Ever walked into a place and just felt the humidity change? Not the sticky, gross kind of humidity, but that heavy, salt-flecked air that tells you you’re exactly where you need to be. That’s the vibe when you hit Havana Cabana: The Taste of Cuba. It’s tucked away on the Gulf side of Key West. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might miss the entrance because it doesn’t scream "mega-resort" like the Hilton down the road. It feels more like a colorful secret you’ve been let in on.
Key West is weird. It’s expensive. It’s loud. But it’s also remarkably soulful if you find the right corner. Most people go for the Duval Street madness, but if you want the actual aesthetic of old-world Cuba without needing a passport or a diplomatic headache, this is the spot.
What actually makes it "The Taste of Cuba"?
Let’s be real for a second. A lot of places slap a "tropical" label on a room, throw a palm tree print on the pillow, and call it a day. That’s not what’s happening here. The "Taste of Cuba" isn’t just a marketing subtitle they picked out of a hat; it’s a lifestyle choice. From the moment you pull up, you see the classic cars. We’re talking bright pink and turquoise 1950s Chevys and Fords parked out front. They aren't just for show, either. You can actually hitch a ride in them.
Imagine rolling down Roosevelt Boulevard in a 1957 Chevy Bel Air. The wind is hitting your face. You feel like a minor celebrity or maybe a time traveler. It’s cool.
Inside, the art is everywhere. Local artists and Cuban-inspired murals cover the walls. It isn't that sterile, mass-produced hotel art you find in a Marriott. It’s vibrant. It’s loud. It’s got texture. The lobby smells like espresso and lime.
The Pool Scene is the Heartbeat
If you’re coming here and you don’t spend time at the pool, you’re doing it wrong. Period.
It’s the largest pool in Key West. Is that a factual flex? Yes. But it’s also the hub of the entire property. They’ve got these massive cabanas (hence the name) and the Mojito Bar is right there. You’ve got to try the classic mojito, obviously, but they do these variations with watermelon or blackberry that are actually dangerous because they go down like water.
There’s music playing constantly. Not that generic elevator lo-fi stuff. It’s Buena Vista Social Club vibes. It’s reggaeton. It’s salsa. People are actually dancing by their lounge chairs. You don't see that at a boring business hotel. It feels alive.
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The Food: Floridita Food Truck
Food is where most "themed" hotels fail. They try too hard. But Havana Cabana: The Taste of Cuba keeps it focused. Instead of a massive, overpriced sit-down dining room where you have to wear a collared shirt, they have the Floridita Food Truck.
It’s genius.
You’re in the Florida Keys. You want to be outside. You want to be in your swimsuit.
The menu is a love letter to Havana. You’ve got the Cubano sandwich, which is the gold standard. They get the bread right—crunchy on the outside, soft inside, with that perfect press. The lechon asado (roasted pork) is juicy. They serve it with black beans and rice (moros y cristianos) that actually have flavor. A lot of places under-season their beans. Not here. They use enough garlic to keep vampires away for a century.
And the coffee? Cafe con leche. It’s strong enough to jumpstart a dead car battery. If you drink it at 4:00 PM, don't expect to sleep until tomorrow, but man, it’s worth it.
The Guest Rooms
Okay, let’s talk about where you sleep.
The rooms aren't massive suites, but they’re smart. The design is "Havana chic." Think dark woods, bright floral patterns, and louvered shutters. It feels breezy. They didn’t skimp on the bedding either. After a day of sun and rum, you want a bed that feels like a cloud, and these deliver.
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A lot of the rooms face the pool. If you like quiet, maybe ask for a high floor or something tucked away. But if you want to feel the energy, the pool-view rooms are where the action is. You can sit on your balcony and watch the sunset while the music thumps below.
The Logistics: Getting Around
One thing people get wrong about Key West is the distance. The island is small, but it’s not that small. Havana Cabana is on North Roosevelt Blvd. You aren't walking to Duval Street. Don't even try it unless you want a heat stroke.
The hotel knows this.
They run a shuttle. It’s consistent. It’s easy. They drop you off right in the heart of the historic district and pick you back up. It saves you probably $40 a day in parking fees alone. Parking in downtown Key West is a nightmare. It’s expensive and the spots are tiny. Take the shuttle. Or better yet, rent one of the bicycles the hotel offers.
Biking around Key West is the superior way to see the island. You can cut through the side streets, see the Hemingway House, look at the polydactyl cats, and then pedal back for a dip in the pool.
Is it for everyone?
Honestly? No.
If you want absolute silence and a library-like atmosphere, you’ll probably be annoyed. This place has a pulse. It’s a social hotel. You’re going to hear people laughing at the bar. You’re going to hear music.
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But if you’re looking for a vacation that actually feels like a cultural escape without the international flight, it’s a winner. It’s great for couples, but honestly, it’s even better for groups of friends. It’s a vibe.
Making the most of your stay
To really get the Havana Cabana: The Taste of Cuba experience, you have to lean into the rhythm of the place. Don't rush. Key West is meant to be slow.
- Book a Classic Car Tour Early. These get snapped up fast. Do the sunset tour if you can. The light hitting the water while you’re in a vintage convertible is peak vacation energy.
- The Mojito Passport. Sometimes they do these little challenges or specials at the bar. Ask the bartenders. They are local experts and usually have the best tips on which bars downtown aren't tourist traps.
- Check the Events Calendar. They often have live bands or themed nights. It’s better than wandering Duval Street looking for a spot that isn't too crowded.
- The Hammocks. There are hammocks scattered around the property. Find one in the shade around 2:00 PM. It’s the best nap you’ll ever have.
The reality is that travel in 2026 has become a bit homogenized. Everything looks like an Instagram filter. But Havana Cabana feels authentic because it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It knows exactly what it is: a celebration of Cuban heritage, Florida sun, and really good rum.
If you're planning a trip, look at their mid-week rates. Key West prices spike like crazy on Fridays and Saturdays. If you can swing a Tuesday-Thursday stay, you get the same pool, the same mojitos, and the same classic cars for a fraction of the cost.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Secure your transportation: Don't rent a car at the airport. Take an Uber to the resort and rely on their shuttle and bikes. A rental car will just sit in the lot and cost you money.
- Pack light: You need linen, swimwear, and a good hat. That’s it. The resort is casual. Even for dinner at the food truck, "fancy" means a clean T-shirt.
- Download a map of the "Old Town": While the shuttle is great, knowing the layout of the historic district helps you find the hidden gems like the Ernest Hemingway Home or the Butterfly Conservatory without wandering aimlessly in the humidity.
- Check the cruise ship schedule: This is a pro tip. Key West gets crowded when the big ships dock. Plan your "downtown" days for when there are fewer ships in port so you can enjoy the Taste of Cuba vibe without the massive crowds.
Enjoy the salt air. Drink the coffee. Take the ride in the Chevy. This is the version of Key West that people talk about when they say they want to disappear for a while.
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