Its prominent position on the Maceo -- the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare -- establishes Hotel e Gran as a central city landmark, where Ernest Hemingway once stayed. While it’s only five stories, the property rises high above the surrounding low-level buildings, and its cigar-brown “Hotel e Gran” sign plastered across the top can be seen from a distance. 

The hotel opened in 1939, but the building is a throwback to colonial architecture, with traditional interiors unfolding throughout. Though antique wood furniture, exposed-beam ceilings, and gilded accents are appealing, worn furnishings -- particularly the pool chairs -- dated linens, and mismatched decor are less so. However, that's the case throughout Cuba, and this property is a cut above average. On the upside, the open-air courtyard with a fountain is an enchanting spot, filled with hanging greenery, patterned tiles, and black wrought iron on tables and balustrade frames. 

Hotel e Gran Hotel attracts leisure travelers, including large groups flying in or out of Camaguey, so daily check-outs can seem like a mass exodus, after which the place calms down to a much more peaceful groove. 

Hotel e Gran Hotel is set right in the historic heart of Camaguey, on the main pedestrian thoroughfare -- the Maceo -- where shops and restaurants are in abundance. It doesn't get much more central, as all of the city’s museums, squares, churches, and sights are within walking distance. Highlights of interest within a five-minute stroll include Ignacio Agramonte Park, Museo Casa Natal de Ignacio Agramonte, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, Plaza de los Trabajadores, Maqueta de la Cuidad de Camaguey, and Iglesia De Nuestra Senora De La Merced. Camaguey Airport is about a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

Five floors of charming guest rooms at Hotel e Gran Hotel can be accessed via stairs or elevator. All have attractive mahogany antique-style furniture (headboards, armoires, desks), tiled floors, and apricot walls that all exude an old-fashioned warmth. Brass-framed pictures of colonial architecture perfectly suit the rest of the decor. Thin bed linens are less impressive, but they're typical for Cuba. Layouts vary, and Suites upsize floor plans with separate entrance foyers and larger bedrooms. There are French louvered windows, and some rooms open onto Juliet balconies with gorgeous views over the Maceo strip and across Camaguay. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and safes. Armoires contain extra pillows, blankets, and scales. Bathrooms feel fresh and clean, with neutral tiling, pedestal sinks, small walk-in showers, free soap in Standards, and extra toiletries in Suites. Some past guests have said that street-facing rooms can be noisy at night, so light sleepers should request rooms at the rear. 

Hotel e Gran Hotel offers an impressive lineup of amenities for this city. The elegant, all-day restaurant has views of the city and offers a free buffet breakfast with a la carte options. Although the buffet gets mixed reviews, we enjoyed a Cuban-style meal that was a standout. The 24-hour cafeteria has Wi-Fi -- a refreshing feature given that at most Cuban hotels, guests have to linger in the lobby for internet access. But like most properties in Cuba, purchasing an internet card is required. 

There are a large outdoor pool and whirlpool, and a patio with tables and worn deck chairs from which guests can watch a synchronized swimming show on some nights. But an even lovelier place to sit is in the open-air interior courtyard with a fountain and wrought-iron tables and chairs. The rooftop bar offers spectacular bird's-eye views of the city, and there's a second bar in the lobby.

The lobby also has a couple of small stalls selling local books, cigars, coffee, and souvenirs, and a tour desk can assist with arranging local activities. Hotel staff can arrange taxis and airport transfers.