Hoteles E in Remedios: A charming story

The Hoteles Encanto (Hoteles E) project is part of a national strategy to promote cultural tourism in cities throughout the country, and Remedios—the birthplace of the famous Parrandas festivities—is an exceptional example of the successful implementation of this idea.

In a city that is a jewel of Cuban heritage, these hotels stand just steps from the San Juan Bautista Church, in meticulously restored colonial buildings.

Remedios: The beautiful city

The name San Juan de los Remedios, better known as Remedios, refers to a municipality and city located in the northeast of the central province of Villa Clara, formerly Las Villas province.

The city was founded in 1513 by the Spaniard Vasco Porcallo de Figueroa, following in the footsteps of the Adelantado Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. It is considered the eighth villa founded in Cuba by Europeans; although some historians claim it is the third oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba, preceded only by Baracoa (1511) and Santiago de Cuba (1515).

It is located 5km from the northern coast of Cuba and 10km by road from Caibarién.

On its website, the Cubanacán Hotel Group notes that the historic center of Remedios was declared a National Monument in 1980, and the city boasts several well-preserved examples of 17th-century Spanish architecture.

Among its Hoteles Encanto are:  Hotel E CAMINO DEL PRÍNCIPE, Hotel E CASA BAUSÁ, Hotel E REAL, Hotel E LEYENDAS, Hotel E MASCOTTE and Hotel E BARCELONA, which we will explore in more detail.

Hotel E Barcelona

Address: José A. Peña #69 e/ La Pastora y Antonio Maceo. Remedios. Villa

Opened in 2012 in San Juan de los Remedios, this hotel features 24 rooms, including 9 double rooms, 5 junior suites, and 1 accessible room. It was awarded a 4-star rating in 2016 under the Hoteles E brand. The hotel boasts early 20th-century décor and offers rooms with views of the main square and church, all equipped with air conditioning, hot water, and satellite TV.

Additional amenities include a bar and breakfast area with light dining options for up to 36 guests, as well as Wi-Fi access.

The building itself dates back to the 19th century. It was initially the home of the de la Torre y Rojas family, and on April 25, 1926, it opened as the Hotel E Barcelona. A second floor was added, and the building remained in use as a hotel until 1931. It later served as a municipal courthouse and warehouse until 2009, when it was transferred to the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR).

Source: Sol de Cuba