Tryp Habana Libre

It’s pretty hard to miss Habana Libre -- occupying an entire city block with its giant retro rectangular body (soaring 27 stories into the sky), and wrapped with a famous striking abstract mural by Cuban artist, Amelia Pelaez. This place is indeed a Havana icon -- both for its visual dominance and fascinating history. The property originally opened in 1958 as Latin America’s tallest and largest hotel; and as a Hilton -- Conrad Hilton himself attended the opening. However, US Cuba relations were in swift decline so after just two years, when all American hotels where nationalized, the property was renamed Hotel Habana Libre. From afar, the building looks like a tired remnant of a grander faraway past -- particularly highlighted at night when only part of the sky-high neon Habana Libre sign, actually lights up. The interior tells a different story. A mid-century modern foundation sets the timeless backdrop to the huge mezzanine lobby -- with its towering columns, giant domed atrium, and sweeping central staircase. In 2016, the property underwent a sleek contemporary facelift that’s current and cool, but honors its '50s past with mid-century furniture and black-and-white photographs of years gone by. Lush landscaping adds a tropical oasis touch, and cool beats imbue the space with a chilled out lounge feel. With 570 rooms, the lobby and entrance see a fair bit of foot traffic, but the masses are absorbed by the sheer enormity of this place, offering  different settings in which to sit, drink, check a digital device, and take it all in. 

The hotel occupies an entire block that neighbors Calle 23 in the lively La Rampa neighborhood. It’s 30 minutes from Jose Marti International Airport, 15 minutes from La Coubre train station, and 13 minutes from Old Havana. Guests can walk to the Malecon in five minutes or so, and given the hotel’s super central location, there are buses and a steady stream of cabs right out the front, so it’s never hard to get anywhere. 

All rooms (available in Standard, Premium, and Junior Suite categories), are huge and they feature floor-to-ceiling windows and standing balconies, so plenty of natural light illuminates interiors. The views are something else, particularly from higher levels that take in an uninterrupted bird’s eye panorama of the city to the sea. All rooms contain flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, safes, mini-fridges, and a good selection of free toiletries. Premium Rooms offer additional perks like coffeemakers and robes. 

Premium Rooms have undergone sleek renovations with a designer aesthetic, blending cool neutral tones with mid-century pieces, and bedside tables that glow in neon blue. Standard Rooms remain un-renovated, and they’re perfectly practical, clean, and comfortable -- blending neutral walls and floor tiles with matching wood furniture and rich burgundy-red or coastal blues in cushions, bedspreads, and decor details. Suites occupy corner positions and offer separate living areas and furnished balconies. 

Standard bathrooms feature shower/tub combos and huge granite vanities. Premium bathrooms are open to rooms, with stand-up rainfall showers dressed in mother of pearl and aqua mosaics. 

As one of the biggest hotels in town, Tryp Habana Libre packs in a solid array of features commonly associated with large-scale hotels. The huge outdoor pool is a highlight, surrounded by deck chairs and cabanas placed on artificial grass. Eateries include El Barracon (Cuban), Las Antillas (Caribbean buffet), Polinesio (Asian), and Cafeteria La Rampa (casual diner-style fare), and the Pool Bar Grill. Bar Las Carnitas neighbors the pool within a huge entertainment space, and two bars are located in the lobby -- Bar El Patio and Bar Siboney. Guests frequently praise the quality of the hot and cold food which includes a free breakfast buffet with plenty of options. An array of meeting and events rooms caters for up to 2000 people. The business center and phone room are both on hand to facilitate guest communications. Wi-Fi is provided, but the hotel charges a significant mark-up on government issued internet cards -- which is pretty common in Cuba. The cigar shop in the lobby is considered the best in the area, plus some boutiques and a liquor store are on offer at street level. Private off-street parking is also available.