Havana, the main urban center in the island, stands out among the preferred cities by thousands of visitors who arrive in the country every year attracted by the leisure options and the Cuban cultural and historic heritage.
The city is well known for its fortress system, including the castle of San Salvador de la Punta which was built on one end of the San Lázaro Cove, in the western coast of the harbor entrance.
The system also includes La Cabaña, a military architectural jewel of the 18th century which combines the military development of colonial times, with a variety of architectural and space components.
El Morro, the most relevant colonial fortress, not only from the strategic and military point of view, but also for its still functioning lighthouse which is regarded as a symbol of the city, completes the system.
Together with modern hotels for vacationers in Havana, tourists can also find accommodation in lodging facilities with a centenary history.
The Plaza hotel, located in Havana’s historic heart, stands out among these centenary buildings with more than a hundred years in the tourist business.
The hotel was opened in the former mansion of the counts of Casa Pedroso in January, 1909; thus becoming the third building of its kind located in the vicinity of Havana’s Central Park.
The hotel became famous for the history of its distinguished guests, including the Russian ballerina Ana Pavlova, who enjoyed her stay in the hotel rooms in 1915 and 1917.
The National Hotel also stands out in the city with seven decades of remarkable history and included among the 10 Palace hotels in the world; it was the only five-star hotel in the Caribbean during the 1930’s and the 1950’s.
In addition, Havana has the Inglaterra Hotel, the senior lodging facility in the island, which was opened on December 23, 1875 and was named after England, the main world power at the time.
The Raquel hotel also offers an interesting option of 25 air-conditioned and comfortable double rooms, which have a luxurious design and are distributed in three levels characterized by an impressive decorative line.
Cigar lovers can enjoy unique places like the Conde de Villanueva hotel or Los Frailes, a monastery-style facility; these options are complemented by the Palacio de San Miguel, an attractive offer for those who wish to enjoy culture and intimacy.
The National Capitol, a majestic building whose construction required 5 million bricks, 38,000 cubic meters of sand; 40,000 cubic meters of stone; 150,000 cement bags; 3,500 tons of structural beams and 2,000 tons of steel bars, is another emblematic place in the city.
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