We're in walking distance from all the most iconic landmarks of the city: Old Havana, Bodeguita del Medio, Capitolio, Hotel Inglaterra, Chinatown, Calle Obispo, Floridita, Plaza de Armas, Vedado and many craft markets. The room is very quiet and equipped with AC, freezer, private bathroom. Right on our street, Galiano, there are plenty of Cuban restaurants, bars, shops, theaters and salsa clubs. O
ur home is right in the middle of both worlds: Old Havana and Vedado. The casa is only three blocks from the Malecón Seadrive, on the lively Galiano street. The wifi spot is only two blocks away. The room offers both privacy and quiet since it is located on the second floor of the apartment, completely detached from any source of noise. The apartment is located on the first floor of a four-story building. The building has a main entrance, and the apartment is accessed through an interior marble staircase that leads to the first floor. The apartment has the structure of a duplex. It is quite modern inside but still holds some of the unique features of the 50's architecture. The main floor includes a kitchen, the host's master bedroom, a living-room, a dining room and a service area. The large Spanish-style windows in the living-room act as balconies and allow you to contemplate Cuban life and enjoy the breeze coming from the sea, which is merely 3 blocks away. The second floor includes the guests' suite with its private restroom. It also has air conditioning, 24-hour hot & cold running water and a fridge/freezer. The bedroom has a window which allows for plenty of natural light. For your privacy and comfort, you will be given a set of keys upon check-in, as well as a business card in case you need to show the address. Guest Access
You will be allowed to access the whole house except for the host's bedroom. You can use the fridge on the first floor, as well as the microwave and kitchen utensils. Upon arrival, I will show you around the entire house for you to get familiar with the place and the way the keys, the shower and the switches work. Feel free to make yourself at home! Interaction with Guests
Feel free to become part of the house. Cubans are very warm and hospitable! Although I only speak a little English, I will try to help you in any way possible to make your stay special and memorable. I'm a Spanish and Literature teacher, so you could even have some private Spanish lessons spiced up with various elements of the rich and diverse Cuban culture. It would definitely help you understand and appreciate Cuba's uniqueness. (Lessons' prices vary depending on the amount and duration). The Neighborhood
The apartment is located at the beginning of Galiano street, in the lively CentroHabana neighborhood. It is very safe and there's always plenty of movement since it's one of the most important avenues in the city. Here are some famous places of Interest in walking distance from the house:
• Casa de la Música (Salsa Club)
• Malecón Seadrive
• Havana´s Capitol
• Central Park
• Inglaterra Hotel
• International Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras"
• Shopping Center La Epoca
• Revolution Museum
• Fine Arts Museum
• Old Havana
• Hotel Nacional
• Calle 23, La Rampa
Getting Around
Havana is a city of pedestrians. Most of the biggest attractions, especially in Old and Centro Havana, are relatively close together, and walking will give you a taste of the city from a citizen's viewpoint. It's hard to get lost, considering most of the streets are neatly organized into grids. Car taxis are metered and cost 1 CUC to start and $1 CUC per kilometer in cities. Taxi drivers are in the habit of offering foreigners off-meter rate that usually works out very close to what you'll pay with the meter. The difference is that with the meter. Bici-taxis are big pedal-powered tricycles with a double seat behind the driver and are common in Havana. The fare should be clearly understood before you hop aboard. By law, bici-taxis aren't allowed to take tourists (who are expected to use regular taxis), and they're taking a risk by carrying foreigners. Colectivo & Máquina
Colectivos are taxis running on fixed, long-distance routes, leaving when full. They are generally pre-1959 American cars that belch diesel fumes and can squash in at least three people across the front seat. State-owned taxis that charge in convertibles hang about bus stations and are faster and usually cheaper than the bus. Bus
Very crowded, very steamy, very challenging, very Cuban – guaguas (local buses) are useful in bigger cities. Buses work fixed routes, stopping at paradas (bus stops) that always have a line, even if it doesn't look like it. You have to shout out ¿el último? to find out who was the last in line when you showed up as Cuban queues aren't lines in the normal sense of the word. Buses cost a flat CUBAN PESO $0.40 or five centavos if you're using CUC. You must always walk as far back in the bus as you can and exit through the rear. Make room to pass by saying permiso, always wear your pack in front. Other Things to Note
Ckeck-in time will be 2 pm
Check-out time will be 11 am. Depending on availability, you can stay longer in the room. After check-out, you can leave your bags stored in the living room until 5 pm.
