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.

Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Cabaña, Carretera de La Cabana, Habana del Este

The Cannon Blast Ceremony

The Cannon Blast ceremony (El Cañonazo de las Nueve) is one of the oldest and attractive traditions of Havana. In colonial days, the shots signalled the closing of the gates of the walled city and the rising of the chain across the entrance to the harbour. The tradition of firing a cannon every night at 9:00 pm was kept even after the wall was torn down and is still used for checking your watch.

Paseo del Prado, Centro Habana, La Habana

La India Fountain

Fuente de La India (La India Fountain) is located in a circus in front of the El Capitolio and Saratoga Hotel, in the city of Havana. The fountain is made in Carrara marble and was sculpted by Giuseppe Gaggini in 1837 for the Count of Villanueva. This fountain represents a brilliant indigenous woman, adorned with a crown of eagle feathers, sitting on her throne, and surrounding by four dolphins whose tongues are fountain pouring water on four shells composing its base. She holds with her hand a defense with the crest of the city, and a horn-shaped basket filled with fruits. This sculptural work has been an inspiration for several poets, and also appearing in several fantastic tales.

Paseo del Prado No.458, La Habana

Gran Teatro de La Habana

The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso (Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso) is one of the architectural jewelry of Havana. It has an incredible neo-baroque façade with the signature of the Belgian architect Paul Belau. Located in a building known as the Galician Centre of Havana, it was inaugurated in 1915 and at the beginnings it was named Tacón Theatre. Not only in its façade there are evidences of its exquisiteness, but also its indoors halls show the luxury and elegance of the time. Its stages have shown the better artistic representations of all times, with outstanding personalities during its history (Sara Bernhardth, Enrico Caruso, Alicia Alonso) The theatre has been home to the Cuban National Ballet and, the main stage of the International Ballet Festival of Havana. Its facilities include theatres, a concert hall, conference rooms, and a video screening room, as well as an art gallery, a choral centre, and several rehearsal halls for danzarias groups and dance companies.

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