Hotel Sevilla, Old Havana, Cuba

An Overview by Authentic Cuba Travel®

One of Havana's oldest hotels (the establishment turned 100 in March of 2008), the Sevilla has many stories to tell and is privileged in more ways than one.

The Sevilla hotel is situated off Prado, close to Malecon (Seawall) and to places of historical and cultural interest such as the Capitolio and Gran Teatro (a short walk north or south, respectively, takes you to these locations). It is also well located for touring Old Havana and its colonial centre: nearby Obispo takes you to Plaza de Armas, one of the epicenters of the sightseeing circuit.

Inside, the large, spacious lobby combines elegance with a welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere which is altogether refreshing. Unlike other establishments in the area, the appeal of this spot is not exclusively visual or historic: in addition to the traditional Cuban music performed by a trio (a nearly ubiquitous offer), the hotel organizes salsa and campesino music days (when a grille is set up in the patio), and a professional troupe stages flamenco performances twice a week. Once a month, original silent films are projected on a screen assembled in the lobby area, to an amusing piano accompaniment that tries to set the mood, attesting to the establishment's inventive commitment to culture.

Other attractive features include the palatial Roof Garden, an enormous and supremely elegant restaurant with great views of the city, an arcade with shops which adjoins the lobby at its far end, a money exchange locale, and a meeting room which can seat up to 45 people. The hotel is also one of three in the area that boasts a swimming pool, and the poolside facilities are surprisingly well equipped (there is a modern gym, a sauna and massage service).

Standard rooms at the Sevilla are delightful: light and spacious, with original Colonial furniture mixed with good replicas. The walls are rag-painted in sunny yellow, the curtains are bright and cheerful and the cool tiled floors a blessing to hot, weary sightseers' feet. The clean, bright bathrooms are tiled in white and grey. There are excellent views over Havana from rooms on the higher floors.

With enough atmosphere to please visitors seeking historically interesting properties, the Sevilla combines class, a lively cultural scene and an excellent location.