Cuba's Hotel Nacional Repeats Win at World Travel Awards

The Hotel Nacional de Cuba has won for the 21st time at the World Travel Awards, according to a statement released by the historic hotel.

A report published this Tuesday on the establishment's social media channels states that October is full of surprises as the "heart of the Hotel beats stronger than ever," celebrating that the World Travel Awards have distinguished it, for the 21st time, as Cuba's Leading Hotel.

They indicate that it is more than an award; it is "an embrace of tradition, a recognition of the dedication of a team that feels this palace as their own, and a deep gratitude to every traveler who has placed their dreams in us."

The World Travel Awards were founded in 1993. The contest is held annually with a jury of lodging experts and associates, primarily from the World Travel & Tourism Council.

This accolade comes to the Nacional as it nears its 95th anniversary of its opening. The flagship hotel of Cuban tourism has long held this status due to its luxury and legacy, having hosted celebrities from all over the world.

In recognition of its history, elegance, and treasured documents, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, the country's principal tourism facility, was previously granted the "National Memory" status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The historical relevance and the documentation it safeguards are the basis for its recognitions.

This UNESCO award dates from 1992 and has three categories: World Memory, Regional Memory, and National Memory, the latter being the category in which this hotel is registered.

Designated a National Monument of Cuba, the hotel offers a wonderful view of much of the capital. A symbol of Cuban hospitality and five-star lodging, the Nacional is operated by the Gran Caribe hotel group. The building was constructed from plans by New York's McKim, Mead & White Architects and built by the Purdy & Henderson Company.

Its lineage is affirmed by its former guests, such as Johnny Weissmuller, Ava Gardner, Buster Keaton, Errol Flynn, Frank Sinatra, and other stars. In the 1940s, a touch of distinction was added by the Cabaret Parisién, which is currently the second-best cabaret in the country after the Tropicana.

With its 457 rooms, most with an ocean view (including 16 suites and one presidential suite), the hotel is also a hub for the country's most important meetings related to tourism and other spheres. The hotel features a "Hall of Fame" where visitors can see photographs of the many notable figures who have walked its halls, stayed in its rooms, and enjoyed its restaurants and bars.