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Hotel Nacional de Cuba
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Landmark
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the most historic hotel in the country, majestically situated on a hill directly overlooking Havana's Malecón. Opened in 1930, the building was designed by the New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White in an eclectic style combining Art Deco, Neoclassicism, and Moorish elements. It is world-renowned for its illustrious guest list, which includes figures such as Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway, and numerous Hollywood stars. A darker chapter of its history is the 1946 Mafia conference held within its walls. During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the hotel grounds served as a defensive position, and the tunnels beneath the gardens, which can still be visited today, bear witness to that time. The hotel was declared a National Monument in 1998 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Havana. Its gardens offer some of the best views of Havana Bay and El Morro fortress.
- Location: Cuba
- Top sights: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana · Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Cubana · Landing of the Granma
- Nearby: Batabanó (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 30 | 29 | 23 | 33 | 64 | 108 | 83 | 108 | 102 | 87 | 45 | 30 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is an operating hotel, but it is open to visitors for exploring the public areas, gardens, and bar. Guest rooms are reserved for hotel guests only.
Typical hours
The hotel's public areas are generally accessible around the clock, but the bar closes late at night. Guided tours about the hotel's history usually take place at scheduled times.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the public areas and garden. In the lobby and near the bar, avoid flash to not disturb the ambiance.
Time needed
Most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes walking through the public areas and garden. If you book a historical tour, allow one hour.
Combine with
The hotel is located along the Malecón, near Paseo del Prado and Central Park. You can combine a stroll along the seawall with a visit to the hotel.
Getting there
The Hotel Nacional is easily accessible by taxi or classic car. It is located on the main Malecón road, and many bus lines stop nearby.
Insider tip
Visit the hotel's bar for a classic Mojito or Daiquiri, where Hemingway once drank. The garden features a lovely view of the Malecón and the sea.
Geography
Facts
- The hotel opened its doors on December 30, 1930.
- It was built on the site of the former Santa Clara Battery.
- It hosted the largest summit of the U.S. Mafia in 1946.
- The hotel features 457 rooms distributed over eight floors.
- 18th and 19th-century cannons are displayed in the gardens.
- It was officially declared a National Monument of Cuba in 1998.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Hotel Nacional de Cuba (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Hotel Nacional without being a guest?
Yes, the gardens and the bar are open to the public and are very popular.
What is the historical significance of the hotel?
It was the site of famous mafia meetings and hosted stars like Winston Churchill.
Are there tours of the bunker systems?
Yes, daily free tours are offered through the tunnels from the Missile Crisis era.
Where is the hotel located?
It sits on a hill overlooking the Malecón in the Vedado district.
Can you watch the sunset from here?
The garden terrace is one of the best spots in Havana to enjoy the sunset with a mojito.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba: where is it located?
Hotel Nacional de Cuba is located in Cuba.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Cubana, Landing of the Granma.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba: why is it worth visiting?
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the most historic hotel in the country, majestically situated on a hill directly overlooking Havana's Malecón.
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History & landmarks
Great Theatre of Havana
A grand theater in Havana and a major symbol of the city's cultural life.
The Malecón
Havana's famous seaside promenade, a meeting place for all generations.
Paseo del Prado
A famous tree-lined promenade in the center of Havana.
Cathedral Square
An important historic square in the old town of Havana.
Palace of the Captains General
Former seat of Spanish governors in Havana, now the city museum.
Church of La Merced
One of the most magnificent churches in Havana with a rich interior.
Central Park
A bustling park in the heart of the city, surrounded by significant buildings.
Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso
The most renowned opera and ballet building in Cuba.
Nature
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Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Fortaleza de la Cabaña
Large 18th-century fortress east of the harbor entrance.
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.