The Iberostar Grand Packard hotel is positioned at the forefront of the grand luxury sector in central Havana
In just a year, its fully equipped meeting rooms, prime location and specialised service have turned this hotel into a MICE segment leader
The Iberostar Grand Packard is celebrating its first anniversary, and the Iberostar Group is delighted to be marking the success of its flagship in Havana: a grand luxury five star hotel standing on the historic Paseo del Prado avenue, overlooking the famous Malecón esplanade and El Morro castle. During its debut year, the Iberostar Grand Packard has earned a consolidated reputation in the Cuban capital as a luxury venue, the result of the Spanish hotel chain’s determined efforts to introduce the highest international standards of quality and service in a hotel of outstanding character to Cuba. The unique nature of this magnificent hotel has placed it at the centre of Havana’s 500th anniversary celebrations, playing host to some of the major events organised to mark this milestone year.
The Packard is housed in an early 20th century architectural landmark. Taking its stunning façades as a starting point, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts embarked on a rebuilding project that was true to the original spirit, guaranteeing the renovation of the original construction and restoring it to its former glory. Improvements were also made to the facilities thanks to the inclusion of a superb terrace swimming pool, to name just one of many. The building’s fascinating and epic history has been retold in the book entitled Iberostar Grand Packard. En el corazón de La Habana (“The Iberostar Grand Packard. In the Heart of Havana”), the work of researcher Daniel Vasconcellos, with a prologue written by historian Dr Eusebio Leal. The book was presented in May this year at a major event attended by the authors, leading Cuban authorities, and Mr. Miguel Fluxá, Chairman of the hotel chain.
In addition to its superb architecture, the Iberostar Grand Packard offers the first class luxury standards for which the hotels in the Grand Iberostar category are renowned, including their impeccable customer service, tailored to meet guests’ every need. The Iberostar Grand Packard is also the chain’s only hotel in Havana to offer the exclusive Cosmos Level (previously known as Star Prestige), which delivers the highest standards of service in the hotel itself. Guests opting for this level will stay in superior rooms located on a floor with its own private reception, an area serving á la carte breakfasts, specially reserved spaces, a pillow menu and a team of expert concierges.
Over the course of its first year of operations, the hotel has played host to tourists from all four corners of the world who share a common denominator: the desire to explore Havana from the very heart of the city. The Iberostar Grand Packard, included in Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ city hotels segment, stands right in the centre of the Cuban capital, on the doorstep of Old Havana, making it a practical and exciting option for getting the most out of your stay and experiencing local flavour first hand. Apart from being the perfect gateway for exploring this stunning Caribbean city, the hotel offers the very best of Cuban culture, including its gastronomy and thrilling rhythms. Its Tradiciones and Gourmet restaurants serve up the intense flavours of creole cuisine, while the range of entertainment options include live music and dance shows featuring many of Cuba’s finest artists.
A successful hotel in the MICE segment
The long list of successes achieved by the Iberostar Grand Packard over the course of this year have also positioned it at the forefront of the MICE segment. Not only does it boast a prime location, but also a range of fully equipped, multi-purpose rooms. It delivers personalised service and care, and the amenities include a Business Centre with a capacity for up to 350 people in its five rooms, gourmet gastronomy, and entertainment and team building services. During this first year, it has hosted major events such as:
- 60 years of flights to Cuba by Iberia, the Cuba-Spain Business Forum, attended by authorities including the President of the Spanish Government
- Receptions and cocktail parties organised by the diplomatic corps
- The first edition of Havana’s Classic Car Parade
- The first edition of Gastrocult Cuba 2019
The hotel was also recently named a ‘Hotel School’ at the FORMATUR Higher Education Awards (the Cuban college providing professional training in tourism). This accolade not only recognises the skills and expertise of Iberostar Grand Packard staff, but also underpins the hotel’s strategy and commitment to training events.
