A century ago, the press called the Hotel Telégrafo one of the city’s – and region’s – most modern hotels. A recent restoration from top to bottom has the Telégrafo vying for the same praise.

The overhaul of this hotel was purposely designed to combine the old with the new – take a look at the original, exposed brick arches, which contrast nicely with the colorful, minimalistic Italian furniture in the reception area and bar.

The Telégrafo has always been pre-curve: in the early 20th century, the property had Cuba’s only telegraphic cable (hence the name) – making it a favorite of visiting businessmen, who could call New York directly from their rooms. Back in the day, this area of Havana was also a hotbed of intellectual and artistic activity, when luminaries from the world over came to Havana to write, jam, paint, and enjoy the inimitable café and cabaret culture. The painting in the restaurant (said to serve the city’s best burger), proclaims that once you’re a guest at Telégrafo, you’ll never stay anywhere else.

So confident is staff that you’ll return after your first taste of the Telégrafo, they encourage guests to accurately fill in their birthdays upon check-in; don’t be surprised if you open the door to your room to find a cake or bottle of wine, should your birthday fall during your next stay.

Address: Prado 408 esq Neptuno. Habana Vieja. Ciudad de la Habana. Cuba

Total Rooms: 63