The Must-visit Five-star Kempinski Hotel in Old Havana

The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, which opened its doors in June of 2017, marks Cuba’s first five-star luxury hotel. Beautifully situated in the centre of Old Havana and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is undoubtedly the perfect new addition for tourists looking to savor all that Old Havana has to offer. Like any of their other 75 five-star hotels and residences, Kempinski Hotels has ensured that their location in Old Havana not only reflects, but also embraces the cultural traditions of that region. This is further emphasized by their sizable portfolio that spreads across 31 countries and their continuous expansion in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The hotel includes a total of 246 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art spa and wellness facility and simply incredible panoramic views overlooking the heart of Old Havana’s shopping centre. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana welcomes guests with a luxurious, European inspired design. The day their doors opened was a day of rebirth for the building formerly known as Manzana de Gómez; surrounded by a number of historical sites, the hotel returns to days long gone when it was famed hotspot.

“Since it was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, tourism has exploded in Havana. We believe the market is ready for a true luxury hotel,” said Xavier Destribats, Chief Operating Officer The Americas and General Manager of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. “Our property will not only be the first of its kind in this market, but we believe it sets a new standard for the entire Caribbean. We have been very strategic about the expansion of our brand and we are convinced that this is the right time and the right market for Kempinski in the Americas.”

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana was built where the former Manzana de Gómez site once stood. The original building’s construction, which started in 1890, lasted 28 years until it had its current 6 floor. With a history that dates back over a century, Manzana de Gómez was initially the premier European-style shopping arcade in Cuba, and in the later years it became a building for government offices as well as a facility for education on the upper levels. Now, however, the site has been revived into the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, which once again places itself as a social center in the heart of Old Havana.

The hotel’s accommodations are nothing but impressive as the rooms exhibit high ceilings that reach 6.5 metres, modern furnishings and grand French doors/windows can be found in most rooms. The French windows in particular are an especially attractive feature, providing guests astounding patio and city views. The rooms and suites begin at approximately 38 metres for the Patio Rooms and can even go up to 150 square metres for the presidential suite.

No matter the time of day, guests residing at Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana can enjoy a splendid meal. Guests are welcomed to gormandize a delectable breakfast at Confluencias in the morning and go to El Arsenal’s lounge for some tea and fresh pastries in the afternoon. For those who are more inclined to some fine spirits and cigars, the Evocación Tobacco Lounge is a spot you just can’t miss; offering a beautiful selection of the finest rums, cigars and spirits. The Constante Bar is also a great place to spend some time partaking daiquiris and have a stunning view overlooking the famed El Floridita bar. If you are in the mood for fresh seafood with a Latin touch, dine at the San Cristóbal Panoramic Restaurant, which is defined by embroidery chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. An ideal restaurant to end the evening would be El Surtidor Pool Terrace and Bar that is known for their stellar views of Old Havana, as well as their delicious menu, of which features Hispanic-inspired tapas and locally-sourced cocktails.

The spa is truly an exceptional amenity for hotel guests. It was named Spa Albear by Resense and offers over 1000 square metres of space solely for the purpose of the guests’ well-being. The spa includes 8 treatment rooms, a thermal bathing area that takes inspiration from European bathing culture, an avant-garde Gym and a phenomenal rooftop infinity pool overlooking Old Havana. With European inspired design touches, every aspect of the spa been made to introduce the guests to classical service, a lavish time of relaxation and just a bit of wonderment.

For more information please visit: Kempinski.com

Images courtesy of Kempinski Hotels