Old Havana Havana, Cuba
Opened
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Heritage Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
KempinskiRestored neoclassical arcade
Cuba's grandest 19th-century arcade now operates as a polished European grand hotel rising above the bustle of Old Havana.
“The rooftop pool was phenomenal, with gorgeous views and a daiquiri that was pretty damn good.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Cuba's first European shopping arcade from 1890, restored across a full city block.
Notable
A thousand-square-meter rooftop spa with a complete thermal bathing circuit and infinity pool.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Its 200-plus rooms and suites are elegant and contemporary, and come with wi-fi, still a novelty here.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The doors open onto Parque Central, with the neoclassical Capitolio and Hemingway's daiquiri bar, El Floridita, just steps away.
The rooms
Ceilings rise over six meters above crisp white linens, and tall French windows look out across Old Havana.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Loungers surround the rooftop infinity pool above Old Havana, and an indoor vitality pool bubbles under arched water spouts.
The spa
Eight treatment rooms fill Spa Albear, where turquoise canopy daybeds line the indoor relaxation lounge.
At the table
San Cristóbal serves Caribbean dinners overlooking the city, and bartenders mix classic rum cocktails behind an illuminated onyx counter.
How it began
Built from 1890 as Manzana de Gómez, the landmark was Cuba's first European-style shopping arcade, crossed by diagonal pedestrian streets.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.