Stayed here for 2 nights after a 12 night stay at Sandals Varadero. We were really hoping for a nice ending to what had been a very underwhelming stay in Cuba; sadly this was not to be the case.

The location is great as it was right in the heart of Old Havana. The entrance to the hotel is very impressive and we loved the Colonial style. We were located in the old part as we had hoped for. Unfortunately, the rooms do not match the entrance. They could have been a typical British style Holiday Inn (or American motel) with a slightly larger bathroom. The floor above and below us had a balcony but ours only had French doors overlooking a side avenue and directly into the restaurant of a building opposite. The pollution from the street meant not having them open very long. The pollution in this City is understandable given the age of the cars but not good if you are asthmatic.

Upon returning from a disastrous meal in the city, we found a buffet restaurant within the hotel (on the new side) but the food was mediocre, lukewarm, uninviting and expensive. Breakfast the next morning resembled a bun-fight. The tables were dirty, there were too few staff and it was crowded and noisy. We waited 20 mins for coffee and tried to serve ourselves but weren’t allowed to. Hot food was of the disgusting lukewarm, uninviting mess that we were becoming accustomed to so left the restaurant hungry again!

The pool on the rooftop has amazing views but was way too cold to swim in. The jacuzzi on the other hand was perfect. The service poolside was very good if you tipped well.

If this is the top rated hotel in Havana, I really wouldn’t want to try any of the others. Regardless of its prime position and grand lobby, the rooms and food are equivalent to around a British 3* but the prices are not.

Be prepared for vendors or beggars directly outside when you leave the hotel, some people cope with this well but I found it incredibly intimidating and upsetting, therefore I could not recommend.

I thought I was good at researching before travelling, I obviously didn't do my job properly for this trip so make sure that you do!

My husband and I were recommended to stay here for 4 nights by our tour operator, but I decided to stay at Saratoga, however we had to stay at Parque Central for 1 night due to no availability at Saratoga for our first night.

The differences between the 2 were miles apart, I would highly recommend staying at the Parque Central over the Saratoga and if I return to Havana I will definitely go back to the Parque Central for my stay.

The reception staff were friendly and efficient at check in, the hotel was beautiful and breakfast was excellent with a good choice and great service from the staff.

The room we stayed in was in the newer part of the hotel and it was exceptional, compared to the room at the Saratoga it was outstanding.

Whilst we stayed at the Saratoga for the 3 nights we came to the Parque Central for drinks each evening, the service is outstanding and exceptional, very efficient and miles apart from what we experienced at the Saratoga.

If you are looking for a few days in Havana with good service and rooms, I would definitely recommend the Parque Central. I have strayed in many hotels throughout my life and I have to say for the price this was one of the best I have stayed in.

I've read many reviews written by other guests at this hotel and generally, their observations have validity. It is a good hotel but it's the little things annoy you. Be prepared for a slow internet connection. When you use the internet card from the business centre and log in, that's fine, however, if you don't log out by closing the dialogue box, your internet time will just drift away. The minutes you paid for are not there. So, don't just close or shut off your computer! If you don't see the dialogue box when you have finished with the internet, log in again and then log out. The hotel is aware of this scam. They also provide their staff to man the business centre but they say they can't do anything about this as it is a "third" party provider service. No one likes getting ripped off! Speaking to management about this brought no resolution. They had no desire to make matters right. It wasn't just the money, it's the principle of it.
The hotel is located in the busy old downtown so expect lots of traffic noise. The food is adequate as are the rooms despite the odd sewage like smell.

Excellent location and easy walking distance to old Havana makes this a great place to stay. It is a modern 4/5 star, depending on which building you stay in. The older original building is slightly dated, but the rooftop pool offers excellent views over the square and Capital building in the vicinity. This remains the main entrance, and also with a large foyer, is the place to see some evening entertainment.

A newer building is now connected by an underground passage-way, or just a short block away if you choose to walk at street level (though may mean being harassed by locals). The newer rooms are spacious and modern, and the rooftop offers additional swimming pools and restaurant and bar with great views of the city below.

Parque Central Hotel is a very comfortable stay, but after reading reviews on Tripadvisor it may just depend on which part of the hotel you get your room. Ask for a room in the the new building and you may find the standards are higher than in the original building.

The hotel does offer wifi at 8CUC for one hour, but don't expect it in your room. This is only available in the main foyer and can be charged to your room. This is Cuba, so don't expect to be connected to the world as easily as in the modern world - after all, coming to Cuba is a holiday and a break from it all.

Parque Central Hotel is an excellent hotel in a great location.