Unscrew the bottom of the coffee pot, add cold water and then the coffee, delicious Cuban coffee! Screw the coffee pot back together and place it on the stove. So far, everything as usual…But now for the new part! In a metal mug, sweeten it with honey and serve it in small cups. This is one of the traditional ways of making coffee in the most eastern part of Cuba.
Founded in 1515, among the first seven villages in Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is one of the most picturesque in the country. An exceptional city, where numerous values and attractions combine to introduce the visitor to the special characteristics of its inhabitants, its culture and history, whilst enjoying the exotic natural surroundings.
The spirit of joy and celebration is contagious throughout the city and also in its nightclubs, one of the most prestigious being the Santiago Café.
The Santiago Café can be found in the Meliá Santiago de Cuba, the only Five Star accommodation in Cuba’s second largest city. A modern building with 302 rooms and conveniently located very close to the Old Town and the Convention Centre.
HIGHLIGHTS include its large swimming pool with an area of 476 m2, divided into three sections, one for children, and surrounded by gardens and a solarium, as well as its varied gastronomic options, including gourmet, Italian and Creole cuisine.
The top floors of the hotel are reserved for The Level, a concept consisting of superior comfort accommodation, exclusive facilities and sophisticated touches. Personalised concierge service, free Wi-Fi, exclusive meeting room, exclusive TV-Lounge, privacy and attractive range of cuisine, from breakfast to dinner.
There are constant references in the hotel to the city and its people, in an effort to bring to its five star service the warmth and hospitality so characteristic of this destination. The nightclub is no exception: the ancient Metropolitan Cathedral, the popular Casa de la Trova, the old hotel Casa Granda, the home of Diego Velázquez and even the square of Parque Céspedes are all vividly depicted here, in worthy tribute to the most Caribbean of our cities.
Santiago de Cuba is proud to have been the birthplace of son, bolero and trova, but also of rum, which is always present at the Santiago Café. The stars of the menu are therefore two major brands of Cuban rum –Santiago and Havana Club– in their different ages, either on the rocks or as an ingredient in the finest cocktails: Cuba Libre, Mojito, Cubata, Presidente, Mary Pickford, Cubanito… filling your nights with the purest flavour of the Caribbean. And the rhythms? With live performances by the best local artists, of course, as there is plenty of talent in this city, also known as the “tierra caliente” (hot land) of eastern Cuba.
All these facilities will enable the hotel to be the focal point for a gathering designed for lovers of dance and good Cuban music to share with the locals their rhythms, characteristics and legendary hospitality. “Santiago de Cuba” Salsa Festival is the name of the event, to be held for the second time from 25 August to 1 September of this year, with various workshops, concerts, parties and dance contests. All dancers, whether beginners or experts, will find the hotel Meliá Santiago de Cuba to be the perfect host for a week bursting with Caribbean flavour.
