Cuba is getting its first five-star hotel – a 246-room establishment in Old Havana.

The project will open this spring, less than a year after the country opened itself up to tourists from the US.

The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is located within the historic Manzana de Gómez building in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The iconic building was built at the beginning of the 20th century as Cuba’s first European-style shopping arcade, and has now been taken over by the luxury Swiss hotel group Kempinski.

Guests will be able to choose from a luxury rooms and suites that range in size from 430 square-foot to the 1614 square-foot presidential suite.

There will also be a rooftop terrace and swimming pool with views over the old town, a 1,000 square-foot spa, three restaurants, several boutique stores and a cigar lounge, for those wanting to indulge in some of Cuba finest smokes.

Since Americans began to visit the city in their droves last year, the country has struggled to catch up with the accommodation on offer.

There are now a string of luxury hotel projects in the pipeline though, with Kempinski’s launching first.

Markus Semer, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, said: “Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana will be Cuba’s first modern luxury five-star hotel.

“Its location within a famous historic building currently makes it the most exclusive hotel project in Old Havana.”