Like most others I was here at a conference. I loved every minute of it- the rooms, the staff and the 24 hour bar, expecially during a category 4 hurricane which passed right over us.
I agree that it is just that little bit far from the action and it is expensive if you are one person travelling back and forth to Havana.
However it is worth it - I don't get to Havana often enough!!

I spent a week at the Palco while on a business trip with a friend. The hotel is very modern and about as nice as most north american business class hotels. It is in a central location with easy access to most of Havana. About 15 minutes from Old Havana and 10 minutes to the Airport.
The pool area is nice and well kept. Breakfast buffet has a great selection of fresh fruits and other favorites. Nice quite area. While in town, be sure to check out El Palenque, a restaurant that's a short distance from the hotel (ask at the front desk). Great food and reasonable prices. Wine and spaghetti for 2 people for only $11USD. All the food is excellent. You'll go back every day.

I spent 8 nights( 7/6-7/14) at the Hotel Palco . On balance my experience was very positive. The hotel staff was accomodating, friendly and kowledgeable.
I was impressesd with the wide open lounge area and the overall bar service. The buffet breakfast was acceptable. I found the simple hotel grill service above average and the both the prices and the meals were reasonable.
The primary limitation of Hotel Palco is its distance from "the action"
in Havana. As such, the $7-$10 taxi fares was expensive for one person.
However, if one could get others to share the cost, this expense was
not unreasonable. I would recommend the Hotel Palco with the caveats
noted above.

I attended a conference at the Palco.Top facilities.The hotel staff is tops. They make you feel welcome after the short 45 minute flight from Miami. The food is good and very cheap. 1/2 chicken, rice beans, french fries, and salad for $6.00. Pizza for $3.00.Rooms are basic and are spotless and offer CNN, ESPN, Discovery channel and a few more. The bathrooms are big (bring totel paper...they have sand paper in Cuba) but one needs to get used to the lack of a toilet seat.The pool area is very nice with lounge chairs and great flowers. The hotel is about a $6.00 cab ride to Central Havana. If you are looking for a hotel in the action this is not your place. If you would like a quiet haven to return to at the end of the day, this is then place.