just be sure to think "I am in CUba, not in a South Florida hotel..." and all is then ok. Of course the internet service is so slow you can watch the grass grow, the food is horrific except for the made to order eggs at breakfast, and everyone- i mean everyone- is a hustler in this part of town and in all such tourist places...but i would return here. there are better places and for more bucks, the one thing i found just pitiful was to be treated with such surliness by the bar staff and the morning meal wait staff. However, the quiet very obese young waiter on the veranda in the PM was sweet and warm to deal with. can't really say it for the others. And by the way, everyone speaks way more English than they want you to know! But remember- this is Cuba- a totalitarian state with little sophistication- in a time warp for sure until Castro and cronies pass on...and the embargo ends....

Stayed in the Telegrafo for first 5 nights of our Cuba visit Jan 2012 and found location was ideal for walking around Havana and the main historic sites. Room was good size, comfy bed, plenty of storage space, hot water/shower. Inclusive buffet breakfast good and plentiful but not as much fresh fruit as we had later in our trip. Loved the duo of saxophonist and keyboard player, at breakfast time. BUT oh dear the staff were grim - hardly a smile, they weren't rude but bordering on indifference at best. The Reception staff really couldnt be bothered to answer any question we had even though we were always polite and always tried speaking some Spanish. Dining staff were plodding and unhelpful. One evening, when only 3 tables were occupied in the restaurant, I asked if I could have some soup to take to my husband in our room - he had bronchitis - I was told yes, begrudgingly, but that I must carry it myself and must return the tray and bowl within half an hour! After travelling around, our last night in Cuba was at the Hotel Parque Central in Havana - oh what a difference, fantastic hotel and service with a smile.

First and foremost, I will throw out there that if you are looking for a 5 star North American standard hotel, you should be looking in the direction of Parque Central or Saratoga. Their lobbies are gorgeous; however, you could be anywhere in the world. It is key to remember that you are in Cuba!

The hotel's location was amazing for our 7 day stay. It is a 2 minute walk from many tourist spots (Floridita, Obispo St, Parque Central etc) plus close enough to more residential areas for smaller restaurants and markets.

Our room was facing the main intersection and was loud. Cars started moving around 7 am but with the window closed, it didn't bug us much. The room was quite large with two single beds (we pushed together and didn't request anything different). TV had enough channels to get by plus the bathroom was a good size. Water pressure was a little lame in the mornings so we mainly did longer showers in the afternoon/early evening with no issue. Our maid was super friendly and we were very happy with her service.

The inside hotel bar isn't the best because it's inside but the bartender was super friendly and explained the science of a mojito. The outside bar of Telegrafo is great for people (or storm) watching. We mainly visited Hotel Inglaterra next door for their lively front patio and live music.

Breakfast was great. I don't understand how anyone could complain about it! Full selection of meats, cheeses, breads, fruit and cereal. Juices changed everyday, coffee got better as we stayed. The best was the friendly man who made eggs (any way you want). Grab a seat on the outside patio and it's perfect.

The reception staff were average - we had no issue; however my boyfriend speaks Spanish. If you only speak English, I would recommend that you take their service with a grain of salt (or sugar perhaps!). I had no issue but I can see why people may think they're rude.

Overall, we were very happy with our decision to stay at Telegrafo...and will probably return. Only reason I would change would be for a pool (Saratoga's rooftop one is stunning) but the price difference may not make it worth it.

Enjoy Havana :) The rum, music and people are fantastic!

Stayed 3 nights in mid January. Don't stay here if you don't have to. If your budget is low and you have to stay here to save money, save some more money and get a totally different experience by staying at Parque Central or Saratoga. The location is great but the hotel itself is no good. The water pressure in my bathroom was the only thing that was on the positive side. It is not a 4 star hotel as it says on the website. I do believe that it is the oldest hotel in Cuba though... I would not go back!