Hotel El Castillo, offers stupendous views down over the colonial town and towards El Yunque

By: cubaism Expert, Cuba Posted: 2010-04-10

The choice hotel in town, this three-star option has by far the best location in Baracoa. Loftily poised atop the craggy hill on the south side of Baracoa, it occupies part of the former 18th-century Castillo Seburouco and offers stupendous views down over the colonial town and towards El Yunque. The infirm may find exploring town from here a challenge, but otherwise the staircase offers direct access to downtown, with its rickety wooden buildings in vernacular style.

A swimming pool studs the battlement courtyard, where there's an open-bar where live musicians often entertain groups. The best reason to stay here, though, is the air-conditioned restaurant. Undeniably the town's best, it does a reasonable job infusing local ingredients into the menu, and many dishes here you won't find elsewhere. We enjoyed a gouda aubergine (eggplant) starter and fresh fish prepared in coconut sauce with local herbs. It's run by Gaviota, which offers car and scooter rental plus excursions.

The 34 spacious air-conditioned rooms are modestly furnished and feature terra-cotta floors, cedar colonial-style furniture, satellite TV, telephones, in-room safe, mini refrigerator, and modern bathrooms. On two levels, the rooms share patio balconies offering views toward El Yunque.