Hotel El Viejo y El Mar, Havana

Named after a Hemingway novel "The Old Man and the Sea," this is a quiet hotel found at a safe distance from the boisterous city center. Located within the Hemingway Marina, it offers close access to numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The only disadvantage is that a taxi ride to the downtown zone will set you back between USD10 and USD15. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, each with its own refrigerator. Other amenities include a restaurant, scuba-diving center, tennis courts and activities that take place in the marina.