Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Havana

The hip Hotel Havana is a boutique oasis on the north end of the River Walk with colorful Cuban-inspired flair and bold artwork housed in its rather modest outward appearance. Originally built in 1914 as a hotel residence by a local grocer, the hotel has changed hands numerous times over the past century, transforming the grand Mediterranean Revival building into a secluded destination along the far reaches of the River Walk. The quaint (in a good way) ambience attracts a new sort of urban-chic traveler. Rooms are sparse but meticulously outfitted with vibrant vintage furnishings and decor, and each room has its own unique touches. A stay at this chic-yet-cozy accommodation isn't complete without a stop at its riverside restaurant, Ocho, which sits just overlooking the river as a sort of robin's-egg blue aviary serving up a sexy selection of cocktails and a menu of Latin-influenced snacks and dishes.