HOTEL SARATOGA HAVANA
LOCATION: Very central, overlooking El Capitolio (Cuba’s mini US
Capitol) and the Parque Central on the very edge of “Old” Havana,
Habana Vieja. A taxi from the airport takes about 40 minutes, trafficwilling,
and costs around €30.
AMBIENCE: This landmark hotel – Havana’s best-appointed five-star
– has been almost totally rebuilt since its 1930s heyday but it retains the
warm, classic décor of the pre-revolutionary era – all dark wood, louvred
French windows and filigree balconies. Ceiling fans are ornamental:
there is air conditioning in the restaurant and common areas.
GUESTROOMS: A wide range of 96 rooms and suites, all well appointed
and furnished to a standard hard to match in Cuba. All rooms come with
satellite TV, DVD, internet access, minibar and safe. Design flourishes
and city-wide views make the Junior Suites, which cost €280-€350 per
night, a surprisingly good deal.
SERVICE: The leisurely service in Cuba can be frustrating, but essential
services, such as exchanging currency are available in the hotel’s
lobby and work efficiently. There is also 24-hour room service and the
concierge is particularly helpful in making reservations.
CAN I WORK HERE? The hotel has a business centre with two meeting
rooms. Internet connections are free but are very slow compared with
western Europe. The traffic can be quite noisy though and the hotel does
not have any double-glazing.
CAN I LIVE HERE? The rooftop pool and bar overlooks the Partagas
cigar factory, the opera house and the El Floridita bar, one of Ernest
Hemingway’s favourite hang-outs. Both the Saratoga restaurants even
boast non-smoking areas.
WORTH NOTING: Although the Saratoga bills itself “the swankiest
hotel in Old Havana”, it remains a jewel in the midst of a slum – so keep
your wits, and possibly a perfumed handkerchief, about you.
Contact: +53 7 868 1000; www.hotel-saratoga.com
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