About one mile southeast of Nuevo Gerona, amid woodsy surrounds on the eastern bank of the River Las Casas (a suspension bridge leads across the river), this small hotel is run by the Gran Caribe group after years as a totally unimpressive "also-ran" in the Gaviota chain. It's rather a sad testament to the state of things on Isla de la Juventud that this desultory hotel is the best option.

The post-modernist Cubist design makes bold use of the local gray marble hewn from nearby mountains peaking over the treetops. The complex is built around a swimming pool, which draws local families on weekends, when the music gets cranked up and guests seeking peace and quiet are plain out of luck. Facilities here are meager. There's a plain restaurant with gray marble sparkling underfoot, plus a small games room.

The 20 air-conditioned and spacious bedrooms are in two-story blocks, each of four units. Although rooms were recently refurbished to serve foreign tourists, they're still only functional, with simple rattan decor. It's location by the river is an invitation for hungry mosquitoes, with you as the meal.