American companies designed and built the Nacional, and as soon as it was completed, tourists from America flooded the hotel's spacious reception areas, dining rooms and gardens. Unfortunately, like most other hotels in Cuba, the Nacional declined precipitously after the Revolution. Finally, in 1990 the government decided to renovate the hotel and bring it back to its showpiece status. Unlike most other hotels in Cuba, the Nacional does not focus on the package tour business, giving it an altogether more professional and luxurious ambiance. The Nacional is now a major business center in Havana.
Businessmen are in abundance, speaking English and Spanish and making deals.
The Havana Libre hotel used to be where the deals were made, but the power center is quickly moving to the Nacional. There's even an executive floor in the hotel with concierge service, meeting rooms, faxes and computers. However, this doesn't mean that you can't come to the Nacional just to relax and enjoy the Cuban weather and culture. The main swimming pool is large and extremely welcoming after a hot day spent on the Havana streets or visiting cigar factories. There are few things better in Havana than taking a quick dip in the pool and then sipping an ice cold Cuban beer while overlooking the cityscape or the bright blue Caribbean.