Overlooking the Malecon in the Vedado district, the Riviera has changed little since it was built in 1957. The oversized lobby was conceived as a promenade with bridges and sunken areas leading to L’Elegante cocktail lounge, Copa Cabaret, Palacio de la Salsa club and L’Aiglon dining room. A cabana club, outdoor swimming pool and classic high-dive complement the amenities. The hotel was designed by Wayne McCallister and originally owned by Meyer Lanky who was inspired to build it after visiting the Riviera on the Las Vegas Strip.

Proudly standing on Taganana Hill over looking the Malecon in the Vedado district, Hotel Nacional de Cuba has been welcoming the world’s most famous visitors since 1930. The hotel was designed by the New York architectural firm McKim, Mead and White in an Art Deco, Spanish, Neoclassical and eclectic styles. Commodore de Agular and La Barraca are the Nacional’s formal dining rooms and lavish grounds, swimming pool, gardens and vistas add to the experience of Havana’s most famous hotel.

Ideally situated where Old Havana meets Central Havana, Colonial designed Hotel Inglaterra is the oldest hotel in Cuba dating to 1875. Gran Cafe el Louvre is a splendid outdoor cafe to enjoy a mojito overlooking Central Park. Changes may be coming to this hotel altering is character.