Hotel Malecón 663 – Havana

Truly wonderful accommodation that’s perfectly located, vibrant friendly welcoming staff, gorgeous creative and unique accommodation teamed with great food, drinks and brilliant evening entertainment. This hotel really is a winning combination in the heart of central Havana and is a true gem!

Every staff member at Malecón 663 from the waiters and concierge to the maids, bartenders, manager and chefs are all so lovely and they genuinely want you to have the best experience in Havana. They really go out of their way to make you feel at ease. The owner Sandra is the most amazing creative lady you will ever meet, and you can see how much passion and artistic flair has gone into creating the hotel’s unique décor and epic styled details. There is fantastic design flavour everywhere you turn that celebrates all of the wonderful artists and creatives that Cuba has to offer.

Not only did the accommodation feel like a luxurious place to stay in, it also proved to be a wonderful location and backdrop for a professional styled photo-shoot for my own creative businesses. (Photography below by the wonderful @davisillodiaz, assisted by @xuan_linhr. Epic styling by @_carolinatejero. Make-up and hair by the talented @suny_make_up. Beautiful background artwork by @pablorosendomachinnn)

Each morning I would eat breakfast at the hotel and I could select a time that fitted around my plans. I sat in the main restaurant bar area some days which was really nice and relaxed but as I was fortunate enough to experience the suite and have my own private balcony, the concierge kindly brought my breakfast to me most days. It was heavenly to have that privacy and tranquillity whilst savouring the beautiful views over the Malecón and the yummy food. I ate at the hotel many times for my lunch or evening meal and as a picky vegetarian they were extremely accommodating.

The hotel itself is in a brilliant spot overlooking the beautiful Malecón. I enjoy walking and could roam around central Havana, Old Havana and Vedado really easily or if I was feeling a little tired it was super easy to get a taxi right outside.

Each night there would be wonderful entertainment on the roof top bar and there was always a lovely warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it was the DJ’s or the live bands, or the pop up events for Cuban artists, it was a really enjoyable experience.

I travelled solo for work and whilst I’m fairly familiar with Havana and have made some work contacts and friends, I also had time alone and the staff always made sure I was looked after and was having fun. From organising my trip to beautiful Vinales to inviting me to join them to go dancing at a Salsa club, they knew how to keep me smiling!

I have stayed at the likes of NH Collection Hotel Victoria which was a nice friendly hotel that I can’t fault, however the experience at Malecón 663 was something I’ll never forget. I loved the authentic Cuban feel rather than the corporate style décor of a chain hotel and every design detail at Malecón 663 was greatly appreciated. There was a completely different vibe to this hotel and I much preferred it. I’ve also stayed at Hotel National and other than appreciating the history of the building and the pretty setting I really didn’t enjoy my stay there as a number of the staff were rude, unhelpful and I didn’t enjoy the food or my time there whatsoever.

Hotel Malecón 663 is my favourite by far in my opinion (and I’m fussy!) it really is the best boutique hotel in Havana! It’s a must-see location and great place to go for lunch or a night out socialising.

This was my third visit to Cuba and I plan to return as soon as I can. As someone who travels to many countries for work, Havana is now my number 1 destination by far and I believe the positive enriched experience I had whilst staying at Hotel Malecón 663 made me adore Cuba even more.

Just AMAZING! All of it. Literally every single second of my stay was such an amazing experience. Thank you Hotel Malecón 663!

All hotel images captured on my iPhone. All room and suite images have been edited via Instagram: @rachaeltaylor_

Whilst my hotel stay was kindly #gifted to me, this is a genuine heartfelt review and the words are completely my own. My stay was gifted on a room only basis and I paid for all other amenities myself such as Wi-fi, food and drinks as well as my flights.