Florida - Havana, Cuba     

We stayed at the Florida for one night before flying home, after spending 3 days in Havana at the Raquel (so much better and better location) followed by a trip to Cayo Guillermo. We arrived from Cayo Guillermo at around 10 in the evening (we were due to go the airport the following afternoon) looking forward to our last night and morning in Havana. The Receptionist was slow. Offered us room 210, the porter then told him that the air conditioning wasn't working in the room so, after a further delay we were given the keys to room 3. Off we went.. only to find that the room hadn't been made up. Back down to reception (who by this time was not interested at all) the porter went off in search of a room and after 5 mins or so came back and took us to room 114. Avoid this room if you can. I think it must be the equivalent to the room under the stairs. After almost kicking the door open (the porter did this not us!) it was so stiff we were faced with a dismal room with no windows, ( there were a couple of french patio window type thing that If you could have opened them would have exposed you nicely to the corridor. The room smelt musty and a bit dungeon like. Oh well it was only for one night. We went down for a drink in the bar which served the most expensive drinks in town 5cuc ( I am positive we were overcharged probably double charged as the drinks in the normal bar were only 3 cuc the next day) the place was jumping with mainly loads of young locals and a few tourists (girls) dancing. Beds ok - but sheets were damp (think it was just that the room was musty and airless). Bath leaked all over the floor. Location right of Osbido ok - but no where near as nice as the Raquel.

I stayed at the Hotel Florida for three nights before travelling around Cuba. Location is perfect for exploring, in the middle of old Havana and just a quick walk to central Havana. The first room we were shown was perfectly fine, but we particularly wanted a room with views and a balcony, so chose to upgrade to a suite. This was huge, with high ceilings, 3 balconies, separate living room area and roomy bathroom. Rooms are placed round an airy central covered courtyard. The staff were helpful, confirming restaurant reservations for us and helping us make contact with a tour operator for later in our trip. There is an on-site travel agency which is handy if you want to book one day tours. The hotel is also on the same street as money changing facilities and Etecsa for internet access. There’s also a small shop across the street for buying water. The barman makes a mean Mojito. We didn’t eat at the hotel at night, but breakfast was more than adequate. Coffee was good, there were scrambled eggs and pancakes, a selection of meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and fruit juices and cereal. All you could want or need. The only downside if I was being picky was the absence of a chef to make fresh omelettes or eggs, which a number of hotels elsewhere in Cuba did offer. I have to say that my experience of the food in Cuba was no-where near as bad as I had feared from reading guidebooks and various reviews on this site. I had many lovely meals while there.