You know you're in for a visual treat as you snake uphill to this three-star hotel perched on the precipice of a mogote (limestone hillock) with dramatic vistas across the Valle de Viñales. Designed in neo-colonial fashion, La Ermita hotel is laid out in a kind of half-moon around spacious lawns studded with an attractive Olympic-size swimming pool. The Las Terrazas restaurant, decorated country style and serving a motley menu of continental and traditional criolla fare, overhangs the valley – a superb setting. The mood is enhanced by live troubadors. Make the most of breakfast here, but you're better off dining in the village by night.

Hotel La Ermita accommodations are in four two-story blocks with shaded porches or balconies with Adirondack chairs. Choose your room carefully, as some of the blocks are angled at ninety-degrees to the valley. A few older rooms are further back and don't have quite the same enthralling views. Rooms are kept spic-and-spac, although at last visit they showed visible signs of aging. Ceiling fans help keep things cool, and there's air-conditioning for those who prefer. Furnishings are utlitarian – nothing fancy here – and things could be improved with better quality mattresses. But overall, rooms are comfy enough and, let's face it, unless it's raining you're going to be out exploring.

It's a 30-minute downhill hike into town, but taxis are usually on hand outside the hotel. Must-see attractions include Prehistoric Mural, Palmarito and Ancon valleys, etc.

 Air conditioning

 Bar

 Barbecue

 Children’s swimming pool

 Daily activities programme

 ecological excursions programme

 Entertainment programs

 Fax

 Garden

 International cuisine

 Internet on hotel's PCs

 Massage

 Mastercard & Visa (not USA bank issued) accepted

 Medical services

 Modern building

 Money exchange

 Poolside snack bar

 Reception staff speak Spanish, English, French, German, Italian

 Restaurant

 Shop(s) with basic supplies, souvenirs & gifts

 Swimming pool

 Telephone - National & international calls

 Tennis courts

 TV room/bar (international channels/videos)

62 standard room; all are spacious, have air-conditioning and private bathroom.

 Air Conditioning

 Balcony (subject to availability)

 Bathroom (ensuite)

 Double Beds

 Hot & Cold Water

 Satellite TV

 Telephone

 Twin Beds