Nacional de Cuba

Nacional de Cuba details

This hotel is certainly no stranger to celebrity guests. Churchill, Sinatra and Hemingway are just a few of the star names who’ve slept under this roof. And who could blame them? With its awe-inspiring size, unmatched grandeur and a great location right next to the Malecon, it’s impressive to put it mildly.

Look inside and it’s easy to imagine Winston sitting back on one of the buttoned leather chairs in the lobby, sucking on a stubby cigar. Or Mr. Sinatra penning a few lines for his next hit under the arches in the gardens.

With history like this, the hoteliers could probably afford to rest on their laurels. But they don’t. In fact, they’ve gone out of their way to make sure nothing has been forgotten. Don’t be surprised to see a rather exotic entertainment menu. On Monday and Fridays, the main swimming pool is transformed into a stage where water ballet takes the spotlight. Sundays, meanwhile, are all about folk shows in the gardens. And then there’s the Cabaret Parisien. Combining Cuban music and carnival-esque costumes, these shows are not to be missed. Elsewhere, there’s a good supporting cast of extras like two swimming pools, a gym, a sauna and a tennis court.

As for food, there are three restaurants here, two of which are à la carte, with the most renowned one being the Comedor Aguiar. It serves up classic dishes like beef tenderloin and chicken supreme. For meals with a more local flavour, however, head to the Cuban eatery. Dishes like Creole chicken, oven-baked fish and Cuban salads are all on the menu.

Last but not least, there are the bedrooms. They’ve been decorated in a simple, homely style with framed pictures, and well-dressed beds topped with wooden headboards. Add extras like satellite TVs and mini-fridges and you’re in for a comfortable stay.