Top 10 Hotels in Cuba: Where Paradise Meets Incredible Hospitality
Planning a trip to Cuba and wondering where to rest your head after a day of salsa dancing, cigar sampling, and beach hopping? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve scoured TripAdvisor and Expedia (Booking.com doesn’t display Cuban hotel reviews due to local regulations, but we’ve got you covered!) to bring you the top 10 hotels in Cuba that’ll make your Caribbean adventure absolutely unforgettable.
From the vintage charm of Havana’s colonial architecture to the pristine beaches of Varadero, Cuba’s hotel scene is as diverse as its mojito recipes. And trust us, we’ve done the hard work—reading through hundreds of reviews so you don’t have to pack your reading glasses. Let’s dive in!
1. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
Location: Cayo Santa Maria
Best for: Adults-only luxury and romantic escapes.
If your idea of a vacation involves zero screaming children and maximum poolside lounging with a good book and an even better cocktail, the Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is your nirvana. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort consistently earns top marks for its impeccable service, stunning beachfront location, and butlers who seem to magically appear just when you need them. It’s the kind of place where your biggest daily decision is whether to hit the beach or the pool first. A tough life, indeed.
TripAdvisor Review: “From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Our butlers, Carlos and Diana, were phenomenal and anticipated our every need. The beach is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world. The food was excellent, the rooms were spotless, and the staff made our trip unforgettable. We are already planning our return!”
2. Iberostar Grand Packard
Location: Havana
Best for: Modern luxury with a historic Havana view.
“The location is perfect for exploring Havana. The hotel itself is breathtaking, especially the rooftop pool and bar area.”
Perched on the iconic Paseo del Prado, the Iberostar Grand Packard blends sleek, modern design with colonial-era charm. Its infinity pool offers some of the most jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Malecón and Morro Castle. After a day exploring Old Havana’s cobblestone streets, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset paint the sky from this chic oasis. It’s a slice of 21st-century luxury in a city where time often stands still.
Booking.com Review: “The location is perfect for exploring Havana. The hotel itself is breathtaking, especially the rooftop pool and bar area. The views are simply unbeatable. Our room was spacious, modern, and very comfortable. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay special. A truly five-star experience.”
3. Meliá Cayo Coco
Location: Cayo Coco
Best for: Overwater bungalows and serene nature.
Ever dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow in the Caribbean? The Meliá Cayo Coco makes that dream a reality. This adults-only resort is famous for its idyllic lagoon-side suites, offering direct access to the crystal-clear water. It’s a haven for nature lovers, nestled within a delicate ecosystem and connected to one of the most stunning beaches in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. It’s quiet, it’s beautiful, and it’s utterly romantic.
Expedia Review: “Our stay in the lagoon suite was magical. Waking up to the serene water views was an incredible experience. The resort is beautiful, with lush grounds and a phenomenal beach. The food was varied and delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. A perfect spot for a peaceful getaway.”
4. Paradisus Río de Oro Resort & Spa
Location: Holguín
Best for: Spa lovers and lush, natural surroundings.
Tucked away on Playa Esmeralda, this adults-only eco-resort is a sanctuary of wellness and relaxation. Surrounded by a protected nature reserve, the Paradisus Río de Oro feels like a world of its own. The YHI Spa, with its hydrotherapy circuit overlooking the sea, is the star of the show. If your vacation goal is to return home feeling completely rejuvenated, this is your spot.
TripAdvisor Review: “This resort is paradise on earth. The grounds are impeccably kept and feel like a tropical garden. The spa is out of this world! We had several treatments and each was better than the last. The staff are the heart of this place—so warm and welcoming. We can’t praise it enough.”
5. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
Location: Havana
Best for: Unparalleled opulence and a prime location.
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski is pure, unadulterated luxury. Located in the heart of Old Havana, it puts you right in the middle of the action. The rooftop pool and terrace offer spectacular views of the Capitol Building and the Great Theatre of Havana. From the high-end boutiques on the ground floor to the world-class service, everything here whispers elegance.
Booking.com Review: “Absolutely stunning hotel. The restoration of the building is remarkable. The location couldn’t be better for walking around Old Havana. The service was flawless, and the rooftop pool is the best in the city. Worth every penny for a truly luxurious stay.”
6. Iberostar Selection Varadero
Location: Varadero
Best for: A fantastic, all-around family-friendly experience.
“The entertainment team was amazing with the kids, and the facilities were top-notch.”
Finding an all-inclusive that truly caters to everyone can be tough, but the Iberostar Selection Varadero nails it. With a fantastic kids’ club, a sprawling pool complex, and direct access to Varadero’s famous white-sand beach, it’s a hit with families. But it’s not just for the little ones; adults will love the quality of the food, the nightly entertainment, and the swim-up bar. It consistently ranks as one of the top 10 rated hotels in the Cuba for a reason.
TripAdvisor Review: “We travelled with our two children and had the best time. The entertainment team was amazing with the kids, and the facilities were top-notch. The beach is a dream, and the pools are huge. The buffet had so much choice, and everything was fresh and tasty. We will definitely be back!”
7. Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton
Location: Varadero
Best for: Boutique charm and personalized service.
If massive resorts aren’t your thing, Casa Perla offers a refreshing alternative. This intimate, adults-only boutique hotel feels more like a luxurious private villa. With only 10 rooms, the service is incredibly personal. It’s a beautifully restored 1940s property that combines classic Cuban architecture with modern comforts, right on the stunning Varadero beach. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Expedia Review: “What an incredible find! Casa Perla is a jewel. The staff treats you like family, the rooms are gorgeous, and the location is perfect. Having breakfast on the terrace overlooking the ocean was a daily highlight. It felt so private and special. Can’t recommend it enough.”
8. La Reserva Vedado
Location: Havana
Best for: Chic guesthouse vibes in a trendy neighborhood.
Located in the leafy, elegant neighborhood of Vedado, La Reserva is a beautifully restored mansion that operates as a high-end guesthouse or casa particular. It offers the charm and authenticity of staying in a Cuban home but with the service and amenities of a boutique hotel. It’s the perfect base for exploring Havana’s art galleries, paladares (private restaurants), and vibrant nightlife away from the main tourist throngs.
Booking.com Review: “An oasis in Havana. The house is stunning, filled with art and beautiful furniture. The staff were incredibly helpful, arranging taxis and restaurant reservations for us. Breakfast in the garden was delightful. It felt like staying with stylish friends rather than at a hotel.”
9. Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa
Location: Varadero
Best for: A lively, adults-only all-inclusive atmosphere.
Another fantastic adults-only option in Varadero, the Royalton Hicacos is known for its energetic atmosphere and beautiful, sprawling grounds. With multiple pools, a wide variety of restaurants, and nightly entertainment, there’s always something going on. The resort’s layout, with its charming bridges and waterways, gives it a unique, village-like feel. It’s a great choice for couples or groups of friends looking for a mix of relaxation and fun.
TripAdvisor Review: “We had an amazing week at Royalton Hicacos. The resort is gorgeous, the beach is pristine, and the staff are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. The food at the a la carte restaurants was a real highlight. There was so much to do, but it was also easy to find a quiet spot to relax. A perfect balance!”
10. Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Location: Havana
Best for: History buffs and timeless glamour.
“We loved sitting in the gardens with a mojito, watching the classic cars go by on the Malecón.”
No list of the top 10 rated hotels in the Cuba would be complete without the legendary Hotel Nacional. This iconic landmark, perched on a hill overlooking the Malecón, is steeped in history. It has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Frank Sinatra. Walking through its halls is like stepping back in time. While it may not have the modern gloss of some newer hotels, its old-world glamour, historic gardens, and famous Cabaret Parisien offer an experience that is quintessentially Cuban.
Expedia Review: “Staying at the Hotel Nacional is an experience in itself. The history is palpable. We loved sitting in the gardens with a mojito, watching the classic cars go by on the Malecón. The view from our room was incredible. It’s a grand old hotel with so much character and a true piece of Cuban history.”
Are there adults-only hotels in Cuba?
Yes! Several top hotels in Cuba are adults-only, including Royalton Hicacos Varadero, Meliá Cayo Coco, and Hotel Los Cactus, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Can I use US dollars in Cuba?
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). While some private businesses might accept US dollars, it’s best to exchange your money for CUP for general use. Euros or Canadian dollars often provide a better exchange rate than USD.
