GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  The Palacio Azul Inn, in central Cienfuegos province, opened recently for international vacationers visiting that Cuban region.

The seven-room establishment, owned by the Cuban group Rumbos, is housed in an eclectic palace built in 1921, and offers excellent gastronomic options at the Chelo Restaurant.

Each room is named after a flower, so the ground floor holds Marilope, Azucena and Mariposa, while Orquídea, Dalia, Verbena and Margarita are on the second floor.

According to experts, restoration works preserved the architectural values of the building, designed by the Italian architect Alfredo Fontana.

Rumbos is holding negotiations to run the 20-room Palacio Ferrer Inn, located in the city's historic heart.