Joi B.
Yelp
I'm a sucker for a specific aesthetic (well, several specific aesthetics) and wouldn't ya know it, Hotel Havana fits right within my portfolio. Or, my Pinterest board, mayhap (search me! I'm JoiDarling).
Walk into the Hotel Havana and the delicious smell of incense immediately hits you (and at other times of the day, Murphy's Oil Soap keeping those floors all squeaky). Next, you'll take in the gorgeous atmosphere, the dark woods, the Dia de los Muertos skulls, lanterns, velvet couches and dark red, red, red everywhere. It's as if Morticia and Gomez Addams got better taste and then decided to take over a hacienda (no worries, the concierge is not Lurch-like). In the evenings, they light red candles throughout the lobby and hallway. Seriously, could the atmosphere be more perfect?! I mean, you even get an actual *key* to your room!!
And the room itself is more of the same. Thoroughly modern comforts (cushy bed, crisp robe, posh linens and fluffy towels, bath products that smell like gumdrops) with a vintagey touch here and there, the adorable 50s fridge (their nod to the car scene in Cuba, perhaps?), iron head board, various furnishings... Because I booked the room a month ahead and because it's summer, they were running a sick room rate that I won't even reveal here because I'm sure it has changed by now, but do try and book ahead! My room was a king suite, I believe, so it had an extra small room with a desk, making it great for getting work done. If I had known, I would have asked for a Riverwalk view, but I'm not complaining. The parking lot was just fine. Well, sort of.
Other things: friendliest desk staff ever, prompt room service (the espresso is divine!) and I won't even get into how I wanted to move into their bar/restaurant, Ocho. That's to be saved for a separate review. I liked being at this more quiet end of the Riverwalk, away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants, bars and shops (that's just a quick walk away, though!) Make sure you check the dresser in the room for the hairdryer. It's not in the bathroom, so I thought the room didn't come equipped with one.
My only issue with this property is the lack of gym. This probably doesn't matter to some people, but it's extremely important to me. I need to get a workout in whether traveling for business or pleasure. Also, be sure and check your hotel bill for accidental charges (and if they say they will email your bill, make sure you receive it! We had to follow up with a call a week later). I found a charge for 17 bucks. I believe it was a leftover charge from minibar items the previous guests had used and because these items were not replenished, it was tagged onto my bill. No worries, though. They quickly removed it.
Other than this, I really enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Havana. Even if I don't stay here next time I'm in time, I will return just to visit that stately lobby (and of course, Ocho).