Hotel Havana San Antonio: History, Rating, and Pet Policy Guide

Tucked on the quieter Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, Hotel Havana offers a blend of 1914 Mediterranean Revival architecture and Cuban-inspired design. This boutique property has 27 individually styled rooms, an on-site restaurant called Ocho, and a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10 on major booking platforms. In this guide, we verify the hotel’s history, amenities, and real guest experiences to help you decide if it fits your stay.

Last checked: 2026-09-19

Location: Gran Vía, Barcelona · Year Built: 1872 · Classification: 4-star Superior · Architectural Style: Renovated 19th-century Beaux Arts

What is the history of Hotel Havana in San Antonio?

The building that houses Hotel Havana was constructed in 1914 in the Mediterranean Revival style, according to property records compiled by Engine. Located at 1015 Navarro Street, it sits on the Museum Reach – the quieter northern extension of the San Antonio River Walk near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The structure was later converted into a boutique hotel with a Pan‑Latin and Cuban‑inspired aesthetic, retaining original Bastrop pine floors, antique furnishings, and Turkish rugs in each of its 27 guest rooms.

The bottom line: Hotel Havana’s history is rooted in a 1914 building that was repurposed into a design‑forward boutique property – a contrast to the chain hotels that dominate downtown San Antonio.

What amenities and dining does Hotel Havana offer?

The property’s signature restaurant, Ocho, is positioned on the riverfront with garden views. Fodor’s Travel describes its menu as “unusual and adventurous” and notes that Ocho’s Latin‑influenced dishes are frequently praised in reviews. Beyond dining, guests have access to free Wi‑Fi in rooms and public areas, self‑parking (with a surcharge), an electric vehicle charging station, a terrace and garden, conference space, a gift shop, luggage storage, and wedding services – all listed on Hotels.com.

In‑room amenities typically include a 32‑inch flat‑screen HDTV, premium channels, bathrobes, hypo‑allergenic bedding, a fully stocked minibar, and a full‑sized refrigerator (often a SMEG unit), per Fodor’s. The hotel also offers free coffee in the lobby each morning and 24‑hour front desk service.

The pattern: Ocho is the most‑cited feature after the decor, making the hotel a destination for dining as much as for lodging.

How do guests rate Hotel Havana?

On Expedia, the hotel holds a 9.0 out of 10 (“Wonderful”) rating based on aggregated reviews. Guest feedback consistently praises the vintage aesthetic – antique furniture, original pine floors, and the candlelit bar ambience – as well as the helpfulness of the staff. However, reviews on Momondo and other platforms mention trade‑offs: creaky floors (a consequence of the historic building), variable room sizes, and occasional room‑assignment issues. One guest on Momondo wrote, “We absolutely loved this hotel. This was our second time staying here and we didn’t even consider other hotels.”

Multiple reviewers describe the atmosphere as romantic and the location as a pro (peaceful) and a con (farther from the central River Walk bustle).

The catch: The historic charm comes with quirks – noise from wooden floors and room size variability – that may not suit every traveler.

Is Hotel Havana pet‑friendly?

Yes. Hotels.com Canada and other booking aggregators state that both dogs and cats are allowed for a one‑time fee of USD 25 per stay. Service animals are exempt from the fee. The hotel does not appear to charge a per‑night pet fee, and the policy is consistent across multiple international booking sites.

Room type comparison: Standard Studio vs. Penthouse

Room sizes at Hotel Havana range from compact studios of about 190 square feet to a two‑floor penthouse suite, according to Boutique Hotel Hub. Below is a comparison of the two extremes.

The implication: Budget‑conscious solo travelers or couples may find the studio adequate, while those seeking more space and a premium experience should book the penthouse.

Alternatives: Other “Hotel Havana” properties

There are other hotels named “Hotel Havana” – notably one in Golden Sands, Bulgaria, and a Gran Hotel Havana in Barcelona. However, the San Antonio property is the only one with the Cuban‑inspired, 1914 Mediterranean Revival character described here. If you search for “Hotel Havana” in a different destination, be sure to verify the address and style.

Timeline: Key dates for Hotel Havana San Antonio

• 1914: Original building constructed as Mediterranean Revival structure (Engine).
• 2023–2024: Hotel operating as a boutique property on the Museum Reach, featured in romantic travel guides.
• 2025: Aggregated guest rating of 9.0/10 on Expedia.

““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.””

– Fodor’s Travel editors, Travel guide reviewers

““Rooms are sparse but meticulously outfitted with vibrant vintage furnishings and decor, and each room has its own unique touches.””

– Fodor’s Travel editors, Travel guide reviewers

Related reading: The LaLiT London: 5-Star Heritage Boutique Hotel Review ? Grand Hotel et Des Palmes – A Historic Palermo Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources cited

• Expedia – Hotel Havana information
• Fodor’s Travel – Hotel Havana review
• TripAdvisor – Hotel Havana reviews
• Engine – Hotel Havana property data
• Boutique Hotel Hub – room size info
• Momondo – guest review aggregation