Iberostar Grand Packard Havana pool terrace and view at night

Elegant Iberostar Grand Packard Havana Review From A Frequent Visitor (2024)

One of Havana’s newest, most modern, and most elegant hotels (and one of my absolute favorites) is the Iberostar Grand Packard Havana. I have stayed here several times, and I even spent New Year’s Eve here.

The Iberostar Grand Packard in Havana is located at the end of the historic Prado Avenue, right at the start of the Malecon, with uninterrupted views of Havana Bay and the old fortresses.

It has a delicate and tranquil atmosphere, even though it is only a stone’s throw away from Old Havana. Also, the L-shaped terrace pool and lounge area with the restaurant and bar has spectacular views of the Malecon and El Morro fortress across the water.

In this review, I will tell you why this is my favorite hotel in Havana.

Affiliate disclosure: I only recommend tours, services and purchases I know and love on this website.

The Elegant Iberostar Grand Packard Havana Review!

the wide airy Grand Packard foyer decorated for Christmas, with elegant furniture, large glass walls to the outside, and black details
Grand Packard foyer decorated for Christmas

The Hotel Packard La Habana (in Spanish) foyer is large, light, and airy, with an impressive distance from floor to ceiling.

The nice and helpful reception staff will have you checked in in a flash, and you can head for your room.

From the glass elevator heading up, you can watch the foyer for several floors because of the incredible space in the lobby.

Iberostar Grand Packard Amenities

  • Pool & Jacuzzi
  • Spa & Gym
  • Bar & Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Wifi
  • AC
  • Bilingual staff
  • Parking (public, free)

Elegant Iberostar Grand Packard Havana Rooms

Airy delicate rooms at the Iberostar Grand Packard at night, with two queen beds, and comfortable lighting
My room at the Iberostar Grand Packard

The rooms at Grand Packard are light, spacious, and elegant, with large windows and an amazing view of the entrance to the Havana harbor and the famous Prado Avenue.

Once in your room, I recommend you change into your bathing suit and spend a bit of time beside the stunning pool, just landing, before you start exploring the city.

The large infinity pool is L-shaped, so you can swim along the Prado, make a turn at the end towards El Morro, then turn right and head in towards the inner Havana bay!

The L-shaped pool at Grand Packard, the sky is reflected in the water, and you can see the fortress and the Morro lighthouse across water of the bay.
The L shaped pool at Grand Packard

Iberostar Grand Packard Has A Perfect Location

The square modern structure of the Iberostar from the Prado Avenue at night
The Iberostar from the Prado Avenue

The Iberostar Grand Packard is perfectly situated in a modern building just at the end of the venerable avenue El Prado, which ends where the Malecon starts.

This is also where the open sea meets the narrow entrance to Havana Bay, guarded by fortifications on both sides of the bay!

It is almost a shame that you need to leave this hotel to explore all the things to do in Havana (of course, it is not really a shame, but this lounging area is just amazing!).

If you want to opt to book one or more organized tours in Havana, this is also a great starting point.

On a normal day, the bar and restaurant here at the Grand Packard are not too crowded, but in the high season, around Christmas, or during the summer holidays, it might be different.

Either way, the common spaces are open and wide, so you will relax anyway.

From the Grand Packard, you are within walking distance of a myriad of famous and popular sights in Old Havana and Central Havana.


Most people want to venture out into Havana at night and try out the amazing Havana restaurants and paladares (privately owned restaurants) throughout the city!

You absolutely should; there are amazing places to eat in Havana and also great places to go after dinner for either dancing or a quiet cocktail on a rooftop.

But you can have dinner in-house if you are super tired, and exploring Havana for a restaurant seems daunting.

Night view to the La Cabana fortress across the Havana bay from the terrace at the Grand Packard.
Night view to La Cabana

If you want to get over to Vedado or Miramar, the western areas in Havana, it is easy to get a taxi to take you over there. Just remember to agree on the price before you get in!

Inhouse Bar & Restaurants (& Room Service)

The blue light bar at the Iberostar Grand Packard, which is on the same floor as the pool and a restaurant. The bar has white stools lined for guests to sit, and the bar shelves behind the bar are also lit in blue.
The blue light bar inside on the pool floor

Also, when your Havana night outside the hotel is over, head up here for a nightcap and bring it with you to one of the lounging chairs by the pool!

In the daytime, these lounging chairs are PERFECT for a mid-day siesta, a light lunch at one of the small tables, or just snuggling with an audiobook behind the sunglasses.

The bar and restaurant staff are just a glance away for whatever assistance you might need. This is an outdoor terrace floor, which is actually halfway up the building; it is an amazing oasis!

From here, you can enjoy the uninterrupted view of El Morro across the bay and do a bit of people-watching as the Prado and the Malecon are just below the terrace!

Elegant Breakfast Hall With Outdoor Seating

The breakfast restaurant is delicate and airy, and the buffet breakfast lacks nothing!
Breakfast hall

After a good night’s sleep (the beds are also amazing), you can stroll down here for your breakfast!

There is no shortage of anything here; you’ll be all fueled up to head out into the city, or embark on day tours, or whatever your plan is.

Also read: Review: Holidays At Hotel Memories Havana Resort and Spa Havana

Things To Do In Havana Outside Iberostar Grand Packard Havana

Classic American car tour in Havan Cuba
Havana classic car tour

When you are staying at the Grand Packard, you are walking distance from “everything” in Old and Central Havana and the Malecon boardwalk!

If you decide to book organized tours in Havana during your stay, you will normally be picked up from your hotel as part of the itinerary, just at your doorstep.

Within walking distance in the old city, you find a plethora of stunning rooftop terraces, nice bars and cafes, historic sites, and dancing places.

There are even great dancing schools in Old Havana, where you can take classes in the various Cuban dance styles, like the beautiful Kizomba!

Read about 42 amazing things to do in Havana and start planning your city holiday!

Want To Explore More Of Cuba?

Los Conspiradores restaurant next to Plaza Mayor and Casa de la Musica in Trinidad, full of purple flowers and green plants, super charmng seating area, here at night
Los Conspiradores paladar in Trinidad

Find out what you can do outside of sizzling Havana as well!

I have traveled around Cuba extensively, and here is all the information you need about these exciting Cuban destinations.

FAQs About Havana

Is Havana, Cuba, safe?

Yes, Havana, the capital of Cuba, is very safe for travelers.

Cuba is one of the safest destinations to visit in the Caribbean region.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Havana Cuba?

There are a myriad of things to do in Havana, Cuba, from exploring historic sights and culture, fun tours, dining experiences, beach lounging just outside the city, and a vibrant nightlife.

Check out this overview of the best things to do in Havana.

Are There Nice Restaurants In Havana Cuba?

Yes, there are a variety of really good restaurants in Havana, Cuba, in all price ranges.

You will find everything from small “hole in the wall” fast-food takeaway places to amazing high-end gourmet restaurants in Havana.

Best Hotels In Havana Cuba

There are a variety of hotels and accommodations to choose from in Havana, Cuba, in all price classes, apart from the Grand Packard.

Be aware that Americans can not stay in governmental-owned hotels in Cuba that are on the Cuba restricted list.

US citizens can find amazing accommodations in the many casa particuares for rent in Havana, as can other travelers who want a more authentic stay.

Wrap-Up Iberostar Grand Packard Havana Review

El Morro lighthouse at night across the Havana Bay bathed in warm lights against the dark water
El Morro at night

For the record, I have always paid for my stays here, so this review is not based on a sponsored stay!

I just really like this hotel; its location, amenities, ambiance, rooms, pool, breakfast, and everything else are really good if you want a pampered stay centrally in Havana with everything at your fingertips.

If you are ready to book, click the button below! Or check this overview of a variety of five-star hotels in Havana if you are not sure yet!.

Related blog posts:

Cuba Travel Hacks: Travel To Cuba From Canada From A Local

Cuba Trips From US: How To Travel To Cuba From US

Solo Holidays To Cuba: Important Things To Know Before Visiting Cuba From A Local

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