Hotel Manzana: the new jewel of restoration...by Punch Joe

[El Presidente]

Covering an entire round block left to the Parque Central Hotel the buildingManzana de Gomez stood sturdy after years of decay. Reality has changed for the best. A restoration work will turn this building into the most luxurious hotel in Havana.

Cuban Company Habaguanex and German Kempinski Group are in charge of the project for the past two years and it´s expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The emblematic building was home to renowned brands in the past and true to its tradition will host a selection stores of the most famous brands worldwide such as Cartier, Versace, and other luxury names but what is the big fuss about it?

Thing is that the first Cohiba Atmosphere will be located there. A cherished project by Habanoss.a. which stands out for the luxury approach and the specialized attention to clients. Providing a lavish environ to cigar smokers and carrying out the spirit of the Cohibabrand alike will become a meeting place for newbies and seasoned aficionados alike. It is actually about lifestyle but a safe haven for smokers as well in a world where regulations are leaving no shelters available.

Cohiba Atmosphere comprises a wide array of Habanos and liqueurs.

A number of these were starting to take off in the past five years. Cities like Tokyo, Prague, Cancun, Beijing, and recently Anvers were embracing the initiative since the early days. Habanos S.A. will release more information about it in its webpage but recently appointed Mrs. Dayli Torres, Head of the Brand Diversification Division at Habanos S.A. will give details about it during the conferences at the Habanos Festival to be held in the coming weeks.

[AlohaStyle]

Nice, will be great to have a nice lounge like that. But... can definitely do without Cartier, Versace, etc...

[jwr0201]

Beautiful old architecture! Once again, Cuba is proving that they are quite adept at planning and economics when they wish. Sounds like they are on the way to reclaiming the splendor they had in the 40's and 50's. Oh Boy... only 90 miles away!

[Jeremy Festa]

Mate, if that is finished by November, I am staying there instead of staying with you.

[El Presidente]

Mate, if that is finished by November, I am staying there instead of staying with you.

You would be a fool

[Ryan]

Covering an entire round block left to the Parque Central Hotel the buildingManzana de Gomez stood sturdy after years of decay. Reality has changed for the best. A restoration work will turn this building into the most luxurious hotel in Havana.

Cuban Company Habaguanex and German Kempinski Group are in charge of the project for the past two years and it´s expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The emblematic building was home to renowned brands in the past and true to its tradition will host a selection stores of the most famous brands worldwide such as Cartier, Versace, and other luxury names but what is the big fuss about it?

Thing is that the first Cohiba Atmosphere will be located there.

I've been watching construction on this for the last 2 years. They're often working 24 hours, with generators and lights. Bizarre for Cuba.

Interesting that they're getting a Cohiba Atmosphere. One opened recently enough in Antwerp, the first in Western Europe. People got in there early..

Nice, will be great to have a nice lounge like that. But... can definitely do without Cartier, Versace, etc...

The Manzana de Gomez building is/was an interesting building. The first shopping center in the Carribbean. At ground level, two diagonal streets ran through the building from corner to corner, these streets had shopfronts. I remember buying toilet paper there. Cartier and Versace are exactly the kind of brands they'll be after. It's not going to be Cubans staying at that hotel. I think it's kind of fitting, to have public shopping at ground level of the hotel, where there was always shopping.

Beautiful old architecture! Once again, Cuba is proving that they are quite adept at planning and economics when they wish. Sounds like they are on the way to reclaiming the splendor they had in the 40's and 50's. Oh Boy... only 90 miles away!

They only kept the facade, everything inside was demolished and the facade propped up with concrete rings on the inside. Interesting facade though. Still a lot of bullet damage around the top windows that face towards the Parque Central hotel. I have a feeling they'll have a spectacular roof terrace. There would be a great view over Parque Central towards the Capitolio and the Gran Teatro on one side and the Bacardi building on the other.

[Ryan]

Some video in a teaser here. Doesn't show much of its location though.