Hotels - Hostal Valencia

About  Hostal Valencia

The Hostal Valencia was the first Old Havana mansion to be converted by the Office of the City Historian into an hotel. Originally constructed for Alderman Sotolongo, a member of Havana’s Town Council, a large part of the building had actually collapsed by the time it reached the head of the queue for restoration – the remainder was braced against surrounding edifices with a complicated structure of wooden scaffolding.

Once this had been removed and the ruins consolidated, the collapsed section was rebuilt and balcony railings in this area have been left plain to indicate to architectural historians which part is restoration and which recreation. The Hostal Valencia is modest in style compared to establishments such as the Santa Isabel and the Saratoga, but its charm and very acceptable prices ensure an almost constant waiting list for bookings. 

Entering the Valencia, one passes through impressive colonial portals to a large hall which in spite of having been built at the end of the eighteenth century has a distinctly seventeenth century atmosphere; this is carried on throughout the general layout of the house and such details as the terracotta-tiled staircase, enormous mahogany beams and cobbled courtyard which is framed by bright green ferns and long strands of malanga vine trailing down from the upper floors.

The establishment’s two bars continue the general impression of antiquity with low ceilings and dim lighting so that one fully expects a pirate to come lurching out of the gloom clutching a half-drunk bottle of rum and muttering about dead men’s chests.

The people who work at the Valencia are especially kind and helpful and greet clients like old friends, which they generally are as many people return to the hotel again and again. The restaurant on the corner is renowned for its huge iron pans of prizewinning paella and the coffee from the courtyard bar is sublime.

 

Carretera de La Cabana, Habana del Este

Tres Reyes del Morro Castle

Perhaps the most iconic of all Cuban fortresses. Its construction began in 1589 and was completed in 1630, playing a key role in the defence of Havana against raids by corsairs and pirates.  When the English attacked and captured Havana in the year 1762, the castle was damaged and later as soon as Spain took power again it was rebuilt and modernized. A lighthouse was added to the Morro in 1764. Standing 45 metres above sea level, it has become an unmistakeable symbol of Havana.

Ave Carlos Manuel Céspedes y Santa Clara, Habana Vieja, La Habana

Nuestra Señora de Kazán Orthodox Cathedral

The Catedral Ortodoxa de Nuestra Señora de Kazán (Nuestra Señora de Kazán Orthodox Cathedral), declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is one of the newest constructions in Havana, being built in 2000. This Russian Orthodox church is Byzantine in style. It has six beautiful domes, two of which (the biggest and smallest) are gold-sheeted, and the rest are made of bronze. Its staircase entrance calls our attention and is considered the second largest staircase of all outside Russia. From the interior, its golden altar stands out, built in Trinidad and the San Sergio Monastery, Russia; and the murals adorning its walls.

Calle Cuba No. 610 e / Sol y Luz, Habana Vieja, La Habana

Santa Clara Convent

The Convento de Santa Clara (Santa Clara Convent) is located at the south of Plaza Vieja Square of Havana. This is the biggest and oldest convent in all of Cuba, built between 1638 and 1643, and it is a good example of early Spanish influenced architecture. It was actually the first female convent in the city. The temple stopped serving for religious purposes in 1920, housing for some time the Ministry of Public Works. It is currently part of the restoration team of Old Havana. It being recommended to visit the Colonial-style interior patio, where the first public fountain of the city was found; the cloister, the cells of the nuns and the small cemetery.

Calle OReilly y Avenida del Puerto, Habana Vieja

Real Fuerza Castle (Maritime Museum)

The Real Force Castle is located in Old Havana, in an attractive area of important architectural, urban, cultural and social values. This is the oldest fortress of the former fortification system of Havana and the Americas, which construction dates back to 1577. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A replica of the La Giraldilla, the symbol of the city, can be seen on the highest tower of the castle (the original is in the Museum of the City). Since 2008, the Museo de Navegación (Maritime Museum) is located in the former moat of the Real Force Castle. This museum houses interesting exhibits detailing the history of the fortress and Old Havana, as well as its connections with the former Spanish Empire. It’s worth mentioning that huge scale model of the Santísima Trinidad galleon can be found here.

Be the first to write a review

Write a review

Title

Your review

What sort of Trip was this?

  • Business
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Solo

When did you travel?

Add a tip to help travelers choose a good room (Optional)

Do you have photos to share? (Optional)

Name

Email

Skedio, S.L. CIF: B66173931. # Travel Agency Licence: GC-3667 © 2025 Enjoytravel Corporate, All rights reserved