HAVANA’S BEST BUSINESS HOTEL
For most Americans a visit to Cuba involves the convoluted process of trying to figure out how to legally travel to the island. But there are a few Americans who don’t have to travel “people-to-people” or in “support of the Cuban people” to visit Cuba, and those are American business travelers. Though there are few of us, those in the know acknowledge that it is the best hotel for business travelers in Cuba. Cuba imported $700 million worth of U.S. agricultural and food products in 2003, and although agricultural and food sales have decreased since then, there’s still a significant amount of American food entering Cuba.
Havana is usually the center of business activity on the island, and in Cuba the best hotel for business travelers is the Melia Cohiba. The Melia Cohiba is across the street from the Havana malecon in the Vedado neighborhood, at the end of Paseo Street. It is surrounded by excellent restaurants and many private cafeterias and bars. It is also across the street from one of Cuba’s largest shopping malls. The Cohiba has several conference rooms ranging from small and cozy ones on the upper floors to large meeting halls on the lower floors, and its’ staff is up to date on what is expected at a gathering of international executives. The large pool is one of the nicest in Havana and the adjacent gym is very convenient. There are several restaurants on site including one of the only and the best all-you -can-eat lunch buffets in Havana, and the Cohiba cigar bar, which is well stocked with Cohiba and other Cuban cigar brands. For evening entertainment, the on-premise Havana Café has a nightly show featuring one of the incarnations of the Buena Vista Social Club.
The U.S. Embassy, which apparently will soon be fully staffed again, is within walking distance of the Melia Cohiba, and it is one of the top destinations for foreign dignitaries and their delegations. The hotel hosted many American baseball greats and MLB executives several years ago during the brief that President Obama opened Cuba’s door to Americans.
For those seeking even more exclusivity, the Melia Cohiba offers The Level, its suites-only upper floors from the 19th on up. The Level has its own reception area and restaurant on the 20th floor, and Melia’s veteran, professional staff. When travelling on business to Cuba, Havana’s Melia Cohiba is hands-down your best choice.
See you in Havana!
By Frank Gonzalez