Will we see luxury chains open up in Cuba?
 

With the new changes in United States in regards to it's relations with Cuba, and possibility fully normalizing relations in time, will Cuba become a new destination for the luxury chains to come in and build resorts and hotels in time?

Yes.

Not in the short term. I would give it 5 to 10 years.

https://www.kempinski.com/en/havana/...l-information/

Seems pretty nice!

In Miami and getting nothing but rain. Crazy idea for a 2 day trip? Can someone whose an agent that specializes in Cuba PM me

Indeed, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is the first "true" luxury hotel to open in Havana or in Cuba as a whole so far.

This particular hotel sounds interesting:

Please see:

https://www.kempinski.com/en/havana/...ski-la-habana/

Cheers & Safe Travels. ^

Personally, I am more inclined to wait for Azerai Havana, but given the difficulties of building and operating in Cuba, this could be a long wait.

Personally I wouldn't wait at all. Havana is fabulous and probably all the better for not having (yet) the Four Seasons/Hyatt/RitzC invasion, let alone Starbucks/KFC etc. We spent 4 days in Havana in January 2016 and loved every minute. Probably should have gone several years earlier. The architecture, the cars, the vibe . . . just unforgettable.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/up70mm/25015426090/in/album-72157666102885335/" title="Havana, Cuba"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1716/25015426090_d31a2c2cc7_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Havana, Cuba"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Agree with @Pausanias - go now before the hordes. It's fabulous and will only be spoiled with more tourists - one of the days we were there in June 2016 the US cruise ship was in port - the difference in the ambiance in the old town was noticible with the cruise passengers waving $$$ to have their photos taken with the 'locals'!

Speaking Spanish will help tremendously. Cubans are very open and it is easy to gain insights but English is not widely spoken at all. Otherwise, get a guide. It's well worth a visit, but lodgings and food are mostly terrible.

Whilst I agree that hotels are poor - restaurants are very good with many private Paladars in interesting old buildings.

That's a beautiful snap, Pausanias

Any updates perhaps regarding the Cuba hotel scenery?

SLH has this one: https://www.slh.com/paseo-206-boutique-hotel/

Would love to hear recommendations, thanks!