Apodaca 12 Hotel Boutique

Set into a row of narrow streets in Camagüey's old centre, Apodaca 12 occupies a villa built in the early 1900s and brought back close to its original state. The renovation kept the building's original bones, including the historic bathroom fittings preserved in one suite, while adding air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a backup generator that keeps power running through blackouts. It is a compact stay. Six suites are named for local places and figures, from the Jardines de la Reina archipelago to Ignacio Agramonte, the Camagüey patriot known as El Mayor, and range from 18 to 25 square metres, each with a double bed, fridge, safe and a window onto the interior garden. Common areas and the terrace are open to all guests. Downstairs, the bar pours Cuban rum and coffee alongside signature cocktails, in a room styled with vintage touches and a slower pace than the streets outside. The kitchen draws on produce, eggs and meat from a small farm the hotel runs outside the city, where guests can also arrange a Creole dinner or spend a day watching bees, pigs and orchards up close. Breakfast is available on request, and children stay free in existing beds, with a crib provided for those under five.