When you picture yourself in Habana, you’re sure to fantasize about riding in the back of a shiny, classic 1950’s bomber along the Malecón. White waves crashing up and over the seawall, salted drops in the air as you take in the sounds and sights of this 500 year old city. After you’ve checked that iconic moment off your list, we invite you to experience a barrio in Centro Habana grounded in music, heritage, and culture.
HABANA HAS SO MANY STORIES TO TELL. THE STORY OF CAYO HUESO IS ONE THAT WE FELT WAS ON THE VERGE OF BEING FORGOTTEN.
Our 11-room boutique hotel and cultural space is located in the iconic neighborhood of Cayo Hueso. We chose to restore this building at the heart of the barrio for its architectural beauty, but mainly because we’re a collective of artists, creatives, and dreamers who connect with the musical and cultural roots of Cayo Hueso — birthplace of Cuban rumba, filin, and Afro Cuban santería culture.
BICI-TAXI YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MOST MUSICAL BARRIO IN HABANA
Lately, our favorite way to explore the neighborhood of Cayo Hueso is by open air bici-taxi. Lined up outside the hotel are a fleet of local drivers ready to show you El Palacio de la Rumba and Parque Trillo — both deeply important venues to the developement of Cuban Rumba, the ancestral drum and dance tradition added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
We're all about immersing ourselves, our guests, and the greater Caribbean community deeper into the generational percussion traditions of rumba through the lens of artists who were born in the Neighborhoos of Cayo Hueso. Among them are Juan and Samuel Formell, Omara Portuondo, Los Zafiros, Los Rubalcaba, Pedrito Martínez, and many more. Artists past and present relaxed and played here. Their contributions not only make up Cuban cultural identity, but had an impact on music, film, and architecture on a global scale.
¡Nos vemos en Cayo Hueso!
Below are a few images from our Misa Pa Chano, a concert at Parque Trillo during the International Jazz Plaza Festival in January 2023. We honored neighborhood icons Chano Pozo and Juan Formell in a multi-generational concert open to the public.
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