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UNESCO old quarter Havana welcomes Cuba’s first 5-star hotel

Now you can experience redefined luxury in the historic, UNESCO protected heart of Havana’s old quarter. Perched atop a remaining section of Havana’s almost 350 year old colonial wall, is the new 5-star Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. Gran Hotel Kempinksi La Havana pool at night Cuba’s first 5-star hotel opened on 7th June 2017. The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana boasts direct vistas of the Great Theatre of Havana and the Capitol, in its perfect position amidst Havana’s UNESCO jewels. A short 10 minute drive will take yo uto the famous Castillo del Morro. A building that oozes glamour and history The Manzana de Gómez building, which was constructed between 1894 and 1917, oozes glamour and history. Firstly it was home to CubaÂ’s first ever European-style shopping centre. Later expansion plans included theatres, a school and offices. Gran Hotel Kempinksi La Havana facade Now Kempinski have turned it into a luxurious 246-room hotel, with its own rooftop pool, top-floor gym and three bars. The large rooms and suites feature French windows, which open to reveal views of the old city, and extra high ceilings. Dine in the rooftop Panoramic Restaurant or get into the Cuban groove in the Cigar Lounge. Layers of colonial-style Cuban luxury The hotel’s designers, husband and wife team, Arno and Vanessa Joubert, have blended layers of colonial-style Cuban luxury throughout. Various elements celebrate Havana in different ways. The high-ceilings of the bedrooms and suites are accentuated with a soothing grey-and-white palette, with tropical coloured accents. Many of the guest rooms have tall louvered double doors which open out onto balconies. There are sleeping lofts in the select two-storey suites. Gran Hotel Kempinksi La Havana guest room The brightly coloured Bar Constante has been named after the bartender who is rumoured to have invented the Hemingway Daquiri, at Bar Floridita close by. The Evocación Tobacco Lounge is the place to go if you want to have your rum and cigar paired. Gran Hotel Kempinksi La Havana Evocacion Tobacco Lounge The large glass-enclosed sixth-floor restaurant focuses on Cuban foodie specialties. While throughout the hotel, contemporary Cuban art is featured, including images by Claudia Corrales, the granddaughter of Castro’s official photographer, Raúl Corrales Fornos. Gran Hotel Kempinksi La Havana restaurante-san-cristobal Concierge service complete with “Yank tanks” The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana also offers guests a travel agency and concierge service. The team can assist you to book a chauffeured tour in a “Yank tank”, one of the famous classic mid-century cars; a visual trademark of Havana.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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2 Comments

  1. I’m so stunning that this is Cuba’s first 5-star hotel, I thought they would already have them there. I love Kempinski hotels, so I’d definitely visit this one – I’d quite like to visit them all! I love the look of Bar Constante, those doors are beautiful.

  2. I think it is fitting to have a luxury hotel in Havana’s old quarter. Accessibility wise it’s a great location. And I love how it’s not all modern glass and concrete like some of the newer hotels. And it’s good to know that old city buildings are given new life again, especially with amazing architectural details such as this. It would have been a waste not to revive this historic building. As with most 5-star hotels, I’d expect concierge services, especially of someone like me comes to visit. I’m not a planner myself. I just pack and go. So help with tours and bookings would go a long way and a big help.

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