Wednesday, 23 February 2011 06:46
The centrally located Hotel Ingaterra
Just a few steps from the Grand Havana Theater and in front of Central Park, there stands the prestigious Hotel Inglaterra (England Hotel), Havana´s architectural gem and the oldest in the city.
Opening on 23 December 1875, this building played an important role in Cuba´s early history, as its halls were a meeting place for the young independents during the Spanish colonial era; and for several months, its rooms housed Mambí (Cuba´s liberation troops) hero, Antonio Maceo, a prominent patriot in the War of Independence, who conspired against the Spaniards while staying there.
As a four-star hotel, they have four floors and 83 rooms, all very comfortable and with excellent service. Their facade is neoclassic and everything in the building has a noticeable Mudéjar influence. Giving the hotel a colorful elegance are its Seville tiles, ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, fine porcelain, tiled floors, ceramics and railing.
The hotel is frequented by tourists from all over the world, because in addition to its heritage, its privileged location is also attractive. There´s no need for transport or long walks, guests are close to landmarks such as the Capitolio Nacional, the Payret movie theater, the centrically situated Obispo Street and the Prado Passageway, only to name a few.
Cuban fine arts virtuosos such as Zaida del Rio, Alfredo Sosabrabo and Flora Fong among other well-knowns have added a touch of modern art to the hotel with a project taking place over a decade ago: four menu offerings, designed according to the seasons. Without a doubt, this and a silkscreen canvas, which functions as napkins that are given to customers, provides an indisputable distinction and gives the hotel preference.
Its halls are the headquarters for artistic and literary activities. Guests tend to sit at the ceramic tables, decorated with designs and texts by renowned artists, and enjoy excellent music (often played by the city Band) among other varieties.
The centrally located Hotel Ingaterra, in addition to their comfort and good touristic services, also offers Cuba´s history and our nation´s cultural and artistic values.
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