La Rosa de Ortega

We kept coming back during our week in Havana, eating here three times. The grilled lobster was among the best we’ve ever had, and we ordered it on two of those visits. There are lots of choices on the menu, including great specials and vegan and vegetarian options. The servers and staff are amazing, the drinks are great, and the atmosphere is beautiful. Some nights there’s live music. Highly recommend if you’re nearby.

After exploring Havana, the refreshing pool was just what we wanted. We loved the mojitos too, and breakfast was amazing, with fresh fruit, juice, crepes, and eggs. The grounds are so nicely kept, and the place is beautiful. Julia and Silvio were warm and welcoming, and all the staff were amazing. We spent two days here and would love to come back. Highly recommend La Rosa De Ortega.

We walked from the Malecon to the villa, about an hour and a half, and it was a great way to see more of Havana. It sits on a hill overlooking the city toward the coast, in a lovely, safe neighborhood that’s nice to walk around. Being outside the bustle of Old Havana was a plus, and the villa itself felt like an oasis. Everyone, from reception and the bar to housekeeping and the groundskeeper, treated us with care and friendliness. Taxis were arranged at more than fair, fixed prices, and we were met at the airport and driven to the villa both on arrival and departure. A memorable holiday, and a small but important note: it was a gay friendly stay.

This was my fourth Havana visit, and I’ve stayed here every time. Julia and her team are fantastic, with customer service that goes beyond the stay itself. They care about your whole Cuban experience, from the country and culture to its food, drink, and people. If you don’t speak Spanish, there’s no need to worry, everyone here does, so communication is easy. You can experience the place and its people with La Rosa and their associates. At first, I was frustrated that Wi-Fi shut off at 11pm and came back at 8am. That was my American mindset, and I thought it was a disservice. Now I appreciate being made to unplug from the “digital dope” and actually read a magazine or book. I’m much more rested, and that’s the point of coming here, right? Bienvenidos a Havana, Cuba!