Hotels - Gran Manzana Kempinski

About  Gran Manzana Kempinski

The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana has been described as the urban centre of gravity that pulls together Old Havana. Located on a block unto itself, the Gran Hotel Manzana connects the four main streets of Neptuno, San Rafael, Zulueta and Montserrate and facing the mouth of Obispo. The building proves to be the gateway to the touristic and commercial heart of the city. The Gran Hotel Kempinski looks straight out onto the infamous cocktail bar and Hemingway hangout, the Floridita whilst being flanked by the beautiful art deco Bacardi building and the Museo de Bellas Artes. The construction of the Manzana de Gómez (this is the original name of the building) was started in 1890 and taken over by its namesake Andres Gómez Mena in 1894. The building named The Apple of Gómez, has since become the Apple of Havana’s eye.

Finally completed in 1910 Manzana de Gómez initially consisted of one solitary floor, stretching the length of the square. By 1918 the building had expanded to its current capacity, occupying a further four floors. The Manzana de Gómez was initially established as Cuba’s first indoor shopping centre, or ‘mall’. Forming part of the pre- Revolutionary tourist experience of Cuba, US visitors centred many trips around the shopping experience of the Manzana de Gómez, the splendour of which could have been compared to the Galerie la Fayette in Paris. Unfortunately the many passing turbulent years took their toll upon the facade and interior of the building. Post- Revolution the building maintained its commercial uses whilst also accommodating many government offices. The deterioration of the building resulted in the closing of the space and eventual total refurbishment led by the luxury Swiss hotel group Kempinski.

Kempinski La Habana’s planned opening was set for 2016, however the progress has been slightly delayed and opening has been now confirmed for late spiring 2017. The Kempinski group whilst maintaining the essence, rustic beauty and original detail of the building, are bringing the world class structure up to luxury hotel standards. Kempinski have been working in tandem with Gaviota S.A. and the country state-operated Habagüanex in this three year old restoration project. Once completed the Hotel will consist of 246 elegantly decorated rooms, all with internet service, two high class restaurants, a luxurious pool and terrace overlooking the spectacular Havana skyline, a fully equipped gym and 5 star amenities providing clients with the utmost comfort.

Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, Habana

National Museum of Fine Arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts houses Cuba's most important art collections, as well as paintings dating from the 18th to the 21st century and ancient art. The exhibition areas treasure collections of Cuban and European painting, which harmonize with works of art of ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome. Its valuable assets are divided into two buildings: Cuban Art, just a short walk from the Museum of the Revolution, and Universal Art, in the magnificent building that was once occupied by the Asturian Centre, opposite the Central Park.

Calle Leonor Pérez No. 314, La Habana

Museo Casa Natal de José Martí

The Museo Casa Natal de José Martí (Birthplace Museum) is the house in which José Martí was born, a 19th century politician, intellectual and national hero of the Republic of Cuba. This humble two-floor house was converted into a museum in 1925 and declared a National Monument in 1949. It exhibits personal objects of José Martí, whose spirit is felt in every corner of the restored house. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century, rather close to the city walls, and has typical features of many houses in the area: a tiled roof and mortar walls.  The house was restored and its collection enriched in a community process in 1959. It is interesting to know that this museum contains the only known Oil Portrait of José Martí.

Calle Industria No. 520, e/ Barcelona y Dragones, Centro Habana, La Habana

Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás

The Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás (Partagás Royal Tobacco Factory), located in the north of Fraternidad Park, one of the oldest and more famous tobacco factories in Havana. It was founded in 1845 by the Spanish Jaime Partagás. Partagas was at the same time, owner of some tobacco plantations in the region of Vuelta Abajo. This is the most visited factory in the country. When you visit it in group you’ll discover how they do separate and classify the leaves in the ground floor; and how they do roll, press, adorn, and wrap the cigars in the upper floors. Currently there are around 500 workers on it, rolling cigars for well-known brands like Montecristo or Cohíba. The factory also houses a sales room, where you’ll be able to choose among a great variety of Havana cigars, and a bar.

Avenida de las Misiones, La Habana

Edificio Bacardí

The Edificio Bacardí (Bacardí Building) is the first Art Déco building in Havana. It is considered an architectural jewel of its time, as well as one of the best examples of decorative art. Construction finished in 1930, and it was the tallest building on the island at that time. It is said that the building contains marble and granite from almost every nation in Europe. This building has 12 floors, 5 of which are offices for rent, and a total space of 7,031 square meters. Its facade is covered in Baviera red granite and on the top you will see a bat, the symbol of the Bacardí company. At the end of 19th Century, the Bacardi rum was very famous in Cuba and abroad. Its creator, Don Emilio Bacardi, was a Spaniard settled in the island. It is said that he had a bat as a talisman which was used as logo in the first distillery that made him to win fortune. It has a tiered pyramid design, using tiles as a decorative element from Catalonian Modernism, giving the building a wonderful shade effect. The richness of its interior decoration is given mainly by the natural beauty of its marbles, brought from Europe and the typical accessories of Art Deco like lamps, ironworks, drawings, etc. Currently, the building houses Cuban offices, offices for and international companies. The lobby has a bar open to the public and you’ll be able to climb the tower and get a wonderful view over Havana.

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