With its imposing view from Hemingway’s room towards the Plaza de Armas and the entrance to the bay, the Ambos Mundos now serves as a refuge for romantic tourists and lovers of this city and its heritage.
Back in 1835, it was already a house of high and low buildings marked as No. 11, owned by Don Carlos Benítez. Later it belonged to Don Manuel Carriaga, then to Doña Joaquina Armenteros. Later, in 1848, it passed to his sister and, finally, to her children until 1881.
In the first decade of the 20th century, it remained in the hands of the same owners until 1921, when it was bought by a Spanish merchant called Don Manuel LLerandi y Tomé.
The Unión Hispano-Americana had registered a mortgage on the house, which the debtor could not pay off, so it was auctioned for $60,000 pesos. It thus passed into the hands of the Spanish merchant Antolín Blanco Arias, who then presented a project for the construction of a three-storey building. Its structure is made of beams and columns in mamey pink and white skirting boards, which are still in place today. It was to be used as a hotel.
The Hotel Ambos Mundos, an architectural jewel by Luis Hernández Savio. It is located in the vibrant heart of Old Havana. This emblematic hotel was built in 1923 and enlarged in 1924, preserving its original structure of beams and pink columns with white plinths.
Over the years, the hotel has witnessed numerous historic events, standing out as a haven for influential figures and romantic tourists looking to immerse themselves in Cuba’s rich history. One of the most celebrated aspects of the Hotel Ambos Mundos is its association with renowned writer Ernest Hemingway, who stayed in room 511 between 1932 and 1939.
During his stay, Hemingway wrote some of his articles for Esquire magazine and his famous novel “The Green Hills of Africa”. This room has been carefully preserved and now functions as a small museum, offering visitors an intimate look into the writer’s life and work.
Today, the hotel remains a living testimony to its rich history and continues to attract those who wish to experience the authentic charm of Old Havana.
The rooms at Hotel Ambos Mundos are designed to offer an experience of Cuban comfort and authenticity. Initially, the hotel had 19 rooms on each of the first two floors, each equipped with its own private bathroom. In 1924, a third floor was added with 18 additional rooms, each also with private bathrooms, as well as part of the fourth floor which included four rooms and a flat for private living.
Today, the hotel offers a variety of accommodation options including single and double rooms, all equipped with the necessary modern conveniences to ensure a pleasant stay. The rooms are decorated in a classic style reflecting Cuba’s rich cultural heritage, and many offer spectacular views of Old Havana.
The jewel in the crown is room 511, where Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his work. This room has been converted into a small museum that guests can visit to learn more about the writer’s stay at the hotel and his connection to Havana. Hemingway’s furniture and personal items have been preserved, offering a unique and intimate experience for visitors.
From 1932 onwards, the prominent writer Ernest Hemingway stayed at the hotel until the end of 1939, when he moved to Finca Vigía. In this room he wrote some articles for the magazine ¨Esquire¨ and his novel “The Green Hills of Africa”. Of his stay at the hotel he commented in an interview: “…the Ambos Mundos was a good place to write”.
Among the documents of the Ernest Hemingway Museum are some tourist guides, corresponding to the years 1932 and 1957, in which the hotel is shown as one of the offers. In these guides there is an interesting piece of information related to the hotel’s prices at that time. This information confirms that Hemingway was given a preferential price for being a good client of the hotel.
It was in this hotel that Hemingway wrote for the first time in Cuba, choosing a modest room on the fifth floor with a splendid view. Today, the room occupied by the Nobel Prize winner offers visitors a piece of world literary history, and all who visit it delight in the sight of the exhibits that belonged to the author.
Hotel Ambos Mundos prides itself on offering a wide range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Since its foundation, the hotel has maintained a constant commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, which is reflected in each of its services and facilities.
The hotel’s facilities include two elevators that ensure quick and easy access, facilitating mobility for all. This detail is especially valuable in a historic environment such as Old Havana, where accessibility can be a challenge. In addition, the hotel features a charming central courtyard, an oasis of tranquility that provides a cool atmosphere in the bustling environment of Old Havana.
This courtyard is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the city, offering a space where guests can enjoy a moment of peace surrounded by the beauty of the colonial architecture.
For added convenience, there are two staircases available: a service staircase with entrance from Calle Mercaderes and a guest staircase with entrance from Calle Obispo. This arrangement facilitates the flow of movement within the hotel and ensures that logistical and guest needs are handled efficiently. In 1931, a fifth floor was added where a kitchen and restaurant were built.
This restaurant continues to be one of the hotel’s main attractions, offering a delicious selection of typical Cuban and international dishes to delight the palate of visitors. The restaurant’s chefs pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients, creating a culinary experience that reflects the best of Cuban gastronomy.
The hotel has several dining venues that cater to all tastes. On the rooftop, the bar and restaurant offer panoramic views of the city and the bay, creating a spectacular setting to enjoy refreshing drinks and exquisite food. Whether for a sunrise breakfast, lunch under the Caribbean sun, or a romantic dinner under the stars, this space is ideal for all occasions.
The hotel’s ambience is enriched with works by important Cuban artists such as Flora Fong, Nelson Domínguez, Ever Fonseca, Juan Moreira, Ernesto Rancaño and José Duvergel, among others. These art pieces not only embellish the common spaces and guest rooms, but also create a culturally vibrant and visually appealing environment that celebrates Cuba’s rich artistic heritage.
In addition to its facilities and dining options, Hotel Ambos Mundos offers a variety of additional services to ensure a perfect stay. These include a 24-hour reception, where staff are always on hand to attend to guests’ needs and requests, offering tourist information, booking assistance and personalised services.
To keep guests connected, the hotel offers free internet access in all public areas and guest rooms. For added convenience, the hotel offers laundry and dry cleaning services. Meeting and event rooms are also available, equipped with modern technology to meet the needs of business travellers and event organisers. In addition, at the hotel’s gift shop, guests can find unique souvenirs and handcrafted products that reflect Cuban culture.
Hotel Ambos Mundos’ commitment to guest satisfaction is reflected in the attention to detail and personalised service offered by its staff. From arrival to departure, every aspect of the stay is carefully designed to ensure that guests feel welcome and appreciated. This customer-centric approach has made Hotel Ambos Mundos a preferred choice for both tourists and business travellers seeking an authentic experience in Old Havana.
In short, Hotel Ambos Mundos combines history, art and comfort to offer a unique and unforgettable experience. With its rich offer of services and privileged location, it is the ideal place to discover and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Hotel Ambos Mundos is located at 153 Obispo Street, between Mercaderes and San Ignacio, in the heart of Old Havana. This privileged location places guests in the centre of the city’s cultural and tourist activity, allowing them to easily explore Havana’s main points of interest.
The hotel is surrounded by historic and emblematic buildings, including the Taquechel building, which houses a historic pharmacy and the headquarters of the Cabinet of Architecture and the Havana Model. Nearby is the Plaza de Armas, the oldest square in the city, where visitors can enjoy a stroll through its gardens and visit the Statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, as well as the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, which houses the City Museum.
The hotel’s proximity to the entrance of the bay offers visitors breathtaking views and a direct connection to the city’s rich maritime history. The famous Cathedral Square, just steps from the hotel, is another nearby point of interest, where the majestic Havana Cathedral, an outstanding example of Cuban baroque architecture, is located.
Since its opening to international tourism on 28 February 1997, the Hotel Ambos Mundos has established itself as a reference point for those wishing to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Havana.
The hotel’s strategic location also allows guests to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, local markets, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars that offer an authentic Cuban experience. Obispo Street, where the hotel is located, is one of the liveliest streets in Old Havana, lined with shops, art galleries, and street musicians who fill the air with the characteristic sounds of Cuban music.
With its unique combination of history, culture and comfort, Hotel Ambos Mundos is the perfect place to explore and enjoy all that Old Havana has to offer. Its location provides easy access to important cultural sites such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Capitolio, and the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso.
Visitors can also enjoy a short walk to the Malecon, Havana’s famous seafront promenade, ideal for watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
Address: Calle Obispo corner of Mercaderes, Old Havana.
Contact: +53 78 60 60 95 30 – +53 78 60 60 95 32
Email: [email protected]
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