It's not clear what Batista's brother had in mind when he erected this modern concrete giant on Punta Gorda in the 1950s, though making money was probably the prime motivation. Still, the Jagua is a jolly good hotel – airy and surprisingly plush with modern common areas hung with revolving avant-garde art. Upper rooms (there are seven floors) are best.
The hotel complex also has a spa, souvenir shop, cabaret and one of Cuba's finest swimming pools (25m long and excellent for lap-swimming).