One 37 St. between 0 St. and 2 St., Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos ,
Cienfuegos, Cuba
(+53) 43551003
yes
About
Jagua Managed by Melia Hotels International
The Hotel Jagua, a full-service hotel in lovely Cienfuegos, has an interesting history: the nearby Moorish Palacio del Valle, dating from the early 20th twentieth century, was sold to a developer in the 1950s who hoped to convert it into a casino with extended hotel facilities. He was close to finishing the Hotel Jagua for this purpose when the Cuban Revolution triumphed on January 1, 1959. The casino-operation was halted and the Hotel Jagua opened as the first hotel in post-revolutionary Cuba.
This hotel exhibits architectural lines and styles typical to the 1950s; from the lobby to the rooms, spaces here are big, open, and bright. The swimming pool overlooking the Bay is a delightful place to relax after visiting elegant Cienfuegos. There are daily activities offered at the hotel, and for night owls there’s a cabaret/disco several nights a week.
The city of Cienfuegos is located on a bay of the same name. At the southern extent of the city lies residential Punta Gorda (once a hideaway for the rich) overlooking the bay. Today, a waterside stroll here reveals beautiful original wooden (beach) houses and at the tip of the point, a lovely gazebo perfect for watching the sunset.
Ave. 0 y Calle 37, Cienfuegos
Palacio de Valle
This restaurant, in the dazzling setting of the most famous building in town, features good quality fish and seafood, including lobster. The rooftop bar at the architecturally amazing Palacio de Valle is a great spot for a sunset drink and often has live music.
Ave. 56 y Calle 29, Cienfuegos
Catedral de la Purísima Concepción
The city's bright yellow neoclassical cathedral, with its high central bell tower reminiscent of a minaret, was consecrated in 1870. Its interior is less impressive than the renovated exterior, but it does feature a statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception—the city's patron saint—and stained glass windows from France that depict the 12 apostles.
Castillo de Jagua, Cienfuegos
Castillo de Jagua
Above a fishing village overlooking the narrow entrance to the Bahía de Cienfuegos is a Spanish fortress built in 1745 to keep out pirates who had grown accustomed to trading with locals. Castillo de Jagua Fortress was declared National Monument. It's completely refurbished (even the drawbridge works) and has a historical museum with weapons and other antiques. The dungeon houses a bar and restaurant. Choice of dishes from the world’s cuisine and “La Dama Azul” (The Blue Lady) paella as the main course. It also offers cocktail, drink, and juice service, livened up with live music and special nights with the production of the Blue Lady's legend. Local legend holds that the site is haunted by the ghost of a mysterious female figure dressed in a blue gown; given the fort's notorious history, who can say for sure?
Ave. 54 y El Prado, Cienfuegos
Café Cantante Benny Moré
Local musicians perform nightly at this friendly music club, where you'll hear a few hits that the region's best-known musician made famous.