The Hotel Valencia is located in the heart of Old Havana - walking distance to everything.
The hotel is dated, but oh, what a trip back in time! Huge, palacial room with two sets of french doors overlooking the street. Staff were pleasant, breakfast was ok, lunch was very good. Everything was clean.

Took a chance and arrived without a reservation...that was a mistake. Every hotel seems to have a $130.00 per night walk-in rate. Booked in advance it would have been half that. There is no haggling/bartering-the hotels are all managed by a central tourism office, so there is no incentive for the desk clerk or manager to reduce the rate. Live and learn!

Pros: Quaint little venue
Cons: Paella was overcooked and a little burnt to the bottom, shellfish led to food poisoning

Restaurant review only: Didn't stay in the accommodation

As many of you will know, or at least may have read, Cuba/Havana isn't exactly the world's hottest spot for decent grub. So one night, on the promise of something a little different, we headed to La Paella in Hostal Valencia with the hope of a decent meal. In truth it wasn't too bad, and the venue has a certain look and appeal about it. However the paella was a little burnt to the bottom and overcooked, plus the rice grain didn't quite work and it was an oily dish. Seafood was always served in the shell which leads me to think it wasn't fully cleaned through (I had all parts of lobster in the main dish, head and all to bulk it out). This led to food poisoning the day after where both myself and partner had 39C temperatures and the usual associated issues. It was quite ferocious so I ended up in hospital and on a batch of strong prescription drugs. The whole thing cost me three days of my holiday, I was worried senseless and that's not to mention the obvious financial burden.

An average place that, in my personal experience, led to the downfall of my holiday.

Liked this hotel, right in old Havana, breakfast isn't the best, staff are friendly and helpful if you ask them. The water wasn't always there - they have to fill up from big tankers. Didn't ruin the experience for us, it was back on after a few hours. If you're not sure, fill up an empty water bottle when water is on to brush teeth. Has a safe in the room, towels, rooms with windows are good.

The first time we stayed in this hostel was two years ago (June 2009) and it was very good. Old but nostalgic and the staff was very friendly and helpfull. This time (may 2011)brought us out of the clouds. The staff had a haughty manner. We had the luggage to trudge up the stars by ourselves. Everything in the room was ragged. The toilet was poorly flushing. The watertaps of the fitted washbasin were loose. Sometimes no water at all. The prices of the minibar in the room are exorbitant like in a serviced restaurant.
While we had our last view in Havana and still hadn't checked out (at noon) the room was already cleaned and prepared for other guests by return. Next time we visit Havana another hostal it will be for sure although the location is terrific. In Havana Vieja, just between Plaza de Armas and Plaza De San Francisco.