Florida Hotel

Stories of distinguished families and wealthy business men surround the building which is occupied today by Florida Hotel, opened in 1885. Adapted to the preferences of the American and European markets, it became one of the most widely recognized hotels in the Cuban capital. With the magnificence that it showed back then, it has been brought back to life on a centrally located corner of Obispo Street, surrounded by shops, art galleries and museums.
(Further reading)
The architectural beauty of the building, constructed in 1836, together with the distinctive services rendered, have turned this place into one of the most privileged sites in the old city. An art-deco statue of a half-naked woman welcomes newcomers, who find themselves in front of a beautiful Spanish-style interior courtyard, with naked stone columns, period lamps and a stained-glass window by master Rosa María de la Terga. Its rooms, featuring an austere decoration, contrast with the majesty of public spaces in the hotel. Beam roofs and original and imitation period furniture are reminiscent of the Cuban colonial past. Most of the rooms have a balcony overlooking a street that shows itself as one of Havana’s main and most crowded arteries, half-way from the cultural centre in the oldest part of town.
In Florida Hotel, visitors will have the opportunity to get to know Count San Ignacio and Count Casa More’s residence. This building, which used to be a hotel from 1885 to 1952, was also the venue for Havana British Club in the 1930’s. Today it is renowned for “La Floridana” restaurant and Maragato piano bar.
La Floridana restaurant captivates visitors with its architectural beauty and gracious decoration, notable for its 19th century-style furniture, lamps, window cases and screens. The dinnerware set features a lily blossom print design, the French monarchy’s old emblem, and currently the house symbol. This restaurant serves Cuban and international dishes, including the Florida Chicken, specialty of [...]