Sleek on the inside, a blue-mirrored monster on the outside, the 1990s-designed Meliá is Santiago's only 'international' hotel with a laundry list of amenities hard to find elsewhere. Count on real bathtubs in every room, three pools, four restaurants, various shopping facilities and an elegant 15th-floor bar. The downsides are its location on the outskirts and lack of genuine Cuban charm.
Nonguests can get a day pass (CUC$20) for the pool.