Recently transferred to the Cubanacán brand, this small and intimate hotel enjoys a tremendous position just two blocks from the main square in downtown Santiago de Cuba. It opened as an eight-room hotel in 2004 after being converted from a colonial mansion. The hotel retains its colonial ambience thanks to thoughtful antique reproduction furnishings. Needless to say, facilities here are limited to the tiny lobby bar and adjoining restaurant. But you're not here for a spa etc. This place is also about simple comfort and heaps of charm.

The handsome features include glazed colonial tiles in the hallways, and modern bathrooms that compete with far more expensive competitors. The guest rooms are around a classic atrium courtyard. All have modern tile floors, mahogany furnishings and handsome spreads, plus satellite TVs and air-conditioning. Be warned, though, that street noise begins around dawn and doesn't let up until late at night.

This isn't quite the boutique hotel billed by Cubanacán, but it comes close.