We stayed here for a couple of nights at the end of our time in Cuba, having spent the rest of our trip staying in casa particulares. The hotel is quite far from Habana Vieja and Habana Centro, but only a block form the Malecon. We walked back and forth from Habana centro (approx 45 mins) but we like to walk a lot- for most people a taxi might be preferable. We had stayed in Habana centro for a week at the start of our trip so to stay a bit further out, where we didn't get harassed as soon as we stepped out the door, was a much better option for us, and we could relax a bit more.

Value for money is pretty good here, at least compared to the rest of the major Havana hotels, which are quite overpriced. The rooms are clean and the bathrooms work well but are a bit antiquated. We had a room over the pool and slept fairly well. The pool is pretty basic but the bar there makes drinks for a good price (3 CUC each), and their mojitos are better than most of the ones we had in Cuba. Bar food is ordinary though.

The hotel, to our surprise, put on a party for NYE that was a LOT of fun, complete with a bottle of rum and a pack of silly novelty things for everyone to wear. The band was good and the party was not dry like we had expected. (We went to a Xmas party at another hotel that was a bit painful, so we like any hotel that can put on a good party!).

Cleaning staff, breakfast staff, bar staff and concierge staff are very friendly, front desk staff are not. This seems to be a trend all the way through Cuba, they were also unfriendly and argumentative at 3 other hotels when we went to visit people or use the internet.

Their internet was fairly good- 4 computers (most other hotels we tried only had two), and the internet never cut out while we were there (it did at both other hotels we tried).
Breakfast has quite a good variety of food, and they replace things as they run out, so if you go to breakfast late you don't miss out.

Although the location is a bit out of the way, the value, breakfast, internet and bar were much better here than at some of the bigger hotels closer to the centre. You cannot expect a lot in the way of sparkling new hotel rooms in Cuba so this is a very good option if you are wary of being ripped off (as Cuban hotels are prone to do!)

RESTAURANT TIP: We were walked over to a restaurant a block away by the concierge (presumably he got a commission). It was called CASTAS Y TAL, Calle E no. 158B, on the 11th floor. The best meal by far that we ate in all of Cuba, and just about the best cocktails we had there too. Very good prices too. Definitely give this restaurant a try, it is only a short walk from the hotel.

My wife and I spent a week at the El Presidente on a tour that included New Year's Eve. We enjoyed the historic nature of the building (restored Art Nouveau), the view of the Gulf of Mexico (we were given a large, top-floor room on the ocean side of the building), the several architecturally interesting buildings in the vicinity, at least three interesting restaurants within walking distance, and the quiet nature of the neighborhood (as opposed to the noise of Old Havana). That said, this is a hotel that caters to tour groups and it can be difficult to deal with the front desk if a group is arriving or checking out. The breakfast food was adequate, but the coffee was dispensed from a push-button device that made four varieties (black, with milk, etc.), all of them bad. There is a money changing bureau on the premises. A taxi into Old Havana ran three to four pesos, depending on how hard you wanted to bargain. After-dinner drinks on the veranda were quite pleasant. Laundry was available. There were four internet stations in the lobby; access was via cards purchased from the front desk (6 pesos for one hour). The bell boys were exceptionally pleasant and helpful, on two occasions walking us to good restaurants in the area (from which they presumably got a commission) that we never would have found on our own because they were on upper floors in apartment buildings. The ladies at the front desk were the weak link in the personnel chain. While we were on a tour that included accommodation, the rack rate was 120 pesos. Overall, a reasonably pleasant place to stay and a lot cheaper, even if one includes cab fares into town, than the several hotels we priced in Old Havana.l

My family stayed at The Presidente for New Year, celebrating the Fin de Ano at the hotel. They gave us a marvelous evening with great food, fantastic music and a wonderful atmosphere. When we left to go to Trinidad de Cuba on the coast, they offered to look after two suitcases until we return. I would certainly stay there again.

All aspects of the Presidente made our stay one to remember and repeat! It may not be walking distance from Havana Vieja, but does offer lovely walks in the Vedado area and therefore an opportunity to see a different side of Havana. The hop on hop off tour bus stops right at the door so there are lots of options for moving around to other city sights. The rooms are comfortable, the lobby is elegant, with nightly concerts by a wonderful Cuban band. We only ate once in the restaurant and the service was very slow. Breakfast buffet was really nice. The pool area is lovely and offers a nice respite from the heat and touring. For the price, this is a really nice Havana option.