Mariposa

“An Island of Tranquility on the Edge of Habana”

Although far from the hurly-burly of Habana Vieja and Vedado, if you are driving in from Pinar del Rio on the Autopista Nacional, the Mariposa is right at the western edge of the city, and convenient for continuing on the next day to Jose Marti International Airport, or just for hanging out in a re… more

Although far from the hurly-burly of Habana Vieja and Vedado, if you are driving in from Pinar del Rio on the Autopista Nacional, the Mariposa is right at the western edge of the city, and convenient for continuing on the next day to Jose Marti International Airport, or just for hanging out in a relaxing atmosphere. During my two month visit to Cuba last year, I was a guest at the Mariposa twice: once, when I first arrived back in Habana from more than a month travelling in the center and Oriente, and a second time for a week, after having residency problems staying with my friends in nearby San Agustin/La Lisa. Both stays were outstanding. I would especially like to thank Maria Elena, of the carpeta (front desk), who quickly and efficiently took care of any requests, and was a wealth of information on local public transporation options, and Marlena, of the housekeeping department, who patiently helped me through several days of "Hatuey's Revenge," (acquired, no doubt, from "street food" in the Oriente, or from snacks eaten on the "Tren Frances" from Santiago de Cuba to Habana). I'd also like to thank Arnel, Jorge, y Reynaldo of the hotel's staff, who also fixed the problem with the tv set, looked in on me, or brought curative herbs, bananas, dry bread, etc. during my illness and recovery. The Mariposa has lovely landscaped grounds, with large trees shading the hotel. I had a balcony room overlooking the swiming pool and poolside bar. A wall which surrounds the property, muffles the sounds of nearby highways. There is an on-site restaurant (suitable for breakfast and lunch, and even, in a pinch, dinner). The waitress there was the most pleasant and efficient on any I had experienced in Cuba, even handling, all by herself, a delegation of 20 Americans on a church aid mission), and an indoor bar, which also serves light meals. I spent many mornings sitting on the poolside patio, writing in my journal. On weekends, this area is sometimes rented Cuban families celebrating "quincianeras" for their daughters. If you want to visit Habana Vieja or the Vedado without spending a $25 cab fare, this can be accomplished by turning left at the entrance of the hotel, walking down a half-block, then boarding a P-14 Metrobus, which will take you all the way into the city. Although very inexpensive (only around 40 Cuban centavos=40% of a national peso, and one national peso equals 1/25th of a tourist convertible peso), it can be a bit trying, as passengers are jammed in as tight at sardines (though if you board way out by the Mariposa, in Novia de Mediodia, you are often able to get a seat). It is recommended that you hail an "almendron" (Cuban name for jitneys, usually old American cars, that ply regular routes in Habana). You can catch one near the front entrance of the Mariposa. Some go only as far as in front of the Hospital Frank Pais, on Avenida #51, in La Lisa, from which you'll have to catch another "almendron" into the city; others go all the way from in front of the Mariposa to the Vedado and "downtown" Habana. These will cost you between $1 (days) or $3.00 (nights), depending on their route, but be sure to tip the driver at least that much, too, and make sure you have the correct change, either in national or convertible pesos. I loved the Mariposa and I feel its staff are like family. hope to return again, this time with my wife and/or(grown) daughters.

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