The Gran Muthu Habana Hotel (or Havana) was the first MGM Muthu Hotel property that I had the pleasure of staying at during my tour of Cuba. It was a fabulous introduction to the quality that exists within this organisation that is present across Europe, India, Africa, and Cuba.
Opened in 2023 this 27-storey luxurious 5-star beachside hotel is in a privileged location not far from Fifth Avenue in Havana and close to the city’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. The National Aquarium of Cuba is right next to the hotel.
With this being the first stop, I was excited to see what a top Cuban Hotel would deliver….. let’s find out:
Getting There
Following a lengthy flight to Havana, a swift and comfortable transfer to your hotel is a welcome relief. This was provided by the consistently punctual Gaviota Tours. Throughout my Cuban tour, their buses were well-maintained and equipped with air conditioning, and plush seating, and some even included onboard facilities.
The brief journey from Havana Airport to the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel is just 25 minutes from the airport and just 10 minutes from the majestic charm of Old Havana.
Pulling into the drive I immediately had that feeling that we were arriving at a quality hotel.
At First Glance
The sweeping entrance guides you into a fresh, bright, 24-hour reception where friendly welcoming staff are on hand to greet you.
Impressive wall art and modern lighting against a backdrop of soft pastel cream, grey and brown furnishings all ensure that there is a feeling of calm throughout. As I entered the reception, I was strangely drawn to the cool lamp with a human figure peering out from under the shade! As I so often say, hotels are about the finer details and it is the little touches like this that I love. That said, the lampshade was a little creased!
Rooms & Views
The Hotel Gran Muthu Habana has 524 rooms in total. The majority are standard rooms however there is the option to spend a little more for a superior room or there are a couple of suite options which offer greater space, facilities, and larger balconies. Many of the rooms have sea views and some are connecting allowing for families. Some rooms cater for those with disabilities.
All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a TV, mini-Fridge, safe, telephone, hairdryer, and ironing board and there is the customary range of toiletries and a laundry facility available.
The WI-FI however is a problem not just in this hotel but it would seem all across Cuba. Here there is a system where you get a little paper ticket with a very long complex password which needs entering every time you choose to go online. It regularly drops out, so all in all, this was a very time-consuming and frustrating process. The answer is to pre-book a mobile data package that will be sufficient for the length of your stay.
The balconies, subject to the room you choose, have views across Havana and also to the Atlantic. Whilst the views of the sea were lovely, in front of the hotel there is an area of unsightly ground which I am sure in time will be built upon.
On the first morning, I stepped out onto my balcony and was fascinated by the birds hovering overhead. After a little research, I discovered that these were Vultures. As you travel around Cuba you will find they are circling everywhere with their enormous wingspans and sinister redheads. They are called Turkey Vultures, but let’s not confuse them, as they do not, in any way, look like a turkey!
Bars & Restaurants
The Gran Muthu Habana Hotel has two lovely restaurants and two inviting bars.
The first bar you will come across is the Lobby Bar “Kunti” which is located alongside the reception. This is a popular area of the hotel where guests meet as they come and go. While service, particularly for food, was sometimes a little on the slow side, it was a nice spot to sit and enjoy a Havana Rum and Coke.
The main buffet restaurant is “Rajma”. This beautifully appointed restaurant is comfortable, bright open and inviting. Breakfasts are taken here with a wide choice of hot and cold options. I was particularly taken by the friendly lady member of staff whose name was Mercedes. Every day she cooked fresh omelettes and eggs to guests’ requirements. Every hotel, wherever you are in the world, should have the welcome and smile that Mercedes treated us to each day!
The warm, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere of the “Kubera” restaurant is for those looking for fine dining from a carefully curated menu consisting of mainly Indian, Cuban and international choices.
The “Gita” Snack Bar is located by the swimming pool and gives guests the option to order simple sandwiches, snacks, and drinks during the day. This area has a shaded terrace which is nice to get out of the midday heat!
It is worth noting also that there is a large open terrace outside the Buffet restaurant and lobby bar which on a warm day provides lovely ocean views. This is a great place for a coffee and a chat.
Swimming Pool
The pool area at the Gran Muthu Habana is without question one of its finest features! With views across to the city and the ocean, it is a lovely place to while away a few hours in the sunshine.
The adult’s swimming pool is enormous and there is also a children’s pool. The space around the pool is considerable too with Cabanas, beds and loungers aplenty. Towels are provided.
As mentioned, the “Gita” Snack Bar is alongside the pool for lunches and refreshments.
Sport & Fitness
As you would expect of a five-star hotel there is an excellent gymnasium and a spa. The spa “Maya” provides a range of soothing massages revitalizing facials and invigorating wellness rituals. There is also a beauty salon should you need to be pampered before an important night out on the tiles!
Gardens
Despite its relatively young age, the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel does boast some pretty gardens with tropical flowers and plants. As time goes by I am sure this aspect of the hotel will improve further.
Boutique & Gift Shop
For those of you who may have forgotten to pack an important holiday item then the little boutique has a range of beachwear, hats, suitcases, umbrellas, ceramics, alcohol and tourist information.
Meeting Rooms & Conferences
The hotel is well equipped and caters for all your business needs, with conference and meeting rooms. It can also play host to anyone wanting to get married! Imagine tying the knot in Havana, Cuba – now that would be memorable!
In The Vicinity
Havana Old Town is just 10/15 minutes by taxi from the hotel. At the time of staying, (Oct 2023) I was told that, in the coming months, there is expected to be a regular shuttle provided by the hotel for guests heading into town.
Just across from the hotel on the beachfront is a collection of about eight Tiki bars. These are wooden structures and each is home to a restaurant, bar and live music performances. I found that many locals enjoy an evening at these bars and as we are in Cuba you can expect plenty of song and dance long into the night.
Further along from the Tiki bars, about 800 metres, is an unattractive area of the coast which is heavily littered and unsightly. Hopefully, the local authorities will address this in time as it would be a lovely area for a morning or afternoon walk.
Gran Muthu Habana – Final Thoughts
The Gran Muthu Habana is a lovely large modern stylish hotel that welcomes both leisure and business clientele. I enjoyed the comforts and facilities provided with the rooms excellent, breakfast lovely, and that pool area first class.
Its excellent location allows you to arrive and unwind quickly, after your long flight to Cuba. I would happily stay here again as it is a lovely, welcoming hotel from which to discover both the city of Havana and relax by the beach. You could also combine a stay here with a week on the beach in Varadero.
Contact
To book contact your specialist Cuba Tour Operator or travel agent or contact:
Gran Muthu Habana
Cuba, Havana, La Habana
T: +53 78863200
E: reservations@muthuhotelsmgm.com
W: www.muthuhotelsmgm.com
With Thanks
My Thanks to MGM Muthu Hotels, Gaviota Tours and the Ministry of Tourism for Cuba (MINTUR) for sponsoring my trip to Cuba which included this stay at the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel in Havana.
