This is one of my favourite cigar shops in Havana and I'm not alone. I know many people personally who love this shop and many of my readers have expressed how much they enjoy this place as well. What's not to like....tucked away in Old Havana, it's a true cigar smokers hideaway. Only aficionados in 'The Know' have any idea where this place is. Reynaldo is an amazing host who is always ready with a hug and takes good care of you regardless how much you spend. I've been coming here for years, sometimes I buy and sometimes I don't but Reynaldo has always taken very good care of me. Let's not forget Jorge, the house roller, who rolls some of the best cigars in the city (country). Since Reynaldo's responsibilities have increased, Jorge has been rolling most of the cigars....and what a great job he does. Almost everyone I know that smokes cigars, knows this shop and it's cigars.
The building (or house) was built in 1714 and by the mid 1800's was owned by the Villanueva family, hence the name given to the hotel. By the early 1900's the building was sold and performed various functions. In the 1950's the building was transformed into multiple family dwellings and was the beginning of the end of it's deterioration. After that it was turned into a warehouse. In 1998 the building was restored and turned into a hotel with the idea to cater to cigar smokers. The 9 rooms have been named after tobacco plantations and the paintings and photography that hang on the walls mostly depict cigar life. Of course let's not forget the amazing cigar shop.
This is a must visit for any cigar aficionado but the architectural value of the property itself is also very pleasant. There's also a restaurant on the ground floor. I ate there many years ago and remember enjoying my meal but can't comment on how it would be like today. I can tell you that the decor and feel of the place is very nice. I took my meal in the courtyard rather than the restaurant...very enjoyable with the house peacock walking around.
Pay them a visit upstairs in the cigar shop and please let Reynaldo know that I say hello. By all means please try one of their cigars but be aware that there are a couple of blends. If you don't like your cigars too strong make sure to let them know, the original blend was a 'kick you in the butt' but they have since created a milder one for guys who couldn't handle it.
Conde de Villanueva LCDH
Calle Mercaderes 202
Habana Vieja
tel. 07 862-9293
The building (or house) was built in 1714 and by the mid 1800's was owned by the Villanueva family, hence the name given to the hotel. By the early 1900's the building was sold and performed various functions. In the 1950's the building was transformed into multiple family dwellings and was the beginning of the end of it's deterioration. After that it was turned into a warehouse. In 1998 the building was restored and turned into a hotel with the idea to cater to cigar smokers. The 9 rooms have been named after tobacco plantations and the paintings and photography that hang on the walls mostly depict cigar life. Of course let's not forget the amazing cigar shop.
This is a must visit for any cigar aficionado but the architectural value of the property itself is also very pleasant. There's also a restaurant on the ground floor. I ate there many years ago and remember enjoying my meal but can't comment on how it would be like today. I can tell you that the decor and feel of the place is very nice. I took my meal in the courtyard rather than the restaurant...very enjoyable with the house peacock walking around.
Pay them a visit upstairs in the cigar shop and please let Reynaldo know that I say hello. By all means please try one of their cigars but be aware that there are a couple of blends. If you don't like your cigars too strong make sure to let them know, the original blend was a 'kick you in the butt' but they have since created a milder one for guys who couldn't handle it.
Conde de Villanueva LCDH
Calle Mercaderes 202
Habana Vieja
tel. 07 862-9293
