Hotels - Santa Isabel

About  Santa Isabel

The magnificent Hotel Santa Isabel has an enviable location in the heart of Old Havana, directly facing the charming cobbled square of Plaza de Armas, with its perfect blend of bars, museums & restaurants.

History & elegance go hand in hand at Santa Isabel dating back to the 19th Century, when it was owned by the Count of Santovenia (whose decorative initials can still be found in a variety of fixtures & fittings). The distinguished visitors of its colonial past continue to this day, with guests such as Jack Nicholson, Sting & ex-US president Jimmy Carter.

The grand facade is complemented by elegance inside, with a large, air-conditioned lobby boasting crystal chandeliers & beautiful period furnishings. Adjoining this is the inner courtyard where guests can relax in the sun or shade beside the tranquil fountain, while they can also enjoy the sun & spectacular views from the hotel rooftop.

The Condado restaurant has antique furnishings & maintains the elegant, colonial ambience of Santa Isabel Hotel. Breakfast can be taken there but, with views out onto the square where there are frequent markets, many guests enjoy taking breakfast outside under the shady arched gallery.

While Santa Isabel has an unparalleled location on the picturesque Plaza Armas, it is also surprisingly quiet & yet just one minute from the bustling Calle Opisbo, with its bars & music. It is easy to see why Hotel Santa Isabel is a favourite for visitors looking for a stylish stay in Old Havana.

 

Tacon e/ Obispo y O'Relly, Habana Vieja

Arms Square

Plaza de Armas surrounds a statue of the patriot Céspedes and is ringed by shaded marble benches and second-hand bookstalls. This square, founding in 1519, was the city's first open space, around which the most important political, military, religious and civil institutions were located. The palaces that surrounded it during the 18th century are worthy exponents of Cuban Baroque architecture. On the square’s eastern side a small neoclassical temple, El Templete, marks the spot where the first Catholic mass was celebrated in 1519. Next door is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, Hotel Santa Isabel. To the north, the squat but angular and moated Castillo de la Real Fuerza (Fort of the Royal Forces) is one of the oldest forts in the Americas.  

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 Empedrado, (al lado de la Plaza de la Catedral), La Habana

La Bodeguita del Medio

La Bodeguita del Medio is a must-visit, typical restaurant of Havana, and one of the most attractive tourist spots. Old Havana has been frequented by countless visitors, from well-known writers like Ernest Hemingway to important politicians. Its interior offers a typical Cuban atmosphere, as well as excellent music, Creole cuisine (slow-roasted pork, ropa vieja, black beans, yucca with mojo, tostones, arroz morro, etc) and a fantastic typical drink like the mojito. Following the initiative of Leandro García, a journalist who signed the restaurant’s wall, all famous people who visit the place do the same. They leave a memento there in the form of a print, a picture, an object, or some graffiti; it is even possible to find the signatures of some historical figures, like Salvador Allende, Ernest Hemingway, or Pablo Neruda. You can’t miss your chance to visit this place on your way through Habana Vieja. If you don’t book a table in advance you won’t probably have another chance to get one, but you will for sure enjoy an incredible atmosphere surrounded by Cuban history.

Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Cabaña, Carretera de La Cabana, Habana del Este

The Cannon Blast Ceremony

The Cannon Blast ceremony (El Cañonazo de las Nueve) is one of the oldest and attractive traditions of Havana. In colonial days, the shots signalled the closing of the gates of the walled city and the rising of the chain across the entrance to the harbour. The tradition of firing a cannon every night at 9:00 pm was kept even after the wall was torn down and is still used for checking your watch.

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