Hotel Telegrafo

The Telegrafo has a storied past that reaches back through the last century. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the hotel was a gathering point for the well-to-do. The name came from the hotel’s biggest claim to fame as the first hotel with phones in all of the rooms. Touches of the hotel’s grand past are still in full view, like the restaurant’s ceiling crowned with ornate medallions. Other more recent additions, like the stained-glass and tile mural in the courtyard bar, blend seamlessly with the vaulted arches and exposed brickwork that rises to a looming skylight. And colorful modern furnishings keep things fresh and contemporary. Despite this generally attractive package, a few maintenance issues were present when we visited, including air-conditioning leaks, cracks along the marble steps, and an out-of-commission elevator; but travelers should note these issues are common throughout Cuban properties. The Telegrafo’s guests tend to be tourist, from families to couples to solo travelers, who are making the most of its excellent location and reveling in its history. 

One of the Telegrafo’s major selling points is its central location: It faces the Paseo del Prado with the Malecón at the end -- the two most famous streets in Havana ideal for strolling and taking in the city’s atmosphere. The Paseo del Prado, a leafy green promenade with Colonial buildings surrounding it, is just across the street. And the Malecón, a waterfront road that's often considered Havana's living room, is an 11-minute walk away. The surrounding streets are full of restaurants, bars, and other hotels; taxis and pedicabs are regularly parked out front ready to take guests sightseeing. Two of the city’s biggest museums, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) and the Museo de la Revolution (Museum of the Revolution) are five and eight minutes away on foot, respectively. Obispo street, known for its lively nightlife, is a five-minute walk away, as is Hemingway's former haunt La Floridita, a bar famed for inventing the daiquiri. The city’s José Martí International Airport is 30 minutes away by car.

While simple, little touches of elegance can be found in the Telegrafo’s rooms, such as brocade bedspreads or sponge-painted walls in a variety of soft Caribbean colors like sage green or brunt orange. Expansive headboards with gilded frames sport tulip murals. Some rooms have wardrobes instead of built-in closets. Minibars, safes, AC, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and soundproofed windows are all standard. And tea/coffeemakers are available on request. First floor rooms also include a small balcony. Views are either of the hotels’ interior courtyard or the Prado opening up to the Malecón and the sea beyond (though only a sliver of the ocean is visible beyond the city). Basic bathrooms in rose-colored marble have bidets, shower/tub combos, and come stocked with hairdryers and individual toiletries. And three rooms have jetted tubs. Some rooms are interconnecting, a useful feature for families or groups traveling together. Triples are available, and Junior Suites have two bathrooms.

As a central city hotel, the Telegrafo has limited amenities; there's no gym or business center. But the Telegrafo covers the bases when it comes to food, drink, and other basics. There is an on-site restaurant serving all meals. A free buffet breakfast is included in the room rate; all other meals are a la carte. The bar, in the courtyard just off the lobby, hosts live music most nights. The on-site gift shop gives a spot to buy last-minute souvenirs or forgotten items. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and in the bar on the first floor. Guests buy an hourly Wi-Fi card from reception, a system commonly used throughout Cuba. On our visit, cards were 6 Cuc each. A computer in the lobby is available for guests’ use as well. Other features include 24-hour room service, laundry service, plus on-site car rental and tour desks. A paid parking lot is by the hotel. For families, cribs and babysitting services are available on request. Wedding ceremonies and quinceaneras are occasionally held here as well.