Santa Isabel Hotel, Havana City Cuba. 5 stars,

Description: Santa Isabel Hotel Cuba

Located just a few meters away from the foundation place of the Village San Cristóbal de La Habana, the regal splendor mansion of the Santovenia Counts became, in 1867, the favorite hotel for ship-owners, artists, traders and distinguished travelers who chose it due to its comfort and elegance. After being reopened, in the late 1990's, the Santa Isabel hotel still keeps the comfort and distinction that always characterized it. Besides, the building also maintains many of its original architectural elements. This typical colonial mansion consists of spacious rooms; decorated in the old 19th century style, an elegant restaurant and an exclusive inner courtyard. From its magnificent viewpoint-terrace, guests can enjoy a perfect view of the Havana bay and many of the ancient constructions of the city. A sumptuous nest for couples in love.

 El Globo (the balloon) cafeteria is outside the hotel, its name from days gone by when it was a balloon launch. The spot now is a wonderful place to get drinks invented by the bartenders, including the Santa Isabel, made with whipped coconut, blue curacao and lemon. Their exquisite Obispo cocktail is concocted with white rum, orange juice and grenadine, and there are many Cuban classics: Mojito, Daiquiri, Havana Special, Cubanito, Cuba libre and Cuba Bella. Its light food menu includes ham, cheese and vegetable sandwiches, tuna, chicken and hot or iced tea.

The El Condado restaurant is another fine surprise, and in addition to their habitual international menu, they offer 17 different varieties of traditional Spanish cooking. Some are so ancient that many of today’s Spaniards don’t even remember them! The house specialty is a superb Cuban chicken dish called Pollo Mayombe.

The Santovenia Snack Bar has both a food and drink menu, and the chef suggests the orange-garlic pork, roasted ham with mango sauce, or tortilla a la Habanera.