Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is a luxury hotel situated in the historic heart of Havana, Cuba. It occupies the meticulously restored Manzana de Gómez building, a renowned Beaux-Arts structure that was Cuba's first European-style shopping arcade. Operated by the Swiss Kempinski group, the hotel opened in 2017 and is notable for being the first five-star luxury hotel in the country following the Cuban Revolution.

History

The hotel's history is intrinsically linked to the Manzana de Gómez building, commissioned by José Gómez-Mena and designed by architect Pedro Medina. Constructed between 1894 and 1917, the building served as an elegant shopping arcade inspired by the Galerie Vivienne in Paris. Following the Cuban Revolution, the structure was nationalized and repurposed for various uses, including government offices and a school, falling into a state of disrepair. Its transformation began in the 2010s as part of a broader economic strategy by the Government of Cuba to attract international tourism and investment. The state-owned tourism conglomerate Gaviota led the restoration project, partnering with Kempinski for management. The hotel's opening in 2017 was a significant event, coinciding with a period of increased travel from the United States during the Obama administration.

Architecture and design

The architecture represents a fusion of historic preservation and contemporary luxury. The exterior retains the original Beaux-Arts façade, a protected feature within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana. The renovation was overseen by renowned designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, who incorporated modern elements while respecting the building's heritage. The interior features a stunning central atrium topped by a vast stained glass roof, a hallmark of the original arcade design. Public spaces blend Art Deco influences with Cuban motifs, and the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of landmarks like the Capitolio, Gran Teatro de La Habana, and the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

Accommodations and amenities

The hotel offers 246 rooms and suites, making it one of the largest luxury properties in the capital. Accommodations feature high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and modern technology. Key amenities include a rooftop infinity pool with views of Havana, a fully equipped wellness center with a spa, sauna, and hammam, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Dining options are curated by Kempinski and include several restaurants and bars, such as a rooftop lounge and a lobby bar. The property also houses retail spaces, continuing the building's original commercial legacy, and extensive meeting and ballroom facilities for events.

Location and significance

Its location on the Paseo del Prado, bordering the districts of Old Havana and Centro Habana, places it at the cultural and historical crossroads of the city. It faces the Gran Teatro de La Habana and is steps from the Capitolio and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana. The hotel's significance is multifaceted: it is a landmark of architectural restoration, a symbol of Cuba's evolving economic policies under Raúl Castro, and a focal point for high-end international tourism. Its presence has influenced the luxury market, preceding other projects like the Paseo del Prado renovations and impacting the service standards of historic rivals like the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

Management and operations

The hotel is managed under a contract by the Kempinski Hotels S.A., a leading European luxury hotel group based in Geneva, Switzerland. The ownership remains with the Cuban state enterprise Gaviota, a subsidiary of the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), which is controlled by the Revolutionary Armed Forces. This public-private partnership model is common in Cuba's tourism sector. Operations navigate the unique challenges of the Cuban economy, including complex embargo-related supply chains. The staff is predominantly Cuban, trained to Kempinski's international luxury standards, serving a clientele that includes business travelers, diplomats, and tourists.

Category:Hotels in Havana Category:Kempinski hotels Category:Buildings and structures in Havana