El Comendador

Built in 1801, this historic building in a quiet area of Old Havana, adjoining the Hostal Valencia, has served as a jailhouse, a butcher shop, and then a meat market. Opened in February, 2000, it is an intimate hideaway overlooking Havana harbour. The 14 room air-conditioned rooms are tastefully restored and have many modern amenities including security boxes, TV, minifridges and bathrooms with claw-foot bathtubs, hair dryers and toiletries. Each room has window shutters onto the street, stained-glass decoration, marble floors, iron frame beds and antique reproduction furniture. It has a restaurant, internet cafe and bar and shares other facilities with the Hostal Valencia. Make certain to check out the archaeological excavation site within the Hostal premises, which features skulls, skeletons and other exhibits. The La Paella Restaurant is a mega bonus.