent vista, refreshing breezes and recorded music for the time being.
Accommodations at the Santa Isabel have the colonial charm found at several other Habaguanex hotels. The long terrace overlooking the Plaza, shared by west-facing rooms, is doubtless one of their most attractive features. The hotel suite has also known a number of famous guests, including ex-US President Jimmy Carter, Jack Nicholson and Sting.
The Santa Isabel is the kind of formal, high-class establishment that might not suit all tastes or wallets. For those who can afford this rather pricy establishment, the hotel has plenty of history, colonial appeal and an unparalleled location to offer.
Hotel Facilities
- Art Gallery
- Baby sitter
- Bar
- Cafeteria
- Car rental Cyber Cafe
- Laundry service
- Lifts
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Shop
- Solarium
- Taxis
- Tourism bureau
Room Details
- 110v & 220v power
- Air Conditioning
- Balcony
- Cold & hot water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Internet access
- Minibar
- Private Bathroom
- Room service
- Telephone
- TV Satellite
Map
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Reviews
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Scotland, Rating: 4 of 5, Date of Stay: October 2008
Situated on one side of a square, not possible to get taxi to front door, as square is pedestrianised, so a tip to get luggage from taxi to reception and yet another to get it taken to room. Reception staff friendly and able to change Sterling to CUCs. Our room was on first floor with large balcony overlooking square. Room large and oppulant, huge bed, very clean. Bathroom was large, but bath was badly chipped. We ate on the hotel's roof terrace the first night - it was a bbq and the concept sounded great, but the service was slow and the food mediocre and overpriced (25 CUC each) Ate at much more reasonably priced nearby restaurants the other two nights. Breakfast was good, tables were set outside, but we were told it was not possible to have our meal there, we had to eat indoors!.