Just returned from a great week in Havana. Travelled as part of a Metropolitan Museum group (Americans are still unable to visit Cuba legally, as tourists). The Saratoga was perfect for us - great location, nice rooms, good breakfasts (European style - lots of choices, but no omelet station). Staff was helpful and efficient. We upgraded our room to a high floor, facing the street (interior rooms are quieter, but lack the excitement of the "street-scene".

My husband and I were due to stay here for 4 nights, but due to the film festival and this hotel being booked out on our first night of our stay we stayed at the Parque Central for our first night. The differences between the 2 were miles apart, I would not recommend staying at the Saratoga at all and if I return to Havana I will definitely go back to the Parque Central for my stay. The reception at the Saratoga was small and the reception staff don’t even look up at you when you arrive, it is like it they can’t be bothered with their guests. The one thing I will say is the room was nice with great views over Havana so this was a positive, however compared to the room we had at the Parque Central it was like chalk and cheese.

The restaurant at breakfast each day was very poor quality and I have never met such rude staff who can’t be bothered to serve you, I had to ask for coffee each morning and it was if you were a nuisance asking for it. The lobby bar was great though and the service here was far better.

The pool on the roof top was excellent though and great service here. I can’t compare the 2 as we didn’t go to the roof top pool at Parque Central.

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

The hotel is opposite the Capitol building, well located for walking thru historic Old Havana. Our junior suite was large and well appointed, facing the park. No problem with street noise. Very large tiled bathroom with big bath and a separate shower stall. Internet access available, good for email tho sometimes a bit slow for any up, or down loads. Very decent breakfast buffet, European style, ie fruits, cold cuts, pastries, cereals, eggs, bacon, coffee etc.
Staff in all departments were pleasant, no less professional that most in the US. Roof restaurant a delightful place to eat with views of the city.
Room rates? Comparable to similar style hotels in Europe.
I see previous comment about the hotel being in a rough part of Havana, and being hassled. This sort of thing happens all over the world. Being an obvious western tourist I am not surprised to be approached by those who live in a country where poverty is a constant. A simple 'No' in response it all that's necessary.

We stayed in the Prado Suite of this hotel and loved it - two story, winding wooden staircase, twelve foot high windows, enormous wooden shutters, two small balconies. Bathroom was nicely finished in marble, good toiletries. Breakfast was in the main floor bar, nice setting, food pretty good. Got excellent advice from the concierge (Jorge?), but all the staff were friendly and efficient.