In the heart of downtown Cienfuegos, the Union hotel boasts a reborn classical motif and is a perfect mid-sized lodging for families, business, events or celebrations of any kind.

All 39 rooms, 11 junior suites, and two suites are arrayed around an atrium courtyard with tinkling fountain. The period decor is a romantic throwback in time, and the new two-tone ceramic floors and modern bathrooms bring the hotel into the 21st century. The amenities are as to be expected, including air conditioning, satellite TVs, radios, telephones, small refrigerators, and in-room safes. And bathrooms here, clad floor to ceiling in modern tiles, even have bidets and travertine countertops.

nd the hotel's Restaurant 1869 is undisputably the city's finest; the menu is unusually inventive for Cuba, although some dishes fall flat on their face. Bring a wrap or jacket, however, to fend off the Arctic air-conditioning. The bar here is cozier than most of Cuba's provincial hotels.