Florida is a Selected hotel located in Havana, Cuba. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Florida have?

Florida has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Florida located?

Florida is located in Havana, Cuba, in the North America region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Florida?

You can view more details and booking information for Florida through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Florida | Selected in Havana, Cuba

Name: Florida
Address: Havana, North America, Cuba
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Florida

Hotel Florida, Havana, Cuba: A Michelin Key Selected Property Review

The Hotel Florida, a Michelin Key Selected property located in the heart of Old Havana, offers guests a journey back in time with its rich colonial charm and architectural grandeur. Situated on the bustling Obispo Street, it is frequently chosen for its prime location and historical ambiance, though guest experiences highlight a mix of opulence in public spaces and more modest room offerings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Hotel Florida generally garners a positive sentiment, often praised for its historic character and central location, making it a popular choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in Old Havana's culture. It is categorized as an "upper-middle-range" and "4-star" historic property. However, some guests find the room quality and dining experience to be a notable contrast to the majestic common areas.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's grand, colonial-style interiors, especially the impressive courtyard atrium with its Spanish-style architecture, bare stone columns, and period lamps, which offers a serene escape from the lively street outside. Its unbeatable location in Old Havana is a major draw, placing guests amidst shops, art galleries, and museums. The Maragato piano bar is another highlight, known for its nightly live Cuban music and salsa, creating an atmospheric experience.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 25 guest rooms, which, while clean and having some charm, are often described as "fairly basic and lackluster" when compared to the grandeur of the public spaces. Rooms include standard amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, phones, and electronic safes. Many rooms boast high ceilings and some offer balconies with views of the vibrant Obispo Street, while suites provide additional space and separate sitting areas. Bathrooms are typically marble-tiled with shower/tub combos and rainfall showerheads, though some show signs of wear and can be small. A significant recurring criticism is that some rooms lack windows or face a ventilation shaft, and noise from the street and the hotel bar can be an issue in certain accommodations.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Floridiana, serves Cuban and international cuisine. A complimentary buffet breakfast is offered, but numerous guests have remarked that the food, particularly breakfast, is "bland and mediocre". Despite these criticisms, the convenience of an on-site restaurant and bars is appreciated.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel Florida are generally reported to be friendly, helpful, and take pride in the hotel, with reception often assisting guests with tour bookings. However, there have been isolated reports of less satisfactory service, including one instance of a rude and confrontational reception agent regarding a reservation misunderstanding.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Hotel Florida boasts an exceptional location at the corner of Obispo Street and Cuba Street, placing it directly in the center of Old Havana. This prime spot allows guests to easily walk to numerous popular attractions, including Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, the Museum of the Revolution, and the Capitol. The surrounding area is bustling with shops, art galleries, and museums, providing an immersive cultural experience. José Martí International Airport is approximately 24 km away.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges for Hotel Florida are not consistently available, it is described as an "upper-middle-range" property and one review labels it as "expensive". Guests should expect pricing to reflect its historic status and prime location within Old Havana, though some may question the value given the occasional disparity between the grandeur of common areas and the more basic room quality.

8. Common Complaints

The most frequent complaints include the somewhat "lackluster" and "basic" decor of the guest rooms, especially in contrast to the opulent public spaces. Specific room issues include the absence of windows in some rooms or views of ventilation shafts, and potential noise disturbances from the street or the hotel's lively piano bar. The breakfast buffet often receives criticism for being bland and mediocre. Additionally, while typical for Cuba, Wi-Fi is available only in some common spaces, comes with a fee, and can be slow and intermittent. Some guests have also reported unsatisfactory service from the reception desk.