The Nacional Hotel first opened in 1930 and since has hosted the world's most elite including Pope John Paul II, on his first visit to Cuba in 1998.  Winston Churchill, the Price of Wales, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and many other famous people have stayed at the Nacional.          

Most of the 457 room and 15 suites have ocean views.  The rooms are large and very will appointed with cable TV, telephones, self service bar and safe.  The hotel is perched high on a bluff overlooking the Malecon (four lane highway on the seawall).  There is a Presidential suite and other Junior, Senior and Executive suites.

There is a long palm-lined entrance that is also a nice place for walking or a romantic stroll.

The lobby is has a mosaic floor with Arab-influenced tile work and lofty beamed ceilings.

The hotel undergoes renovations on a floor by floor basis.  For example they might close the fifth floor to remodel and next the sixth, etc.  So the hotel remains very nice at all times.

The sixth floor is considered the Executive Floor, housing 63 specially appointed rooms and suites.  The Comedor de Aguiar restaurant serves great Cuban food and continental dishes.  The top floor cocktail lounge offers a beautiful of both the ocean and the city.

There are five bars, two swimming pools and a full range of other facilities, including up-scale botiques, beauty salons, spa, tennis courts and a tour desk.  The Cabaret Parisien is one of the greatest shows in town.