Top Hotel in Cuba

Q: We will be spending five days in Havana and would like to stay in a good hotel. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba has been recommended to us. Is this a good hotel? What alternatives are there? Where do we book? - Jan de la Cruz

A; The Nacional is probably Cuba 's most famous hotel. For decades it has been the home of visiting celebrities, including Winston Churchill and Al Capone. With impressive views to the Malecon ( Havana 's oceanfront promenade), this stylish hotel still draws illustrious visitors although it restaurants may rank behind some of its competitors. For excellent service and five-star quality, the Hotel Melia Cohiba ranks tops, altough it lacks the charm of its older rivals. One of these is the Saratoga , which has been splendidly restored and features a rooftop pool, fabulous rooms and a courtyard bar. Hotel Santa Isabel is another. This grand 18th-century palace overlooks Havana 's oldest and most beautiful colonial square, the Plaza de Armas, and is famous for its mojitos. You can book through a travel agent or one of the many websites offering discounted rates such as www.lahabana.com. (4 July 2010)