CUBA TRAVEL U.S.

'The Friars' is a 22 room hotel (18 rooms - 4 minisuites) just opened (2001) in the heart of Old Havana steps from the majestic convent of San Francisco de Asis and the populous Old Square. The former mansion of the fourth Marquis and Captain of the French Navy, Don Pedro Claudio Duquesne, it was once visited by the finest nobility, ecclesiastical dignataries, military authorities, renowned artists, and the best of creole and foreign society. The hotel is excellently furbished around a monastic theme it takes very seriously. Bronze monks, crucifixes and Gregorian chants abound. The air-conditioned rooms are basically cells with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, minibar, national and international telephone access and safety deposit box. Fax machine and photocopy access. Visitors will be awed by the many attractive highlights, particularly the decorative and sacred works of art and courtyard waterfall. All of the staff, even the maids, are sheepishly dressed in ersatz sackcloth and cowls. Moderately priced. Highly recommended.