Hotel Sevilla by Brendan Sainsbury

Al Capone once booked out the whole sixth floor, Graham Greene used it as a setting for his 1959 novel “Our Man in Havana” and the Mob commandeered it as a base for their North American cocaine racket. Following a full makeover a couple of years ago the Hotel Sevilla - situated conveniently on the cusp of New and Old Havana - is now back to its pre-revolutionary best. Step inside through the magnificent Moorish reception hall - decorated like something out of the Alhambra - and check into one of the 100+ guest rooms, all comfortable and spacious and tastefully restored with many of their original features. Pride of place, however, must go to the ninth floor restaurant with its panoramic views of the muggy and mildewed streets of Havana Centro, and its resident violinist who’ll serenade you with “As Time Goes By” over breakfast.