The Cuban capital, the major destination in the Caribbean Island, has a great tourist potential and the infrastructure necessary to meet the growing demand from thousands of foreign vacationers who visit the over-four-century city every year.

Considered the largest city in the country, Havana has a population of two million and holds several world-renowned hotels.

Among them stands out the seven-decade-old Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which ranks among the top 10 Palace Hotels in the world, was the only five-star establishment in the Caribbean region from the 1930s to the 1950s.

The oldest Havana hotel is the Inglaterra, which was inaugurated on December 23, 1875, and was named after the major world power at the time, England.

The building, situated in an important area of the so-called Old Havana, features a neoclassic architectural style, with elements that give the edifice a touch of originality, such as tiles from Alicante and railings especially brought from Seville, Spain.

Its ceilings and interior decoration show a profusion of ornaments that characterize the Mudejar architectural style, with stained-glass windows, heraldic symbols and even a bronze sculpture of Carmen, the Spanish character in Bizet's opera, sculpted by the Marquis of Perrinat.

The list also includes the Sevilla Hotel, which opened in 1908 after several years of hard construction works, which were begun by the investment company El Guardián in 1880.

Architects got their inspiration from the Moorish lines of the Patio de los Leones at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, in a style that stands out because of its arches, columns and many tiles.

During the first years of operations, its colonial style, exquisite decoration and the comfort of its initial 300 rooms and nine apartments, along with its location in Havana's historic heart, made the Sevilla Hotel one of the most visited hotels in the Cuban capital.

The Sevilla Hotel complements its attractions with a long list of world-famous guests from all walks of life and countries.

Another major hotel is the Plaza, which was inaugurated in January 1909, in the former mansion of the Counts of Casa Pedroso, in Havana's historic heart.

A stronghold of Cuba's hotel business for many years, the Plaza underwent major restoration works in 1985 to add the amenities that it offers its guests today in its 188 rooms, where modern furniture is combined with antique ornaments and artworks by Cuban painters.

In addition to these hotels, other lodging facilities in Old Havana recreate the atmosphere of past epochs, taking advantage of the area's Spanish-colonial architecture.