Hotel Conde de Villanueva

Many aspects of the hotel pay homage to the history of the Cuban cigar through paintings and various spaces named after tobacco plantains. Exposed brick archways, raw timber ceilings, and classic mahogany furniture all create an air of regal sophistication. However, some of the decor has crossed the threshold from historic to just plain dated. While everything is reasonably well-maintained, it’s clearly passed its prime. The beautiful, towering, open-air courtyard serves as the main social space with outdoor bistro sets and patio furniture scattered amid lush tropical greenery. The adjacent restaurant is the only other notable common area, although its cave-like interior is romantic, intimate, and reminiscent of a traditional Mediterranean wine cellar. The overall decor, in-room hot tubs, and general romantic disposition make it more suited for couples than families or business travelers.

The hotel is centrally located in the most popular and tourist-friendly district of Old Havana. Dozens of restaurants, shops, and galleries are within a five-minute walk. The city’s best-known historic attractions -- including Plaza de Armas (the oldest plaza in Havana), Cuba’s Museum of Natural History, and the waterfront Malecón boardwalk -- are likewise just blocks away. For sightseeing beyond the walkable area, taxis are the best, most efficient way to get around. However, without regulated meters, fares can vary widely. Often, the best option is to coordinate transportation through the hotel directly. The nearest major airport -- Jose Marti International (HAV) -- is 35 minutes south by car along reasonably modern motorways.

With a monochromatic color scheme, dark mahogany wood furnishings, and tiny windows, most of the nine rooms feel dark and drab. There’s an authentic, Old World feel to the property, and its history is evident. However, the rooms, like much of the hotel, are passed their prime. As of early 2017, the hotel was in the process of updating every room. Standard Rooms and Junior Suites differ mainly in size while all offer similar amenities. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs (with Cuban programming), and limited minibars are all standard. Suites upgrade to small, unusable balconies. Bathrooms are drab with aging tilework and exposed lighting fixtures. Generic bath products and walk-in shower stalls are standard. Suites add dated hot tubs (though some don’t work). Though rooms are clean, there's evident wear and some permanent stains on the floors.

Even for a mid-range property, the list of amenities here is thin. Just off the lobby, Restaurante Vuelta Abajo is situated in a cozy, tunnel-like space with exposed brick, terra-cotta flooring, and vintage wood beam ceilings. The romantic vibe recalls the look and feel of a Mediterranean wine cellar and live music often wafts in from the terrace of an adjacent restaurant. The a la carte lunch and dinner menus are Cuban-inspired with traditional dishes like pork roll with mango sauce and colonial sugar mill fish. Alfresco dining is available on the outdoor bistro sets that line the open-air courtyard. Room service is offered for a fee.

The on-site cigar bar, La Casa del Habano, is one of the best-known in Havana. Regular clients can rent out private humidor space to ensure their personal cigar reserves stay fresh. The hotel's location on a pedestrian mall means a total lack of parking. Like most hotels in Havana, there is no available Wi-Fi service, even in the lobby. Credit cards are accepted here.