Havana

A 19th-century Neo-Classical gem, Hotel Saratoga is decorated with stylish contemporary furniture and tasteful color schemes bringing in a new level of sophistication. — DK Eyewitness

Service is relatively efficient and attentive, something that cannot always be said about most other hotels in La Habana Vieja. The rooftop pool and surrounding views are priceless. — Frommer's

The upscale, 397-room Melia Habana has a firm place as one of the top handful of hotels in Havana, along with the Parque Central, Melia Cohiba, and Hotel Nacional. — Oyster

One of Havana’s best-looking hotels, with the air of an Arabian palace. — Rough Guide

Habana Vieja's most popular themed property, this boutique-hotel attracts crowds all day long. — Star Service

This striking contemporary high-rise launched the Havana hotel scene into the modern age when it opened in 1994. — Star Service

Located on the site of a restored 18th-century mansion, Hotel Conde de Villanueva pays homage to the history of the Cuban cigar through its decor. — Oyster

The vibe is regal, bordering on stuffy, but the sophistication is understated and inviting. Common amenities are limited to a beautiful patio bar and gourmet alfresco restaurant. — Oyster

This is yet another of the more historic and better located hotels in Havana, although it's definitely showing its age -- it's been in business since 1875. — Frommer's

The 258-room, mid-range hotel in Vedado is notable for its charming lobby filled with antiques and its 10-story height that allows for terrific ocean views from some rooms. — Oyster

A renovated Art Nouveau stunner, this popular hotel, located close to Plaza Vieja, exudes style and charm. — DK Eyewitness

They don't make them like this anymore. The Florida is an architectural extravaganza built in the purest colonial style, with arches and pillars clustered around an atmospheric central courtyard. — Lonely Planet

Breakfast is served on the rooftop patio under shady arbors with a wonderful view of the harbor and La Habana Vieja; this is also a great spot for a refreshing drink any time of day or night. — Frommer's

A long-term fixture on the Malecón, this former Mafia gambling den doesn't quite match up to the stellar views. — Lonely Planet

This stylish Vedado landmark, with stunning atrium and exterior mosaic by Amelia Pelaez, has three restaurants, a terrace pool, a business centre and good-quality rooms with all mod cons. — Rough Guide

An urban oasis tucked away from the capital's busy business center, this property is a mix of colonial and modern architecture in one of Havana's most exclusive neighborhoods. — Star Service

Small and extremely friendly, with only 28 rooms and attentive service, the Victoria feels like a private hotel, and features a small swimming pool. — Rough Guide

One of Havana's most impressive period hotels, the Palacio O'Farrill is a staggeringly beautiful colonial palace. — Lonely Planet

A fair-to-middling Vedado option, St John's has a rooftop pool, clean bathrooms, reasonable beds and the ever-popular Pico Blanco nightclub on the 14th floor. — Lonely Planet

For cash-strapped travelers intent on splitting their time between the beach and Havana, this dingy, 188-room budget all-inclusive hotel from the '70s might fit the bill. — Oyster