the santa isabel is not exactly cheap, especially by cuban standards, but the location is superb, the rooms are fantastic, and the staff are really helpful. our room had 2 balconies, 2 tvs, tiled floor, really big, comfortable beds, 4 huge shuttered doors onto the balconies, and best of all, that cuban instution..rocking chairs! ok, we were staying at the... more

This was our first port of call in Cuba for a 2 week holiday. We stayed in three hotels in Havana and loved the Santa Isabel. The location is great, right in the old town on a plaza with the sea in sight so it's easy to orientate yourself really quickly. the best part of the stay was the breakfast... more

I stayed here for our last night in Cuba with 3 male friends, having sailed around the Cays from Cienfuegos. On arrival we had lunch in the restaurant outside the building. The food was decidedly average and 1 member of the group didn't get his food at all. When questioned as to it's where abouts the staff said they didn't... more

having read some of the reviews we were a little worried, however we need not have been, yes staff did expect a tip, but only a small one sufficed, the staff were all friendly and efficient, apart from the tourist official who never seemed to be there. The hotel was nice and clean and we changed our sterling at the... more

Originally booked and paid for the Hotel Telegrafo overlooking Parque Central BUT was overbooked (see separate review). After haggling for an hour with Telegrafo was offered the Santa Isabel as they are part of the same hotel chain, apparently rated as a 5 star hotel. First impressions were OK, photos on the wall showing that Jimmy Carter had stayed there... more

January 2008. We had booked 5 nights here to begin our holiday in Cuba. There had been a mix up with the booking and a single room had been allocated. This meant a hike in the price to get a double. After sleeping one night in very uncomfortable spring beds we decided to go elsewhere. The lift was not working,... more

We were sent here by Hotel Raquel where we originally wanted to stay. Hotel Raquel told us they were having problems with their renos. This hotel is in a terrific location for exploring Old Havana as many have noted already. The staff is very sleazy and unfriendly. Everyone of them wanted to take your money and run. They offered to... more

The sevice and atmosphere at the Santa Isabel was faultless. It was great to be right on the doorstep of most of the places to see in Havana. It is located on the Plaza de Armas and breakfast was served outside where we could watch the morning start for locals in Havana. Staff were most helpful with many speaking fluent... more

Perfect base for exploring old Havana located on a one of the nicest squares I have seen (Plaza de Armas). Although it is true that 5* service in Cuba is not what you are used to in the rest of the world, must say that we had very nice time on our 5 days there. more