Hotel Havana Is Romantic Cuban Vibes In Historic Texas
Although over 1,000 miles northwest of Havana, this San Antonio boutique hotel channels Cuba's capital in many ways. The building's Mediterranean Revival architecture — plus icy-blue paint trim and, in the bar, Cuban rum as a main ingredient — are just a few examples.
The 27-room Hotel Havana — right on San Antonio's Riverwalk — is another example of Bunkhouse Group co-founder and chief creative officer Liz Lambert's creative genius. (Other properties include the funky trailer park El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas and Hotel San Cristobal in Todos Santos, Mexico.)
The property was originally opened in 1914 by a local grocer who wanted to provide a spot for his vendors to crash. Of course, in the century since, the building had fallen into a state of disrepair. "[It] needed some life and love when we first acquired it," Lambert says. "A whirlwind three-month renovation included repainting, resurfacing walls, and bathrooms, but most notably we took every piece of furniture out of the rooms and recovered 80 percent of it in bright vinyl and rich velvet. We were inspired by the notion of these pieces having many lives, like they would in Cuba."
1. Lobby
Craftsmanship that's original — and fortunately restored to its former glory — greets visitors in the lobby.
2. Lobby
Nick Simonite
An immaculately restored staircase is a testament to the building's sturdy and lovely bones.
3. Studio Room
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A pale-pink Smeg fridge, prints by San Antonio artist Cruz Ortiz of Snake Hawk Press, and an antique bed frame make up the eclectic decor in the Studio Room.
4. Grand Suite
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The Grand Suite offers spacious accommodations, with original Bastrop pine floors, antique furnishings, vintage rugs, large Colonial windows, and vintage Cuban artwork.
5. Havana King Room
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In the Havana King room, the design is a veritable love letter to Cuba via its color choices.
6. Penthouse Bath
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Tiles in the Penthouse's bathroom mimic the same icy blues found throughout the hotel and are paired with punches of color in the red Persian rug and burnt-orange plush armchair. An antique arched mirror recalls Colonial design.
7. Ocho
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Designed to be reminiscent of a birdcage, the hotel's restaurant, Ocho, is housed in a glass and steel conservatory. Photography at Ocho is by Texas photographers Minta Maria and Nick Simonite.
8. Havana Bar
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Emulating a speakeasy due to its basement locale, Havana Bar features velvet couches, antique leather club chairs, and a dim candlelit setting.