Villa Gaviota Santiago de Cuba is located in the district of Vista Alegre, a neighborhood of beautiful gardens and elegant mansions from the 1940’s and 50’s.
Since it is at a few minutes walk from the city center, the area is very quiet and totally safe; it offers great views of the city and on the access path one can visit El JardÃn de los Helechos (Fern garden), recognized as a natural and ecological relic because of the hundreds of exotic species therein. There is also a village named El Caney, famous worldwide for growing the sweetest fruits in Cuba.
The 49 rooms (2 Junior Suites) are spread among several houses. They are simple, no luxuries, but each one has its own bathroom, with bathtub, a closet and a table or desk. They are also kept very clean.
Pool is large, warm and empty most of the time (visitors who are not spending the night are not allowed to use it). A truly nice spot to relax and sip a beer after strolling in the heat of the city.
The restaurant is decent, with nice breakfast and more than nice service from the very helpful staff.
All in all, a good place to stay if you are not expecting lots of comfort and enjoy peace and quiet.