Hotel Camino de Hierro is nestled in a beautifully restored old building that stands in Camagüey’s most central square “Plaza del Gallo”. Its central location, in fact, is probably its best and also its worst feature because, while perfect to explore the city, is also on the busiest square downtown.

Thus, if you are a light sleeper, this is not the right hotel for you. If you like to be in the center of the night life, then it can be great since there are concerts and music until late at night, many nights of the week.

The city’s shopping street is only a couple of meters away, Iglesia de la Soledad (Soledad Church) just crossing the street and the gorgeous cobble-stoned and national heritage Plaza San Juan de Dios, recently and beautifully restored, withing walking distance.

Camino de Hierro means Iron Road, in homage to the railroad that helped to the city’s economic boom. Its railway theme, cozy ambiance and tall colonial mahogany doors make it very attractive and the fact that there are only 10 rooms translates into good, personalized service.

There is as well a lovely inner courtyard, where a couple of the rooms are (these have no windows), and a few tables with chairs where one can sit and order drinks and even food. The restaurant is only steps away and it overlooks the street, the animated plaza and the church, with its picturesque bell tower. It’s a great place to watch the world go by while enjoying lunch or dinner, or to meeting with friends at the bar which is also in the restaurant area.

Rooms are really pleasant, with handsome clay tile floor, stylish wooden furniture and wrought iron lamps. Bathrooms are bran new with classy features. Some of the rooms are truly large and offer outdoor balconies while others, as mentioned before, have no views or windows.

There is no parking but it is relatively easy to park in the adjacent street, near Hotel La Avellaneda, and pay a guard to keep an eye on the car.