Hotel Marques de Prado Ameno, smaller boutique hotel offers greater intimacy

By: cubaism Expert, United Kingdom Posted: 2010-04-10

 

The latest colonial-era offering from Hoteles Habaguanex, this gracious hotel (opened in March 2008) occupies an 18th-century mansion built for the Marqués de Prado Ameno. Backing up to the popular and elegant Hotel Florida, this smaller boutique hotel offers greater intimacy. Its plain exterior on Calle O'Reilly belies the aristocratic beauty beyond the huge carriage doors, where airy loggias held aloft by arches of local limestone surround an atrium courtyard framed by lathe-turned rejas (grills) on the upper level.

Delightful touches include the original black and white marble floors, pendulous wrought-iron lanterns, and fragments of ancient murals adorning the walls, while relics discovered during archaeological digs grace the guest rooms and public spaces. And a thoughtful color scheme of rose and robins-eggshell-blue produces satisfying sensations of calm. A highlight is the old-style tavern that opens directly onto Calle O'Reilly.

We love the 16 standard rooms and three suites (with Internet modems), including some dedicated as non-smoking. No tacky furnishings here! Mahogany antique reproductions stand atop marble floors, and the modernized bathrooms are elegantly fitted out. All are air-conditioned and have satellite TVs, phones, minibars, in-room safes, and hair-dryers. All in all, a lovely place!