On the corner of Paseo Avenue and 1st Street, where the pulse of Vedado meets the breeze of the Malecón, stands the twenty-two-story post-modern silhouette of the recently rebranded Cohiba, formerly known as Meliá Cohiba. This tower rises fifty meters over a neighborhood of stately early 20th-century mansions and mid-century high-rises, just steps from Havana's iconic seaside promenade. The hotel's name, borrowed from Cuba's most famous cigar brand, sets an immediate tone of local prestige and sophistication. Perched at the edge of Vedado, it occupies a strategic middle ground: close enough to the historic core for a quick taxi ride into Old Havana's cobblestone streets, yet nestled in a more tranquil residential district favored by diplomats and longtime Havana hands.

Step through the revolving doors and the energy shifts from urban Havana to a calm, marble-lined lobby with towering floral arrangements that scent the air naturally. A miniature landscape with a winding river and bonsai sits near the entrance, an unexpected touch of Zen amid the polished brass and fine fabrics. The 462 rooms and suites are a study in comfort, with large bathrooms, huge mirrors, and furnishings that balance Cuban wood tones with contemporary lines. Many rooms offer sweeping views of the sea or the city skyline, and all benefit from the hotel's quiet position away from the main drag. For guests seeking extra privileges, what was once The Level has been rebranded as the VIP floor, with its own private lounge, personalized check-in, and a dedicated bar. The pool is one of the hotel's liveliest corners — a generous, inviting rectangle flanked by loungers, a snack bar, and a gym with squash courts. The property also houses several meeting rooms and convention facilities, catering to both business travelers and cultural tour groups.

Dining at the Cohiba is a culinary tour of the island and beyond. The impressive breakfast buffet in Plaza Havana sets the standard, while Med offers Mediterranean à la carte dinners, La Piazza serves Italian classics, and La Brasa fires up the grill poolside for lunch. The undisputed showstopper is Havana Café, a cabaret-restaurant that channels the glamour of 1950s Havana with live music, memorabilia, and a lively dinner show that extends late into the night. For a more relaxed pace, the lobby bars — Gran Añejo and Expresso Bar — run 24 hours, and cigar aficionados will appreciate Casa del Habano and Relicario, two lounges dedicated to Cuba's finest export. The Cohiba is an excellent choice for city explorers who want a polished, full-service hotel base from which to discover Havana's layers of history, music, and architecture — without sacrificing the calm of a good night's sleep. Whether you're on a business trip, a cultural tour, or a romantic getaway, this hotel adapts to your rhythm, offering all the structure of a modern international hotel with a distinctly Cuban soul.