Hotel Soroa The clean and compact rooms at this mini-resort are not nearly as nice as those at Hotel Moka; however, the best rooms are those set up the stairs around the pool (nos. 16-24). Most have either two or three full-size beds, although a few have queen-size beds. The furnishings are simple and spartan. This place has a fair amount of group traffic and is also popular with Cubans, especially on weekends, when they gather around the large pool and the sound system is at full throttle. This is a good base for exploring Soroa, but I wouldn’t recommend more than a night or two here. One advantage is that the pool can be used by day-trippers for CUC$10, and CUC$7 of that can be spent on food and drink; there’s also a very well-stocked (food) shop on the premises. Facilities:
2 restaurants; 3 bars; outdoor pool; activities desk; massage; laundry service
Hotel Moka This is the principal hotel in Las Terrazas and the nicest ecolodge in Cuba. The first-floor rooms have vaulted redbrick ceilings, while those on the second floor have high-pitched ceilings. Each of the well-lit and spacious rooms has colorfully tiled floors and a small balcony; however, there are no queen- or king-size beds. The marble bathrooms come with a tub/shower combination and a bidet. The restaurant serves food that is neither spectacular nor imaginative, and I recommend that you take some meals at the nearby La Fonda de Mercedes and Buena Vista restaurants. You can also rent small villas, attached to the homes of local residents, on the little lake below the hotel. These are charming and all have bathtubs except one; one also has an additional outdoor shower. Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; small outdoor pool; tennis court; horse rental; activity desk; Internet access; laundry service
Hotel Cayo Levisa If you land one of the oceanfront bungalows here, you may never want to leave this idyllic little resort. I prefer the older rooms, which are individual bungalows, built in two rows parallel to the shore and staggered so they all get an ocean view. The rooms themselves are rather spartan, although they are relatively spacious with two twin beds. Perhaps their best feature is an ample front porch with a couple of sitting chairs. The newer rooms are slightly more plush, but you sacrifice a bit of privacy and isolation in these more modern, wooden units. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the prime activities here, although you can organize a game of beach volleyball, or get an open-air massage from the resident massage therapist under the shade of palm trees at the water’s edge. Dining here is a la carte and the little restaurant serves good fresh seafood and criolla (Cuban creole) cuisine at reasonable prices. Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; massage
Hotel Rancho San Vicente located about 270m (886 ft.) north of the Cueva del Indio, this quiet nature hotel can almost be considered a spa. A half dozen or so semi-private soaking pools are fed by tepid mineral springs, and massage and mud treatments are available at very reasonable prices. Most of the clean and comfortable rooms are actually individual little bungalows, with two twin beds and a tiny front porch; those housed in little ranch-style triplexes are slightly bigger inside, although less atmospheric. By far, the best rooms are the 20 new units housed in a series of two-story wooden buildings spread around the grounds. The whole complex is set amid a shady grove of pine, palm, and fruit trees. There’s good bird-watching here, although the hotel doesn’t afford any of the classic views for which Viñales is so famous. Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; tour and activities desk; massage; laundry service; Internet access
Hotel Los Jazmines I give this hotel the nod over its nearby sister Hotel La Ermita, if only because you have much better odds of landing a room with a view. Most of the rooms are housed in two, three-story buildings set on a hillside overlooking the Viñales Valley. All are clean and comfortable, if a tad on the small side, and feature French doors opening onto a little balcony from which you can soak in the sights. Touches of gingerbread wrought-iron work and stained glass give the place a sense of elegance. If possible, request one of the third-floor rooms in the newer block, nos. 301 to 316. Sixteen duplex cabañitas (cabins) are located in a row heading downhill from the pool. These are a little bit smaller than the standard rooms, but are charming nonetheless. Facilities:
2 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor pool; tour and activities desk; gift shop; massage; laundry service
Hotel La Ermita in Cuba’s westernmost province, Pinar del Río, is a beautiful building that integrates harmoniously into the breathtaking landscape of the Viñales Valley. According to experts, the establishment is an excellent option for nature lovers, since the environment is closely linked to Man’s work on the land, especially tobacco crops. Guests can enjoy trekking on various specialized trails, where they can take a closer look at the local flora and fauna, especially birds and the cork palm, which is considered a living fossil.
Hotel Lido although a block removed from the Prado, this is a much better bet than its nearby sister, the Hotel Caribbean. In general, the rooms are larger and more comfortable. Interior rooms lack windows and are a tad stuffy, but the end rooms have wonderful private balconies overlooking Calle Consulado. The fifth-floor rooftop restaurant serves uninspired budget fare, but has good views over Havana. Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; tour desk
Hotel Lincoln Built in 1926, this centrally-located hotel has a certain air of faded glory about it, reflected in the general ambience and the original decoration of the lobby. The establishment has three restaurants that cover a range of gastronomical styles, including Chinese, (Spanish) Colonial and Creole or local cuisine. Most guests are Cubans themselves, although foreigners are more than welcome. And on the top floor, the “La Terraza” bar offers concerts by local groups and an extemely festive atmosphere.
Hotel Bruzon is located near the Revolution Square and the National Theater. There is easy access to the historic part of the city and center of the city. The hotel has 48 rooms with air-conditioned; its decoration is simple and welcoming. It has a restaurant, a bar, a room to watch TV, rent of taxis. Facilities:
Bar; Non-smoking rooms ; Restaurant ; Taxi service
Hotel Colina In the Vedado quarter, in the center of Modern Havana and across its bicentennial University. A stones throw from the hub of the citys social and cultural activities, surrounded by Restaurants, Art Galleries and Night Clubs.Refined services and a peaceful environment are a few of the benefits offered by this centrally located hotel. This facility is a favorite for those who prefer a family atmosphere and cosy spots to enjoy in good company.
