Hostal Casa Elsita

By US standards, the food was pretty poor, and they didn't cook enough of it. I even found a piece of glass in the rice. Service was weak too, though I got the feeling they just don't know how to treat customers. Still, choices in Cuba are limited, so for Cuba, it's good.

The maid and bellman were the best part of our stay, and we tipped them both well. The desk staff weren't especially friendly, and one was downright rude. Food was poor and never changed, with the steam table somehow keeping it nice and cold. We found ants in the bathroom, and the shower head was clogged. Water was sometimes warm after a long wait, but never hot. The elevators kept going out even though we were on the fifth floor, and the power failed a couple of times. The stairs are narrow, dark, and dangerous when the elevators don't work. If this were a U.S. hotel, I'd call it a flop house. Just hope there's no fire or panic while you're upstairs.

This was my worst hotel stay in Cuba, booked by my local travel agent through Cubatur. Reception couldn't be bothered to check the guest list, and maintenance was below any acceptable standard. Breakfast was a new experience, from watered-down milk to tiny shavings of cheese.

The location was good, and the room was clean, with plenty of toiletries. Staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was included. Water was the main problem: shower pressure was usually very low, and at times there was no water at all. Wifi was generally strong in the evenings.