While diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US have thawed during the Obama administration, the embargo still remains in place effectively. But companies like Marriott International (whose chief executive will accompany the President on his historic visit to the island later this month) are optimistic that Cuba will soon be a major investment opportunity.

China, meanwhile, also has it's eyes on the (Raúl) Castro-ruled country as well. For the sake of Havana and other Cuban cities' remarkable architectural heritage, here's hoping Cuba doesn't become the site for an ersatz-hotel-arms-race.

For related news, take a look at some other Cuba-specific Archinect content:

• Selling Cuba (Gehry's already there)
• The promises and problems of a Cuban architecture market
• Take a virtual tour of Havana's modern architecture
• A glimpse at Havana's rooftop dwellers as urban landscape transforms
• Airbnb now open for business in Cuba, despite anemic internet access

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