Hotel Islazul Royalton, It is by far from one of Islazul's better hotels

By: cubaism Expert, United Kingdom Posted: 2010-04-10

This gracious hotel in the Islazul chain enjoys a superb position overlooking Parque Céspedes, in the very heart of the colonial city. The three-story building dates back to the 1940s and was last refurbished in 2002 to bring it up to tourist level. It is far from one of Islazul's better hotels, but meets the bare minimum of standards for a multi-night stay.

The airy lobby has been refitted with modern ceramic floor and leather sofas. Off to one side, a simple café-restaurant has a streetfront patio but can usually only muster up a few dishes off the menu, but fortunately two there are a couple of atmospheric restaurants within a few minutes walk.

The best thing about the 33 small air-conditioned rooms are the lofty ceilings and modern bathrooms with showers only. All come with small satellite TVs and phone plus mini-refrigerator, but the furnishings are meager, the mattresses far from comfortable, and the fabrics outdated. Take okne of the four south-facing rooms for balcony views over the square, but be warned that these rooms get more noise.