Where to stay in Cuba

From staid and decaying state-owned giants to exciting new partnerships with French and Spanish hotel groups, Cuba's hotels greatly vary in both quality and style.

Various government operators specialise in different sectors of the market: Habaguanex (www.habaguanex.com) tends to deal with historic or boutique hotels - an increasing trend in Cuba and particularly Havana; Cubanacan (www.cubanacan.cu) operates a number of mid-range city, beach and rural hotels under different labels; Sol Melia (www.solmelia.com) concentrates on luxury, with an emphasis on beach resorts; Islazul (www.islazul.cu) is at the cheaper end. Many hotels are advertised as luxury, boasting four or five stars, but many of these will not live up to western expectations.