Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera
Great Location, Awesome Rates!

Strategically located in front of the breath-taking Caribbean Sea along the romantic Malecon, Havana's waterfront boulevard, the Gran Caribe Riviera offers an atmosphere that appeals to everyone. A prestigious symbol of the Havana! Its beauty, its caribbean captivation, its cozy atmosphere and its affordable prices make it one of the most desired hotels by visitors of all walks of life - poets, dancers, painters, actors, authors, artists, ambassadors, officials, presidents and other famous world figures.

This elegant hotel is considered a classic among Cubans. Its proximity to the historical-cultural center of Havana makes this hotel the perfect place from which to explore the city. Taking full advantage of its splendid location - at the north end of Paseo, right on the Malecón, a short distance away from Vedado’s entertainment center and an insignificant cab ride from Old Havana - whether you want to take a romantic walk on the Malecon, go shopping in the street markets, see all the historical sights or walk the streets of Havana, they are all easily accessible within 5 minutes from this charming hotel (view map). Its architecture portrays an eastern flare of rare exoticism and novelty. A brilliant design with an eclectic atmosphere and a Lobby that fascinates even the well-traveled visitor. In the night time the Riviera offers excellent entertainment featuring both the exclusive Copa Room Cabaret and one of Havana's top restaurants.

Towering next to the ocean in western Vedado, the 16-floor Riviera looks like something out of 1950's Las Vegas or Miami. An airbrushed postcard taking one back to a very different time and world. The building’s 50s look (and feel) carries past the revolving door entrance into the grand lobby, with its original structure, furnishings and décor that have been so well preserved, that one might expect to come across a group of velvet-clad lounge lizards savoring mojitos and Cuban cigars or a group of mafiosos talking shop on one of the old-fashioned sofas.

A bit over 50 years ago, such an encounter might not have been rare. The hotel was established by mobster Meyer Lanski in 1956, and the property’s short-lived immersion in the world of mafia transactions and gambling is well documented. The curious spherical structure next to the main edifice, painted in vibrant hues, was once a casino acoustically designed to carry the sound of chips and slot machines into the hotel and seduce the guests.

In its early years, this charming hotel had fascinated many famous celebrities, who had booked and/or performed in it, such as Ginger Rogers, Diva Jean Fenn and comedians Abbot and Costello. And, since then, the Gran Caribe Riviera has stood the test of time and maintained its many refinements. Sculptures by artist Florencio Gelabert, suggestive and valuable wood works and other artistic jewels reinforce the building's seductive flavor.

Spacious and comfortable, all standard rooms at the Riviera have views of the ocean thanks to the building’s ingenious Y-shaped design. Guests seeking ultra-modern comforts might find the rooms somewhat outdated in terms of furnishings and décor, but lovers of the 50's style will certainly feel right at home here. The bathrooms are very large and modern. Rooms with numbers ending in 11 and 13 on every floor have balconies, and rooms ending in 5, 6 and 11, 12 on the 20th floor are connecting quarters ideal for traveling groups.

The Gran Caribe Riviera hotel has ample food, beverage and entertainment offerings. The spacious lobby bar is set next to a row of large glass panels that place one literally next to the water. The Mirador de la Habana restaurant has very nice views of the city which make your dining experience that much more enjoyable. Reportedly one of Havana’s better nightclubs, the Copa Room Cabaret is the stage for a Tropicana-like show and also operates as a disco into the early hours of the morning.

Although Havana offers many magnificent hotels, we have selected the Gran Caribe Riviera as a second affordable choice because of its strategic location (within walking distance to almost everything that Havana offers) and because of the value of the services and features it offers for the price (see below).

Click here >> or on any of the images on this page to see a photo gallery of this charming hotel.

General Info, Features & Services