Rates: Standards from $145 CUC and up
Basics:
Located on Plaza de San Francisco in Old Havana, this newish hotel skillfully combines tradition and modernity. On the outside, guests will be enchanted by its baroque style façade, which was the frontage entrance of the Marquis de San Felipe y Santiago de Bejucal’s glamorous palace in 18th century. Walking inside, its modernity and minimalist décor will instantly bring you back to 21st century. Opened as a hotel in 2010, it is run by the city’s hotel group Habaguanex. There are some perks of staying at the group’s hotels, including a 10 percent discount at its restaurants. These include El Templete and the adjacent Café del Oriente in the neighborhood.
Rooms:
The junior suite is the best-value room in the hotel, starting from $205 CUC a night. It features a modern four-poster bed, which effectively divides the space in two. On one side is a seating area with sofa and dining table, on the other a jacuzzi and an elevated wooden platform for the bed. The modern-décor rooms are fairly spacious, and come with a satellite TV, a telephone, a minibar, a safe deposit box, a hairdryer and Internet (at $8 CUC an hour).
Location:
Some of Havana’s best restaurants are just a stone’s throw away from the boutique hotel. Café del Oriente, which offers the city’s best beef burger is just next to the hotel. El Templete, famous for its fish and seafood is within a five-minute walk. O’Reilly 304, one of Havana’s top small restaurant/bars is about 15 minutes away on foot. Definitely try it out for its amazing tacos, and gin and tonics. Sights such as Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de Armas are within walking distance too. If you are a rum drinker, also don’t miss the Museo del Ron Havana Club, which is only a five-minute walk.
Amenities:
The restaurant on the first floor offers amazing breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner. There are many choices of eggs from one of the most diverse breakfast menus in Havana. The reasonably-priced lunches and dinners don’t disappoint either. The bar has a sprawling list of cocktails worthy of exploring. The hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool or fitness center.
Contact:
Address: Oficios, Esq. Amargura, Plaza de San Francisco La Habana Vieja, CP: 10100Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
Tel: +53 7 864 9194
Website: http://www.hotelmarquesdesanfelipe.com/hotel_details.asp