Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana stands out as a beacon of luxury in the heart of Havana, frequently hailed as the city's most opulent accommodation. This Michelin Key Selected property offers a blend of European sophistication and Cuban charm, making it a distinctive choice for travelers seeking a high-end experience in the Cuban capital.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is largely positive, with guests often describing it as the premier luxury hotel in Havana. It boasts an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from verified Trip.com reviews and an 8.2 Kiwi Rating, with high scores for location, architecture, and design. While its facilities and grandeur are consistently praised, some reviews indicate that service levels, while friendly in many instances, can be inconsistent, particularly when compared to international Kempinski standards.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Rooftop Infinity Pool & Bar: The breathtaking rooftop infinity pool provides unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of Old Havana's historic skyline, including El Capitolio and the Great Theatre of Havana. It's considered a highlight, perfect for enjoying cocktails at sunset.
• Location: Its prime position in the heart of Old Havana is a major draw, offering easy walking access to many key attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, housed in a meticulously restored 20th-century building (originally Cuba's first European-style shopping arcade), beautifully merges classic elegance with modern comfort. High ceilings and opulent furnishings contribute to a luxurious feel.
• Amenities: Modern infrastructure, including consistent bottled water provision and relatively good in-room Wi-Fi (a novelty in Cuba), is appreciated. The high-end spa and state-of-the-art TechnoGym fitness center are also noted.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers over 200 elegant and contemporary rooms and suites across eight categories.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are spacious, impeccably clean, and feature high ceilings (up to 6.5 meters), contributing to a luxurious atmosphere. The décor blends European sophistication with subtle Cuban chic, utilizing calm color palettes like muted greys, whites, and accents of Caribbean sea-blue or pop-pink.
• Amenities: Modern essentials include efficient air conditioning, fully stocked mini-bars, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, master lighting controls, and Bose speakers in some rooms. Marble bathrooms often feature both large baths and huge overhead showers, though water pressure can sometimes be an issue. Suites may include walk-in closets and Jacuzzi baths. Comfortable king-size beds are standard, though some guests noted a lack of pillows. Complimentary mineral water and decent Kempinski toiletries are provided. Many rooms and suites offer balconies with fantastic city views.

4. Dining Experience

• Breakfast: Often described as "rich beyond imagination," the breakfast buffet is a highlight, offering a vast and aesthetic selection of fruits, hot dishes, bread, pastries, juices, and cold cuts, including à la carte options like Eggs Benedict and omelets. Some guests consider it the best breakfast in Havana. However, the breakfast can be exceptionally pricey (around $33 USD/CUC per person).
• Restaurants & Bars: The hotel features multiple restaurants and bars, including a panoramic restaurant and bar on the sixth floor with outdoor seating and excellent views, and a restaurant on the second floor. The food at the rooftop restaurant is generally good, but service has been noted as occasionally lacking. There is also a lobby lounge and bar, and an "amazing cigar lounge with rum butler."

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is varied.

• Positive: Lobby staff and bellhops are frequently praised for being friendly and helpful. Concierge services, like those provided by "Dani," have been highlighted for going "above and beyond" to assist guests.
• Areas for Improvement: Recurring criticisms point to inconsistencies in service quality, particularly in room service and restaurant service, which some guests feel does not always match the five-star pricing or Kempinski's international reputation. Issues have included delays in service, inefficiency, and instances of rude staff behavior.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a universally praised aspect. It is "perfectly perched" in the heart of Old Havana, overlooking Parque Central and directly opposite the Parliament Building. Key attractions such as the Great Theatre of Havana, El Capitolio, and El Floridita (Ernest Hemingway's favorite bar) are within easy walking distance. The historic district of Havana is an UNESCO heritage site, offering rich history and vibrant culture to explore on foot or via classic convertible. José Martí International Airport (HAV) is approximately 20 km away, a 25-minute drive.

7. Value & Pricing

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski is positioned as a top-tier luxury hotel, and its pricing reflects this. Guests acknowledge it is expensive, but often feel the "top-notch" conditions and facilities justify the cost within the Cuban context. Prices can start from around US$328, with average rates around US$387 per night. It's considered significantly pricier than other luxury hotels in Havana.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some guests have noted recurring issues:

• Inconsistent Service: As mentioned, the most frequent complaint revolves around service not always meeting international five-star standards, particularly in restaurants and with room service.
• Payment Limitations: US credit and debit cards are generally not accepted, requiring guests to pay in cash (Cuban Convertible Peso or USD) for incidentals. The hotel's money exchange facility also has limited hours and less favorable exchange rates.
• Room Issues: Some guests have reported minor maintenance issues such as leaky toilets, curtains that couldn't be closed, or delays in receiving towels.
• Noise: Rooms facing the street can be subject to noise from nearby bars, especially late at night.
• Wi-Fi: While Wi-Fi is available and generally considered decent for Cuba, it can be slower than expected by international travelers, and often requires re-entering lengthy login details.

Sources

1. trip.com
2. kiwicollection.com
3. hotelinglaterra-cuba.com
4. theprivatetraveller.com
5. luxury-executive.com
6. luxurylink.com
7. voyagesaquaterra.com
8. independent.co.uk
9. tablethotels.com
10. kempinski.com
11. trip.com