Casa Havana - casa Guantanamera

The house
It is an old Spanish colonial house 'Guantanamera' has been completely restored in the old colonial style. But with modern elements for your comfort: a new bathroom (2024), air conditioners, 110 and 220 v, complete kitchen (equipment) and bathroom. The furnishings: living room (room) with rocking chairs, French doors, connection to the kitchen. There is a small patio with plants and also an additional salon. Furthermore, two bedrooms with (air conditioning) for 4 people.

The house is named after  writer Joseite Fernandez. He wrote the world famous song 'Guantanamera',

Hostesses
You will be pampered by our aunts (Saily, Jacquelin and Liliane). If you wish, we will take care of everything (washing, ironing, meals, transport and excursions). We can also tailor a tailor-made program for you in Havana, but also (including transport) to the most beautiful destinations: the valley of Viñalles (2 travel hours) and Trinidad (4.5 travel hours).

The Neighborhood
The house is located in Centro Habana, the working-class neighborhood of Havana. a fifteen minute walk from Parc Central with the Capitolio. The street Salud is very interesting. Here you will find a number of mypimes. These are small shops where you can buy basic necessities (water, crackers, flowers, fruit and vegetables, lemonade, juice, spaghetti, etc.).   It is a ten-minute walk to the (sea) boulevard (the Strait of Florida), the Malecon and within five minutes you are in Vedado (street 23 La Rampa) by shared taxi (collectivo).

The experience
Swing open the wooden doors on the street side, sit in the rocking chair, have a cold beer or a delicious Cuba libre, and look outside. Cuban (social) life walks and rolls past you. It is as if you are sitting in a movie set with: old American cars, Russian Lada's, peddlers with vegetables, fruit, bread etc. and especially the melting pot of colorful people. 50 meters away in street Salud is an excellent restaurant (Flor de Lota) and a pizzeria Mimosa with tasty pizzas. Also available for takeaway!

Transport
The best way to discover Havana is on foot. You have quick contact with people and you see people working in professions that we no longer know. Cubans don't throw anything away, all things are repaired or recycled. Bicitaxis are available around the corner with street Zanga. If desired, our uncle Ramon will take you  to any destination in Havana and the surrounding area.  The pick-up point for the scheduled service (linea) by old American classic car to Vedado, is located in calle Neptuno. Havana is easy to explore by bike. We have some bicycles for rent. If you wish, please indicate this when booking. Bike rental (MTBs)  Costs per day € 10.00 per bike. Rent per week € 50,-..

Money
Preferably bring cash from your country (preferably euros or dollars) and exchange them in Cuba for the local currency (pesos). It is best to pay with the Cuban peso. Don't exchange that money with the Cuban state, but do it with our family. That's safe and we'll offer you a good rate). The price fluctuates. Look for a comparison on the site El Toque. Cuba is a safe country, but changing on the street is  not recommended. Do not exchange at a bank, or a hotel, or a bureau de change. Pay with pesos as much as possible and keep your euros, dollars and credit card out of sight. ́Tengo solo pesos. ́

Service
At an additional cost you can purchase services (meals, drinks, washing and ironing, and as you could already read: transport and excursions.
In Cuba, most fresh produce is organically grown, so healthy (no inseticides). Our aunts serve an extensive breakfast with delicious fresh fruit while you quietly prepare for a new day. For dinner we serve Criollo dishes at daily prices: with chicken, beef, pork or fish). We also arrange vegetarian and vegan food for you.

Protection
Are you aware, prepared and do you take into account a stay in the Tropics (sun, vaccinations, hygiene). Be careful when eating at street stalls (there are many good restaurants by the way, we have a list!).. The hygiene in Cuba is different from what we are used to in our (Western) world. . Our advice is to buy water, available in bottles of 0.5, 1.5 to 5 liters. We are happy to take care of that for you. Fruit is fine and readily available everywhere.

Safe
Cuba is an extremely safe country, but don't take any risks and keep your valuables safe in our house (safe). All doors are equipped with good locks and bars. Sit back and surrender to the intense experience of Cuba, the climate, the music and the wonderfully relaxed Cubans.

House rules
We expect our tenants to handle the property and the items in the house with care. You need permission to allow non-pre-registered guests to stay in the house.  We work on the basis of trust. You can smoke in the open patio of the house or on the street.

Need more info?
Send us a message and we'll get back to you soon.