Nacional de Cuba

How the Stage was Set HISTORY IN BRIEF 19th century: The hill on which the hotel stands held the famous battle of Santa Clara. The “Ordoñez” cannon, one of the largest of its time, still lies in the hotel’s gardens. In that battle, Corregidor Don Luis Aguilar defeated the British during their seige and assault of Havana. Today, the hotel’s most famous and luxurious restaurant is named after him. 1930, December 30: The hotel opened its door. It was located near Punta Brava, on the Taganana hill, toward the far end of the San Lazaro cove – a traditional site of pirate landings. Constructioin was completed in two years by the US companies McKim, Mead & White and Purdy Henderson Co. 1950s: The hotel was refurbished extensively.

Famous guests of the past include: Maria Felix Toshiro Mifune Bola de Nieve Ava Gardner Frank Sinatra Ernest Hemingway Nat King Cole Winston Churchill Johny Weissmuller Buster Keaton Jose Mujica Jorge Negrete Agustin Lara Tyrone Power Romulo Gallegos Errol Flynn Marlon Brando Santos Traficante Meyer Lansky Lucky Luciano Frank Costello Alexander Fleming