Conde de Villanueva Hotel, Havana City Cuba. 4 stars.

In the center of Old Havana
The Conde de Villanueva Hotel is located in Havana's historic heart, or Old Havana, which was declared a World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), due to its architectural and cultural values. The building was the residence of Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, Count of Villanueva, a prominent figure linked to the Cuba's economic flourishing in the 19th century. The establishment, characterized by interior patios, stained-glass windows and spacious halls, is dedicated to cigar aficionados, who can buy the best brands of Havana cigars at its Casa del Habano, and enjoy the pleasure of smoking in its private salon.

“Great location, OK hotel”
The building is beautiful and the rooms have tonnes of character and Havana charm. It was clean and nice enough, but for the price I expected a little more. The plexiglass separating the bathroom/ toilet from the room popped out the first time we tried to close the bathroom door (which didn't close because it was not hung level, an any case). The TV reception was not great, the mattresses are not for those who like to sink in to softness. The key here is location-- across the street from a park, seconds' walk from plazas, restaurants and museums. The great location also means that it is not the quietest place to stay. I think you have to accept that as the cost of being in the heart of things, however. Breakfast was OK but a little confusing-- we weren't sure based on the menu what we could actually order and the staff did not speak much English.The restaurant has good dinner meal deals ($12 for 3 courses plus drink), but do NOT eat here unless you have plenty of time to kill. Very. Slow. Service. Check out the palm tree in the courtyard: the biggest I have ever seen.

“'Quaint' ”
This was our first time to Havana and based on an article my husband read and tripadvisor reviews we chose this hotel. We arrived in Havana about 11am and went to the hotel to see if we could drop off our luggage. They said if we waited 20 minutes we could get our room. We went to restaurant/bar and just like they said the room was ready in 20 minutes. We dropped off our belongings and headed out for the day. The hotel is very quaint and room was very clean, decor is dated and very basic. Let's face it, you're not going to Havana to sit in your room. It is a converted house with 9 hotel rooms overlooking a courtyard. My main concern was the room be clean and it was. I would recommend for a group of friends.

“Excellent location but be realistic ”
Excellent hotel but somewhat basic elements - prepare yourself for that and you will avoid disappointment. It is an old hotel and you have to expect some downsides. Breakfast menu is bland so perhaps better to go out for breakfast! The cigar shop inside is excellent. Scouted around Havana for the best prices on my favourite brands and the cigar shop inside our very own hotel was the best place. Excellent smoking lounge - a real heaven!

“A Count's Palacete ”
This hotel is unique and it has had the same manager, Humberto, since it opened in 1999. I was there for the opening night. It really is like staying in your own mansion in the heart of old Havana. The cigar shop which is housed in the former slaves quarters, is perhaps the best in havana. I` have spent many a contented afternoon puffing away while watching the many tourists that pass through the shop's doors. The rooms may be a little tired and the food is so so, but there is nothing quite like it. Quirky additions include a couple of arrogant peacocks and chickens in the patio. The palace belonged to Claudio Pinillo who became the Count of Villanueva and was instrumental in bringing the railway to Cuba.

“first timer ”
First time in Havana, So left it to my friend to pick hotel, but was not disappointed,the hotel is an old converted townhouse from colonial times,complete with it own charm,open courtyard in the middle with peacocks, 9 bedrooms on top floor, our was massive as slept three, with high ceilings and shutters, oozed spaciousness and charm not found in the sterile enviroment of a modern hotel,it has a restaurant and bar on bottom floor with reception,and a cigar and rum bar above restraurant,complete with its own cigar roller,who makes the finest cigars I've ever tasted, better than cohiba,and not too expensive, the hotel is ideally situated to explore all that old Havana has to offer, and I would recommend as such for someone looking for something a little bit different, When back in Havana I would return

“Boutique Havana ”
This hotel is crammed full of character. Only 9 bedrooms , but at least two peacocks,three chickens, a cat and one world class cigar bar, complete with a guy hand rolling the best cigars in town. The hotel is a converted house in the heart of the old town, a short walk from 'San Francisco Square' and all Old Havana has to offer. The bedrooms, c/w old shutter type doors and massive ceilings are air conditioned. Ok, the shower facilities are not the most modern, but it works and this about staying in a hotel full of character, not a sterile box. The staff are great and always about to help. The breakfast is a good standard, and was a great way to start the day. Above the restaurant is the cigar bar / cigar shop. This is brilliant. You dont have to stay at the hotel to visit the shop. A great place to stay !!

“Full of character ”
We first visited the hotel 2 years ago as part of a guided tour taking in the on site cigar shop and bar, so taken by it we chose to spend the first 3 nights of our holiday in Cuba here and we're not disappointed. The hotel is full of character and not a sterile modern place, if that's what you're after then it may not be for you. Right in the heart of old Havana it is vibrant and can be busy. A lovely hotel I would not hesitate to stay in again.