HAVANA, Cuba
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, Cuba’s first five-star luxury hotel, officially opened its doors to guests. Centrally located in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel aims to deliver a new level of guest experience to a city that has become a leading urban tourism destination.
Features include 246 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, a world-class spa and wellness facility, as well as panoramic views of the historic city center. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana also marks a re-entry into the Americas for Kempinski Hotels. Neighboring many of the area’s historical sites, adorned with green spaces and rich with culture, the hotel is set to raise Manzana de Gomez’s status.
“Since it was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, tourism has exploded in Havana. We believe the market is ready for a true luxury hotel,” said Xavier Destribats, COO, The Americas and general manager of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. “Our property will not only be the first of its kind in this market, but we believe it sets a new standard for the entire Caribbean.”
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is a revival of the former Manzana de Gomez site, rich with history dating back more than 100 years. Construction on the original building began in 1890, but it took 28 years to reach its current six floors. Manzana de Gomez became the first European-style shopping arcade in Cuba and later housed government offices and even schools on the upper floors.