Hello travelers of the @worldmappin community!
Today, I have the pleasure of presenting to you an emblematic jewel of my country: the bar-restaurant "Polinesio," located in Havana, Cuba, inside the Tryp Habana Libre hotel.
This place is a preserved treasure, renowned for its variety of atmospheres, gastronomic options, and excellent service. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal, a moment of rest, or simply to experience exceptional service from the hotel's staff.
Come along on this journey—let’s savor the adventure together!
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First, let me begin with a quick photographic recap of this iconic hotel.
With its striking eclectic architecture, the building stands proudly in the heart of Vedado—a historic gem dating back to 1958. Inside, you’re greeted by a grand lobby filled with vintage furniture, antique decor, and equipment that whisper stories of the past, each piece brimming with nostalgia.
As we stepped inside, we settled in to reserve our table at the restaurant and ordered a 'cortadito'—a Cuban espresso cut with just a splash of milk—lightly sweetened to my taste. Payment was seamless: a quick QR scan to complete the transaction in local currency (CUP).
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While we waited to be called into the bar, I was struck by its unique decor - still life art pieces and bold white and red painted designs that felt truly original. One particularly impressive feature was a detailed scale model displaying the entire hotel complex, including the pool, guest rooms, and terraces.
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Inside, it featured a beautiful exhibition gallery, with prominent artists from the island, showcasing different trends and styles that fuse here with contemporary conceptual and aesthetic airs, synthesizing form and content from the diverse perspectives contributed by its creators.
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All of these paintings have great meaning and their own message. They suggest an intimate and structural exploration of a personal universe, where every "corner" could represent a dimension of identity, memory, or the artist's perception.
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You can appreciate nude works of a beautiful, erotic Cuban woman, traditions, and a rich island culture.
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This interpreter, based in the capital, has created many works. I have never been able to learn his name, but I can see that his style is unique in the entire country. His paintings are displayed even in luxury hotels; the most interesting part is that they are valued between 500 and 3000 dollars—quite expensive, but unique for their faces, a characteristic style of the author.
His designs are a very original NFT-style.
---
As you can see, all these paintings express a surreal and critical perspective, using powerful symbols and intense colors. They touch on themes of fashion, gossip ("malas lenguas"), and the imaginative projects of their artists.
It was a bit complicated to take the photographs because of their glass covering, but they turned out better than expected.
---
Stepping into the legendary 'El Polinesio' bar-restaurant, I discovered its authentic TIKI culture entrance - a style born in 1930s America, inspired by the mystique of Polynesian islands.
At the door, a welcoming host introduced us to the venue's unique architecture, founding year, signature offerings, and the fascinating history contained within these walls.
---
The dramatic transformation takes your breath away - as you step inside, the lighting dims to reveal an opulent space steeped in tradition. Strategically placed air conditioning units maintain perfect climate control, ensuring guests' absolute comfort.
The centerpiece? Those magnificent globally-recognized 'Peacock Chairs' - their iconic throne-like design practically demands royal-worthy photo sessions. (And of course, we obliged with our own regal photoshoot!)
---
The walls showcase carefully preserved artwork and photographs that tell the hotel's storied past - portraits of famous personalities who visited during its early decades alongside vintage shots of the restaurant in its heyday, all meticulously maintained as living pieces of history.
---
This space, home to the legendary Tiki cocktail bar (where rum blends with tropical fruit juices), dazzles with its totemic decor. At the heart of this iconic venue lives a culinary legacy that has shaped generations of Cubans.
To step inside is to be transported an exotic world of flavors and sensations that whisks guests away to forgotten paradises, where pleasure reigns supreme.
---
The space features authentic South Pacific fisherman’s baskets and hand-carved wooden idols as part of its immersive decor. Every piece is crafted from precious hardwoods—some imported, others sourced locally—adding layers of artistry to the ambiance.
---
Since the 1960s, dining at El Polinesio has always been a special experience, celebrated for its exotic dishes and signature flavors.
Let me walk you through their menu- featuring an enticing selection of traditional Asian and Oriental cuisine. All prices are listed in CUP (Cuban Peso), the national currency. International visitors can conveniently pay with Visa/Mastercard or in USD/EUR.
To start, we ordered Chinese ‘Wong Tong’ dumplings (aka maripositas) with sweet-and-sour sauce, paired with two ice-cold lemonade frappés—perfect for beating the summer heat.
Every bite was exceptional: the dumplings boasted a generous, savory filling, and the drinks were refreshingly crisp.
---
For our main course, we went with two orders of Arroz Frito Polinesio con Camarones (Polynesian-style Fried Rice with Shrimp) – absolutely delicious and bursting with flavor! The portion size was just right, and for the price? 100% worth it. Highly recommend!
---
The bar was a living gallery of Tiki culture—everywhere you looked, intricate carvings and sculptures paid homage to Polynesian deities and legendary figures. Each piece whispered stories of the islands.
---
Behind the glass, two barrel-shaped clay ovens glow with smoldering macurí wood—where meats are smoked to perfection using an ancient, secret recipe. These legendary pits are rumored to produce the island’s finest 'asado'.
---
The walls surprise you once more with enigmatic effigies of Ku (the Tiki god of war), Lono (patron of agriculture), and Kanaloa (mother of waters and the sea).
You’re immersed in a singular mytholog
¡Hola viajeros de la comunidad @worldmappin! Hoy tengo el placer de presentarles una joya emblemática de mi país; el bar-restaurante "Polinesio", ubicado en La Habana, Cuba, dentro del hotel Tryp Habana Libre. Este lugar es un tesoro conservado, destacado por su variedad de ambiente, opciones gastronómicas y excelente servicio. Ya sea para disfrutar de una deliciosa comida, un momento de descanso o simplemente para recibir una atención excepcional por parte de su personal del hotel. ¡Acompáñame en esta lectura y vivamos junto la experiencia!---
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First, let me begin with a quick photographic recap of this iconic hotel.
With its striking eclectic architecture, the building stands proudly in the heart of Vedado—a historic gem dating back to 1958. Inside, you’re greeted by a grand lobby filled with vintage furniture, antique decor, and equipment that whisper stories of the past, each piece brimming with nostalgia.
As we stepped inside, we settled in to reserve our table at the restaurant and ordered a 'cortadito'—a Cuban espresso cut with just a splash of milk—lightly sweetened to my taste. Payment was seamless: a quick QR scan to complete the transaction in local currency (CUP).
Primero que nada, empezaré dando un breve resumen fotográfico de cómo es el hotel con su arquitectura al estilo ecléctico ubicada en el corazón del Vedado, con un inmueble que data de 1958. En su interior cuenta con un amplio lobby, muebles, equipos y adornos antiguos con historias, lleno de recuerdos. Al adentrarnos nos sentamos para reservar el restaurante y pedimos un café cortado, con poca azúcar para mi gusto, el pago se hizo por transferencia en moneda nacional mediante QR.---
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While we waited to be called into the bar, I was struck by its unique decor - still life art pieces and bold white and red painted designs that felt truly original. One particularly impressive feature was a detailed scale model displaying the entire hotel complex, including the pool, guest rooms, and terraces.
En lo que nos llamaban para entrar al bar, me impresionó su decoración con el arte de naturaleza muerta, pintadas de color blanco y rojo muy original. Además de una maqueta que incluía todo el hotel en general, la piscina, habitaciones y terrazas.---
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Inside, it featured a beautiful exhibition gallery, with prominent artists from the island, showcasing different trends and styles that fuse here with contemporary conceptual and aesthetic airs, synthesizing form and content from the diverse perspectives contributed by its creators.
Es su interior presentaba una bonita galería expositiva, con artistas destacadas en la isla, sobre distintas tendencias y estilos que se fusionan aquí, con aires contemporáneos desde lo conceptual y lo estético, sintetizando forma y contenido de las disímiles miradas que aportan sus creadores.---
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All of these paintings have great meaning and their own message. They suggest an intimate and structural exploration of a personal universe, where every "corner" could represent a dimension of identity, memory, or the artist's perception.
Todas estas pinturas tienen gran sentido y mensaje propio, sugiere una exploración íntima y estructural de un universo personal, donde cada “esquina” podría representar una dimensión de la identidad, del recuerdo o de la percepción del artista.---
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You can appreciate nude works of a beautiful, erotic Cuban woman, traditions, and a rich island culture.
Se pueden apreciar obras al desnudo de una bella cubana erótica, tradiciones y una rica cultura isleña.---
---
This interpreter, based in the capital, has created many works. I have never been able to learn his name, but I can see that his style is unique in the entire country. His paintings are displayed even in luxury hotels; the most interesting part is that they are valued between 500 and 3000 dollars—quite expensive, but unique for their faces, a characteristic style of the author.
His designs are a very original NFT-style.
Este intérprete a continuación, ha realizado muchas obras en la capital, su nombre nunca lo he podido saber, pero si veo que su estilo es único en todo el país. Sus cuadros se exhiben hasta en hoteles lujosos, lo más interesante es que están valorados entre 500 a 3000 dólares bien caros, pero únicos en rostros caracterizados por el autor. Son un estilo NFTs muy original sus diseños.---
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As you can see, all these paintings express a surreal and critical perspective, using powerful symbols and intense colors. They touch on themes of fashion, gossip ("malas lenguas"), and the imaginative projects of their artists.
It was a bit complicated to take the photographs because of their glass covering, but they turned out better than expected.
Como pueden ver, todas estas pinturas expresan una manera surrealista y crítica, utilizando símbolos potentes y colores intensos. Sobre modas, malas lenguas y proyectos imaginativos de sus artistas. Eran un poco complicado realizar las tomas fotografías por su cubierto de cristal, pero salieron mejor de lo esperado.---
---
Stepping into the legendary 'El Polinesio' bar-restaurant, I discovered its authentic TIKI culture entrance - a style born in 1930s America, inspired by the mystique of Polynesian islands.
At the door, a welcoming host introduced us to the venue's unique architecture, founding year, signature offerings, and the fascinating history contained within these walls.
Ya pasando a disfrutar del famoso bar-restaurante "El Polinesio", les comentaré que su entrada es de cultura TIKI, surgida en los años 30 por los Estados Unidos, que se inspirada en las islas polinesias. En la puerta había una seguridad que nos presenta el local, su estructura, años de fundación, sus ofertas y la historia que contiene el espacio.---
---
The dramatic transformation takes your breath away - as you step inside, the lighting dims to reveal an opulent space steeped in tradition. Strategically placed air conditioning units maintain perfect climate control, ensuring guests' absolute comfort.
The centerpiece? Those magnificent globally-recognized 'Peacock Chairs' - their iconic throne-like design practically demands royal-worthy photo sessions. (And of course, we obliged with our own regal photoshoot!)
Es impresionante como cambia la iluminación a oscuras, cuando entras, su lujo es así por la tradición que implica, además contiene varios aires acondicionados que dan un ambiente climatizado y agradable al consumidor. Estas enormes sillas son nombradas a nivel mundial "Pavo Real" dado su forma de creada y por supuesto no podían faltar las tomas fotográficas en ellas, al estilo trono.---
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The walls showcase carefully preserved artwork and photographs that tell the hotel's storied past - portraits of famous personalities who visited during its early decades alongside vintage shots of the restaurant in its heyday, all meticulously maintained as living pieces of history.
En sus alrededores se encierran cuadros de arte que se exhiben, inspiradas en las personalidades que visitaron el hotel durante sus primeras décadas, también fotos del restaurante en épocas pasadas, bien conservando todo.---
---
This space, home to the legendary Tiki cocktail bar (where rum blends with tropical fruit juices), dazzles with its totemic decor. At the heart of this iconic venue lives a culinary legacy that has shaped generations of Cubans.
To step inside is to be transported an exotic world of flavors and sensations that whisks guests away to forgotten paradises, where pleasure reigns supreme.
Este espacio, junto a la famosa coctelería tiki, hecha a base de rones y zumos de fruta tropical, es de increíble decoración totémica. En el corazón de este lugar legendario forma parte un imaginario gastronómico de generaciones de cubanos. Entrar es sumergirse en un mundo exótico, lleno de sabores y sensaciones que transportan al cliente a sitios paradisíacos, antiguos, donde lo primero es el disfrute.---
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The space features authentic South Pacific fisherman’s baskets and hand-carved wooden idols as part of its immersive decor. Every piece is crafted from precious hardwoods—some imported, others sourced locally—adding layers of artistry to the ambiance.
Presenta nasas de los pescadores del Pacífico Sur y los ídolos tallados en maderas nobles como parte de la ambientación. Todo es tallado en Maderas preciosas, unas traídas de otro país y algunas de la nación.---
---
Since the 1960s, dining at El Polinesio has always been a special experience, celebrated for its exotic dishes and signature flavors.
Let me walk you through their menu- featuring an enticing selection of traditional Asian and Oriental cuisine. All prices are listed in CUP (Cuban Peso), the national currency. International visitors can conveniently pay with Visa/Mastercard or in USD/EUR.
Desde los años sesenta, ir al Polinesio fue siempre una experiencia muy especial, y en ella sus exóticos platos y su emblemática sazón característico. A continuación les mostraré la carta con todas las ofertas que brinda, contando con un atractivo menú de platos de la cocina tradicional asiática y oriental. Todas de pago en CUP la moneda nacional que circula en el país, pero si eres extranjero puedes también pagar con tarjetas visa, Mastercard o simplemente pagar en USD o EURO.---
To start, we ordered Chinese ‘Wong Tong’ dumplings (aka maripositas) with sweet-and-sour sauce, paired with two ice-cold lemonade frappés—perfect for beating the summer heat.
Every bite was exceptional: the dumplings boasted a generous, savory filling, and the drinks were refreshingly crisp.
Para entrares nos pedimos unas Maripositas chinas "Wong Tong" acompañado con salsa agridulce y dos limonadas Frapé bien frescas para el calor de verano. Todos con un excelente sabor, las maripositas con un relleno abundante y delicioso.---
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For our main course, we went with two orders of Arroz Frito Polinesio con Camarones (Polynesian-style Fried Rice with Shrimp) – absolutely delicious and bursting with flavor! The portion size was just right, and for the price? 100% worth it. Highly recommend!
Ya pasando al plato fuerte, ordenamos dos Arroz Frito Polinesio con Camarones, la verdad bien rico y exquisitos al paladar. La porción era aceptada, en cuanto a los precios, lo recomiendo.---
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The bar was a living gallery of Tiki culture—everywhere you looked, intricate carvings and sculptures paid homage to Polynesian deities and legendary figures. Each piece whispered stories of the islands.
Se notaba la gran cantidad de esculturas, tallas y cultura que Tiki que había en el bar, muchas inspiradas en dioses y grandes personalidades.---
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Behind the glass, two barrel-shaped clay ovens glow with smoldering macurí wood—where meats are smoked to perfection using an ancient, secret recipe. These legendary pits are rumored to produce the island’s finest 'asado'.
Estas dos tapas con dos hornos de barro en forma de tonel que se ven tras un cristal con la leña de macurí ardiendo, es donde se ahúman unas especiadas carnes elaboradas según una receta inmemorial y secreta. Dicen que el mejor asado de la isla se elaboran en ellas.---
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The walls surprise you once more with enigmatic effigies of Ku (the Tiki god of war), Lono (patron of agriculture), and Kanaloa (mother of waters and the sea).
You’re immersed in a singular mytholog