My husband and I were less than satisfied with our resort in Varadero and decided to hop the local bus into Havana to explore. We planned on spending a few days but had no reservations. We found it very easy to navigate around Havana with very limited Spanish and after a nice lunch in the old city we started looking for a nice old hotel. After learning that a few places wouldn't take credit cards, we began to get bit discouraged but then we found Ambos Mundos. The staff were SO friendly and funny and put us in an incredible old room with a balcony overlooking the street (spectacular architecture and fabulous street performers). The hotel was in the heart of downtown and close so many bars, great restaurants, markets and historical sites. The hotel bar and piano entertainment were amazing and over all this was a far better experience than any resort I have stayed at in 5 different visits to Cuba over the years! Best 2 nights of the whole vacation! Skip the beach resorts and head to Havana!

We (group of 6) visited Havana after Cancun, Mexico and were very disappointed. Maybe disappointed is a bit too strong word since I’m glad that I’ve been there, but definitely this is not the place where I will return and not the place I would recommend – maybe only for 2-3 days max.
First we had to wait on the airport for few hours due to some mechanical problems with Cubana plain and when we finally arrived to Havana it was dark and rain. Water was all over the roads, poor electricity – everything seemed as in horror movie.
Hotel is old and you can smell it and blankets are still from Hemingway’s times. Some friends used our own towels to cover and to shower. I was showering in my flip flops.
Our room was on the main street so we couldn’t sleep too long since many people were yelling, cleaning would start early, some dogs were barking for the whole night….
When we came, bellboys were eager to carry our bags in the elevator and waiting for the tip, but on our way home elevator did not work and none of them offered to help us!!
The first morning we went for breakfast and never again. Hot dogs are also 10years old, sausages taste awfully same as juice. I don’t recommend it even if it’s included and definitely don’t ever pay to get there. The only good thing is the view.
I’m aware that this is the hotel where Hemingway was, but some renovation would not harm. Also, extra care about F&B and service in general.

i have to say that giving a score of poor as opposed to avarage for this hotel was down to the attitude of the staff. When we arrived we asked if we had a balcony room as we requested when we made the booking in JANUARY !! only to get a shrug of the shoulders, and a NO the hotel is very busy, also when i went to reception the next day to ask for change i was treated like i had just walked in off the street.

The hotel itself was much as i expected, but the rooms were very basic, not too clean and with poor air con. i booked this hotel because of the Hemingway connection and because it was in the old town, but the only thing good about it was the roof terrace.

My advice, if you want to see the old town and the Ambus Mundos, is too book a hotel in Parque Central, and take and interesting 15 minute walk down Obispo street.

Hotel Ambos Mundos is strategically located in the old city near the Plaza de Armas. The hotel is surrounded by wonderful old Havana and close to many good dining options. While the rooms might be described as average - the hotel does manage to exude charm. My room was large and clean and situated on the corner of the building (room 406) with three sets of french doors that opened up for amazing panoramic views of the city. The cool breezes came in and the sounds of Cuban music wafted up from a nearby restaurant. Others in my group were not so lucky - apparently some rooms in the hotel (maybe at least 4 per floor) have NO windows at all. Everything in my room worked perfectly: the air conditioner, TV, and lights (nice and bright). There was lots of good water pressure in my bathroom. While the furnishing did seem a bit dated, it did not detract from the overall 1940's ambiance. The rooftop restaurant and bar offers amazing views including that of the old fort across the harbor. The bar tenders up there do a great job of making some delicious drinks. The breakfast which was included is served on the rooftop and it was lovely to be eating breakfast up there, with gorgeous views - and the food was pretty good at that.
I would say that if there was one drawback - the lobby - which has an adjacent bar and through one must pass to get to the rooms - always seemed to be filled with cigar smoke.

I think as long as you get a room with windows, one would enjoy