Kempinski officially opens doors to first five-star luxury hotel in Cuba
Havana, 7 June, 2017 ˗ Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, Cuba’s first five-star luxury hotel, officially opens its doors to guests today. Centrally located in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel brings a new level of guest experience to a city that has become a leading urban tourism destination. Features include 246 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, a world-class spa and wellness facility, as well as panoramic views of the historic city centre. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana marks a re-entry into the Americas for Kempinski Hotels and will elevate expectations of what it means to experience luxurious, European-style hospitality in Havana. Neighbouring many of the area’s historical sites, adorned with green spaces and rich with culture, the new hotel is set to return Manzana de Gómez to its former glory as the spot to be in Cuba’s capital.
“Since it was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, tourism has exploded in Havana. We believe the market is ready for a true luxury hotel,” said Xavier Destribats, Chief Operating Officer The Americas and General Manager of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. “Our property will not only be the first of its kind in this market, but we believe it sets a new standard for the entire Caribbean. We have been very strategic about the expansion of our brand and we are convinced that this is the right time and the right market for Kempinski in the Americas.”
Location
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is a revival of the former Manzana de Gómez site, rich with history dating back more than 100 years. Construction on the original building began in 1890, but it took 28 years to reach its current six floors. Manzana de Gómez became the first European-style shopping arcade in Cuba and later housed government offices and even schools on the upper floors. Today, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana opens in Old Havana, reclaiming its position as a social hub in the centre of the city.
Rooms
The rooms and suites start at 38 square metres for the Patio Rooms and go up to 150 square metres for the Presidential Suite. Rooms feature high ceilings of up to 6.5 metres, contemporary furnishings and large French doors/windows in many rooms, perfect for admiring the patio and city views.
Restaurants
Guests can enjoy their breakfast at Confluencias in the morning and traditional afternoon tea with freshly baked pastries at El Arsenal’s intimate lounge. Evocación Tobacco Lounge offers an authentic Cuban experience with its selection of the finest rums, cigars and spirits, while Constante Bar is an ideal spot for sipping daiquiris and overlooking the famous El Floridita bar. For fresh seafood with a Latin touch, the San Cristóbal Panoramic Restaurant, with its beautiful embroidery chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows, is the best place to be. Guests may end the evening soaking up one of the best views of Old Havana at El Surtidor Pool Terrace and Bar with Hispanic-inspired tapas and locally-sourced cocktails.
Spa
Spa Albear by Resense offers its guests 1000 square meters dedicated to well-being with 8 treatment rooms, a thermal bathing area inspired by European bathing culture, a state-of-the-art Gym and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool overlooking Old Havana. Inspired by Europe, every element of the SPA has been designed to provide guests with classical service, a luxurious experience and an element of surprise.
About Kempinski:
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now manages a portfolio of 76 five-star hotels and residences in 31 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one is imbued with the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.