Renovation of the 14th floor of Havana’s Hotel Deauville

Photos by Theder Castro

The Hotel Deauville hasn’t lost its charm. With the privilege of having been built just steps from the Malecón and halfway between Havana’s Historic Center and Vedado, it now also has an executive floor that smells “new.”

On August 1st, the hotel’s management and representatives of the Gran Caribe Hotel Group, to which it belongs, opened the doors of the six “superior” rooms to the travel agencies that most market this hotel and the press. Completely renovated in design and furnishings, guests will also enjoy personalized attention, free Wi-Fi for four hours a day, concierge service, an exclusive breakfast area, and a minibar.

From the breakfast bar they’ve dubbed “Bar 14,” Havana opens up in 360 degrees: to the right, El Morro appears on the horizon, and to the left, the 1950s buildings that characterize modern Havana stand out. Starting the day with these views, or waiting for the sun to dip into the sea, is another reason to choose this new option.

Gran Caribe’s Commercial Vice President, Yosy Ferrer García, announced that this “Superior Room” type will be offered at a special offer price this August, and that other interested agencies will be able to conduct in-person visits to the hotel to explore its attractions. “The Deauville’s occupancy levels are better in 2025 than last year. It will continue to be an affordable hotel with a superior quality standard,” he assured.

But there’s more. Director Yosy Fuentes Hernández commented on the dance classes taught there, which guests “love.” “They’re cultural projects we promote at the hotel. Guests staying at other hotels come in whole groups to our terrace. There are two-hour classes, the first for theory and the second for exchanges. The teachers are vetted for this and teach salsa, bachata, and kizomba. We also include some folkloric music. Drums, which they’ve requested. The first class is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a second from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Plus, they can come to the salsa party upstairs at the pool that same night. People constantly contact us through social media and by phone to find out which day the salsa party is.”

In the pool area, also recently remodeled, other cultural options are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Of the 141 rooms in the three-star hotel, 95 have ocean views. Another nine, on the 13th floor, are also marketed as “superior rooms.”

In recent years, other areas of the Deauville have benefited from an investment process to renew their comfort and image. “Every month there’s something different to present, something different to see, with very good customer acceptance,” emphasized the hotel’s director. “Even during the low season, we have very good rates.” According to Olivia Hernández, the hotel’s sales representative, they register a 15% to 20% repeat visit rate.

The Hotel Deauville is located right at the beginning of Galiano Street, in Centro Habana municipality, and was built in 1957.