Casa in Havana, Cuba

Jason and Casey from the United States stayed with Homestay hosts Fanny and Randy in Havana. 'Casa Randy' is located half a block from the Prado and three blocks from the epicenter of everything. It's within walking distance to the Malecon, the Museum of Revolution, and the Gran Hotel Mazana. Fanny speaks Spanish, English, French, and Chinese and will tell you everything you need to know to navigate around the city and island. She wants to get to know her guests and learn about their culture as much as her guests want to learn about Cuba. She will help you navigate the city and excursions you might want to do, give you suggestions for restaurants and activities, and just help make your experience the best it can be.

Jason and Casey with their hosts Fanny and Randy

Tell us about your homestay experience.

Our Homestay experience was one of the best trips of our lives. I traditionally stay in hostels or AirBnBs, but Homestay allowed me to stay with a family who was eager to help us learn about their culture and they were eager to learn about our culture. This was a remarkable experience like no other because we were so enriched through conversations with our host family about their customs, traditions, and ways of life.

Room in 'Casa Randy'

What did you do in Havana?

We were surprised by the country's great pride in preserving its history and culture. We walked the entire city and visited museums, talked with local people on the streets and in restaurants, and enjoyed immersing ourselves into every inch of the fabric of Havana. The experience fully enriched us. The live music and night life are incredible experiences. Don't be too proud to let your hair down and dance where you feel the beat--it's part of the Cuban culture.

Havana streets

Any tips or advice for other travellers?

Take a double-decker tour bus your first day; you will see most of the major sites and get a general overview of the city. Don't pay for a classic car ride along the Malecon; rather, get a classic car taxi to drive you to the US Embassy and back to the Prado. This way is much cheaper. The food is incredible. However, vegetarian food is hard to find from locally owned families so you might have to go to "touristy" restaurants; black beans are always vegetarian so you have at least one staple. Take small gifts for your host family; Cuba is a very poor country and they are extremely appreciative of anything you take them. We took coloring books, toys, and bubbles for the children and monogrammed dish towels for our hosts. It was so enriching to share gifts with them.

How was your experience with your host?

Our host family, Randy and Fanny, were absolutely outstanding. They opened their home and their hearts to us and helped us understand their country and culture every way they possibly could. We learned about their government, their food, their customs, their educational and health care systems, and just how they live day-to-day. They became family to us and we will forever treasure our experience staying with them in their home.

There are not enough positive words to express how wonderful our experience was at Casa Randy with Fanny and Randy. They were absolutely terrific hosts and their home is in the perfect location in central Havana. We really feel like Randy and Fanny became great friends of ours. They are part of our chosen family, now.

Hosts Fanny and Randy with their two kids

Going on your own Cuban Adventure? Check out all our

Homestays in Cuba

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