“The only autograph worthy of a man is the one he leaves written with his works”
Jose Marti
What could be more appealing to the art-loving traveler than to book and stay in hotels with their own artistic heritage? As one walks through the many hotels in Cuba, beautiful works of art flood the eye with their magnificence and authenticity.
The Nacional de Cuba is an emblematic hotel, which preserves the architectural and decorative magnificence that has captivated its visitors for more than seven decades. Declared a “National Monument” for its heritage value in 1988, in its outstanding 426 rooms, incredible halls and modern amenities, this hotel shows great value that includes an oil landscape by Enrique Domingo Ramos.
The property is filled with columns and arches that display a unique confluence of neoclassical and neocolonial designs with art deco. Some rooms still retain the original 1930s flooring, bed frame and furniture. In fact, there is a Historic Floor where many celebrities left their presence, including Ava Gardner, Johnny Weissmuller and Bola de Nieve.
Walking down the bustling corner of 23rd and L in the “El Vedado” neighborhood there is always a piece of art that catches your eye. This is the amazing mural painting by Amelia Peláez on the facade of the Tryp Habana Libre hotel (former Havana Hilton). This facility, opened in the late 1950s, houses an extensive collection of contemporary Cuban art, including Clepsydra, a sculpture by Rita Longa in the lobby, and paintings by renowned artists such as René Portocarrero, Mariano Rodríguez, Servando Cabrera, and Alfredo Sosabravo. .
Since 2007 this modern hotel has added a mural painted by artists from the “Somos lo que hay” Project, a beautiful fresco that was placed in the lobby. It brings together artists from different generations and aesthetics such as Nelson Domínguez, Lian and Li Domínguez Fong, Esteban and Alejandro Leyva, Ever Fonseca, Ernesto García Peña, Eduardo Roca, Juan Moreira, Alicia Leal, Javier Guerra, Sandor González, Manuel Comas, Herminio Escalona. , Vicente R. Bonachea, Kike Wong, Enrique de la Uz, Rafael Pérez Alonso, Eduardo Abela and Mayito González.
Among the hotels in Havana, the Habana Riviera also offers valuable works of art. Located next to the Havana boardwalk, this hotel born in the fifties boasts an ingenious architectural structure. The magnificent sculptures and the duomo of the great Florencio Gelabert were restored, as well as the internal mural painting by López Dirube, which remains as artistic heritage of the hotel.
The Melia Cohiba hotel has also acquired works by some of Cuba’s best contemporary artists. This luxury facility is recognized for its distinguished decoration that features works by famous painters Flora Fong, López Oliva, and Zaida del Río.
If you are looking for a colonial atmosphere in your choice of hotel in Cuba, there are excellent hotels in Old Havana that have a classic atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. In this destination in Cuba, art lovers can enjoy charming heritage sites, the colonial and eclectic architecture of its buildings and the fusion of various styles.
The Sevilla hotel is one of those accommodations that have preserved an artistic heritage of incalculable value. Visitors looking for historically interesting properties will be delighted with this facility, because it is one of the oldest hotels in Havana (the establishment turned 100 years old in March 2008), and presents an elegant atmosphere in its large and spacious lobby and rooms.
This traditional and classic property shows a truly Spanish atmosphere that can be appreciated as the hotel exhibits different architectural and decorative elements of notable Mudejar influence. The traveler will immediately notice it as he glimpses its intricate façade. Jacopi’s sculptures and Ramos Martinez’s portrait of “Aldeana” are some of the hotel’s artistic features.
On the other hand, the Inglaterra hotel, opened in 1875, is one of the oldest hotels in the city and is another good example of Cuban hospitality linked to the fine arts. Due to its conservation, relationship with history and national culture, the Inglaterra hotel was declared a National Monument in 1981. The traveler will discover a part of Cuba’s heritage in this facility.
The contrasts of different architectural styles and designs will keep your interest. The building features a beautiful neoclassical façade while the interior decoration recreates the atmosphere of the colonial era with a strong Mudejar spirit. The interior spaces are adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, colorful mosaics, Spanish heraldic symbols, latticework and lavishly decorated ceilings that confirm the eclectic trend of this city and its time. There is also a beautiful sculpture “La sevillana” by Perinat, which symbolizes a Spanish dancer, and collective wall paintings. Also, if you stay there, you will realize that Cuban artists have designed the menu of this hotel every 3 months.
The Plaza hotel is an attractive option for those who recognize the value of a colonial-era hotel that retains turn-of-the-century glamour. Opened in 1909, the Plaza boasts a striking façade and stunningly beautiful rooms that take us back in time. Most visitors can’t help but notice the lobby’s impressive ceiling with an elegant bronze chandelier. Other attractions of this classic hotel are its colonial patio, a picturesque fountain from the same period, abundant vegetation, exotic birds, sculptures and colorful stained glass windows.
Hotel Raquel is another interesting proposal within the hotels of Old Havana that reflects a Jewish flavor. This intimate building exhibits art nouveau style and expressive eclectic architecture, while some of its spaces allegorically evoke Hebrew culture. It also shows great artistic elements such as the majestic sculpture on the ground floor and its beautiful marble columns. Additionally, there is some impressive stained glass work to be seen at this inn. All the floors and rooms of the hotel are decorated with works of art by prestigious Cuban painters.
But if you prefer a hostel with a post-modern style, check out the Hotel Parque Central, which combines colonial and modern architectural styles. This distinctive facility is filled with tropical wood and lush vegetation, and some of its acquisitions include pieces by Cuba’s best contemporary artists such as Sosabravo, Flora Fong, and Adigio Benítez.
The Santa Isabel hotel, former mansion of the Counts of Santovenia, also houses works and pieces by Cuban plastic artists in rooms and lounges, in order to recreate the elegant atmosphere of the Cuban 19th century. The hotel’s façade maintains its colonial style, where the colorful stained glass windows are the main part of the decoration. Its halls are adorned with lamps, vases and figures of great value. All the ornamentation forces the visitor to travel back in time.
Art lovers can also find heritage works of art in other destinations in Cuba. To mention a few, on Varadero beach, the Varadero Internacional hotel has a 1950 fountain and a marble and stone table surrounded by walls decorated with beautiful paintings. The Jagua hotel in the province of Cienfuegos offers its guests the possibility of enjoying a wonderful view of the Bay of Cienfuegos or the green nature of the Sierra del Escambray, but it also offers a beautiful decoration where porcelain vases, a Mudejar-style bronze and a painting by Aldo Menéndez González draw the attention of any visitor.
In the hot city of Santiago de Cuba, the Casa Granda hotel exhibits a marble statue of Venus, while the “El Colony” hotel of the Isla de la Juventud International Diving Center exhibits sculptures by Rita Longa and a charming painting by E. García Mata representing “treasure island” with colored pirates.
So, if art is your thing and you are planning a visit to Cuba, you can live a cultural experience with Cuban art in your own hostel. Just come and discover these inner treasures at Cuba Hotels.
