Several floors in the building appear to be completely destroyed in the photos published in local media.
Extensive rescue work is underway at the site, according to the Cuban authorities, who state that at least four people died in the accident.
The cause of the explosion is said to be a gas leak, according to the state news channel Canal Habana.
Renovation work is said to have taken place at the five-star hotel, writes the news agency AFP.
More people may be trapped under landslides, according to Cuban authorities.
Photo: Adaberto Roque / TT
The article is updated