Inglaterra hotel
Inglaterra Hotel: A glimpse of the past from a present Cuba holiday facility
The Inglaterra hotel safeguards part of Cuba’s history and it’s now offering it to you in this Inglaterra hotel holidays. Historic places mingle with modern comfort and regular objects such as menus and porch tables made contemporary pieces of art in the same building as in no other place in Cuba
Inaugurated in 1875, the Inglaterra hotel is one of Havana’s hotels with a rich history bursting from within its walls. In that same location, the Café y Salones de Escauriza was opened in 1844; however, it latter closed its doors when it was bought by Don Joaquin Payret in 1863 and reopened as Café del Louvre, later expanding the cultural influence of the café to the whole block that was commonly known from that moment on as the Acera del Louvre. This café was demolished to be replaced in 1875 by the two-story Inglaterra hotel, named after the notorious colonial power of that time; and as such remains, with the same ambiance of that time although the full modernization made.
The Inglaterra hotel is located in one of the most popular corners of Centro Habana formed by San Rafael and Prado streets. From the front balconies of the hotel guest can admire the famous Parque Central, place where patriotic meetings and baseball discussions gather Cubans in passionate assemblies. The Jose Marti statue presiding the park, replaced the one of Spanish Queen Isabel after Cuba received its status of Independent Republic.
Right next to the hotel, former Teatro Tacon and today’s Gran Teatro de la Habana is located. Today, the theater is the headquarters of the Cuban Ballet company and the venue for opera and contemporary dance performances including the ones by prestigious companies such as the Royal Ballet Theatre.
After a full restoration in 1989, the Inglaterra hotel facilities reached the high level standards of the rest of modern holidays facilities such as: Internet access, centralised air conditioner, car rental, art gallery, restaurant, TV room, international telephony, game room, conference room, parking lot, and medical services among others.
The hotel’s 83 standard rooms are distributed in three floors accessible from 2 elevators. Those facing the street are more spacious but have the inconvenience of the noise coming from the San Rafael Street, especially in the afternoons. These rooms feature the following: 110v and 220v outlets, Hot and cold water, Air conditioning, Private bathroom, Baby cribs (under request), Minibar, Hair dryer, Room service and Satellite TV
Restaurants are among the outstanding facilities of the hotel boasting a varied selection of regional foods. The “Colonial” restaurant is a-la-carte restaurant with live instrumental melodies played from a grand piano for the delight of guests. The most famous of all the cafeterias is the “Louvre” snack-bar opened from 10 am in the porch of the building with Cuban live music as a good complement for the view. This cafe is also an exhibition place for the best contemporary Cuban artists adding a cultural touch to your Inglaterra hotel holidays. “La Terraza” grill bar is located in the fourth floor terrace and opens at 9 pm for night life lovers. An add-on is the great aerial view of the city live salsa music in “La Terraza”. Finally, “La Sevillana” coffee-bar is a café located in the hotel patio also offering room service for hotel’s customers all day long.
