Hotel Deauville

As far as settings go, it doesn’t get much more Havana than the Deauville’s seafront spot right on the Malecon, with a stellar panorama across Havana Bay. Its curvaceous, bright blue exterior is hard to miss for its color and style -- an authentic relic of art deco architecture with a colorful past as a mob gambling haunt. However, minimal updates, if any, leave the Deauville as a faded remnant of its glamorous '50s heyday -- in much need of TLC.

Inside, the entrance foyer separates the restaurant from the lobby -- where decrepit ceilings soar overhead and guests linger at the bar sipping on Cube Libres and espresso. Others lounge on spartan sofas, checking their internet devices and casually lighting up -- the latter means the Deauville lobby is frequently under a cloud of cigarette smoke. Ceiling-high windows wrap the street side with front-row Malecon views and old cars whizzing along the seafront. With 14 floors and 144 rooms, the lobby and breakfast buffet become incredibly chaotic hives of activity during the peak hour morning rush, as the entire building scrambles downstairs. For a more chilled escape, the pool on the sixth floors has a rooftop feel, with views across the city and an old school '80s vibe, while the basement (a former casino) transforms into a dimly lit discotheque by night, with mirror balls aplenty. 

The Deauville sits right on the Malecon, overlooking Havana Bay. Sights in walking distance include the Museum of the Revolution (13 minutes); the restored 16th century fortress, Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta (16 minutes); El Capitolio (10 minutes); and a number of museums such as Museo de Bellas Artes (seven minutes) and Musee Des Beaux Arts Cuban (11 minutes). Old Havana attractions can also be reached on foot, although it's a bit of a hike at 20 to 25 minutes on foot, or an eight-minute drive. There’s generally a lineup of classic old cabs parked right outside, so it’s easy to grab a ride. It’s about 30 minutes drive from Jose Marti International Airport.

While guest rooms are basic and a bit drab, they are extremely spacious and most take in fabulous views of the Malecon and Havana Bay, or the city itself. Cream walls and gray flecked linoleum floors create a neutral backdrop outfitted with cream-colored furniture (bedside tables and small dining settings), and warm pops of color in fabrics. Picture windows above the bed let in loads of light and frame great views. On our visit, rooms appeared fresh and well maintained, however guests commonly complain of uncomfortable pillows, no hot water, unfavorable odor, and general disrepair. All rooms are equipped with satellite TVs, air-conditioning units, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are dressed in peachy-toned tiles with a dolphin tile trim and shower curtains. Free toiletries and fresh towels are provided, although showers can cause annoyance with handheld hose showerheads.

Deauville’s biggest feature is its decent-sized outdoor pool with panoramic views of the city and plenty of deck chairs for sun-basking. The breakfast restaurant serves a daily buffet breakfast for a fee, and some guests love it while others are disappointed. The lobby bar offers drinks and coffee all day although non-smokers may get smoked out of there. There’s both a bar and restaurant by the pool, although the latter was closed during our visit. Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby and internet cards can be purchased at reception.