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. 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 Cuba’s first ever European-style shopping centre. Later expansion plans included theatres, a school and offices. 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. 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. 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. 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.