The historic Cadillac Hotel was rescued and re-opened in late 2008, after languishing and idle for decades. Great care has been taked to restore it to its orginal state and with period style fixtures, fittings and furniture. It is a significant triumph for Las Tunas, Islazul and the Minstry of Tourism.
The Hotel Cadillac was built in 1945 in the shape of a big ship and gives the impression of being anchored to the boulevard. Its central location allows easy access to the city’s historical, cultural and commercial centers such as the Jose Marti Plaza (with its sun clock and sea calendar), the Tunas Theatre, the Provincial Museum and the Major Gen. Vicente Garcia Gonzalez Memorial, a living memory of the leader who ordered the burning of the city on September 26, 1876 before turning it over to the Spanish enemy.
The small hotel has 8 standard rooms, 2 junior suites, night club, bar-cafeteria, and roof terrace.
The capital of the province is the city of the same name which lies 662 km east of Havana. The city, originally named Las Tunas was, in 1869, renamed Victoria de las Tunas, a title given it by its Spanish governor to commemorate a colonial victory over the Cubans. The name reverted to plain Las Tunas in 1895, following the battle in which the Cubans finally took back the city. These days Las Tunas is a centre for trade in the production of sugar and chemicals. There are two tourist hotels one (Hotel Las Tunas) located on the outskirts of the city, the other (Hotel el Cornito) 10km southwest.
A thorough exploration of the city’s places of interest can be undertaken in the time it takes to mix a mojito and drink it. Cerro Caismimu, a hunting preserve around 18km outside the city, is worth a visit if you’re that way inclined. Alternatively, the beaches around Playa Covarrubias on the north coast of the province are good for sunbathing, swimming and scuba diving.
The city itself is a friendly place and if you walk around the central square area you are bound to attract attention from curious locals.