Institutions linked to relevant aspects of the history, culture and traditions of the largest Antillean island are major highlights in Cuba's leisure industry, which boasts a wide gamut of options for thousands of tourists who bet on the island to spend their vacations.
Havana, the Cuban capital, is among vacationers' major destinations, especially those who every year visit its historic heart, declared Humankind's Heritage by UNESCO, in search of attractions that can only be found there, including lodging facilities characterized by a colonial architectural style that makes them unique.
That select group of facilities includes the Conde de Villanueva Hotel, run by Habaguanex S.A., and devoted to honoring Havana cigars, one of Cuba's most famous products all over the world.
The inn, which architectural style is reminiscent of 18th-century constructions, is located in the former mansion of Claudio Martínez de Pinillo, Count of Villanueva, after whose title the facility was named.
The building's link to cigars comes precisely from its original proprietor, who was an active promoter of the development of Cuba's tobacco industry, and had a major participation in the introduction of the railroad in the island.
The edifice, regarded as one of the most outstanding exponents of Cuban architecture, has beautiful color-stained glasses and arches, which are complemented by an inner patio with exuberant vegetation, an ideal environment where guests can enjoy leisure and comfort.
The Conde de Villanueva Inn has nine rooms, including one suite and two junior suites, equipped with international telephone lines, air conditioning, a private bath and a minibar, among other modern amenities.
However, a peculiar touch ratifies the inn's link to Havana cigars, since every room and facility has been named after famous tobacco farms and regions in the largest Antillean island.
The inn's services are complemented by the excellent cuisine of the Vuelta Abajo Restaurant, which offers original 19th-century recipes kept at the library of the City Museum, and exotic dishes such as the Pescado al Trapiche Colonial (Colonial Sugar Mill Fish), made with ginger and molasses, and the Rollos de Cerdo en Salsa de Mango (Pork Roll in Mango Sauce).
Breakfast is served at the Vuelta Arriba nook, with its varied offers from national and international cuisine, and for light food, guests can go to the El Corojo Cafeteria.
The 60-seat Paso Real de San Diego Meeting Hall is always ready for receptions and small conferences in an atmosphere that is both intimate and welcoming.
One of the most visited facilities at the Conde de Villanueva Inn is the Casa del Habano (House of the Havana Cigar), located in the building's mezzanine and characterized by its low ceiling and wooden floor, typical of Cuba's 18th-century architecture, where costumers can smell the pleasant and peculiar fragrance of cedar as soon as they cross the threshold.
The prestigious hall has a bar, humidors and security vaults, which are complemented by the work of tobacco rollers who make the Conde de Villanueva cigars, adding a new touch of class to this singular refuge for Havana cigars in the Cuban capital.