The Cuban capital treasures many values that are reminiscent of different epochs since the city was founded over five centuries ago and that are reflected in its architecture.

The urban nucleus, a mix of architectural styles including Renaissance, art deco, Mudéjar (Hispano-Islamic), baroque, neoclassicism, eclecticism, art nouveau and Cuban baroque, is also a stronghold for Cuban culture.

Many visitors are particularly interested in Havana's historic heart, which treasures recreational and lodging facilities whose characteristics resemble those of similar establishments that existed centuries ago.

One of those establishments, which are part of a broad network of hotels and inns run by the Cuban company HABAGUANEX S.A., is the so-called Mesón de la Flota, which is reminiscent of the island's ambiance and sailors' customs.

Being a port city, Havana was always a transit point for ships from all over the world and a meeting place for the fleet of galleons that every year gathered at the Bay of Havana to carry the wealth looted from America by the Spanish conquistadors.

In that environment, Mesón de la Flota, which benefited from its location near the bay and Plaza Vieja (Old Square), is open to vacationers, as a reminiscence of the peculiar commercial activity developed in the Caribbean island.

Mesón de la Flota has five comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities demanded by today's leisure industry, and is close to museums and emblematic facilities in the city's historic heart.

The establishment's offer is complemented by the Mesón de la Flota Restaurant, which is on the ground floor and evokes the traditions of Spanish taverns in colonial times.

Decoration is predominantly based on nautical elements, combining symbols, small replicas of old ships and signal flags, among other elements.

Customers can choose from a long list of wines from different countries and can try exquisite Spanish snacks, in addition to excellent cold and hot starters, main courses, and Cuban and Spanish desserts.

Meals are accompanied by live performances by groups playing flamenco music.

The specialty of the house is the "drunk lobster with Caribbean fruit", which is made with lobster (also known as the Queen of the Caribbean), butter, onion and garlic, as well as orange juice and diced pineapple and papaya.

For vacationers interested in city tourism, Mesón de la Flota is reminiscent of Cuba's position as the key to the Gulf in Spanish colonial times, in a nautical ambiance that characterized that sector of Cuban society.