We were so happy to have decided to stay in Punta Gorda which is a very pleasant walk along the sea front to the town, rather than choosing accommodation in Cienfuegos itself. Hostal Don Jose is in a quiet street parallel to the main road. Mariela and her husband, Jose, have a lovely villa, which is efficiently run, but homely at the same time, with 2 apartments on the first floor off a private terrace, and there is another double room on the ground floor. Our accommodation was very comfortable with an en-suite bathroom and a separate kitchenette which, although we didn’t use, would definitely be a plus for guests staying more than a couple of days. There was ample storage for our luggage and we were able to hang up our clothes. The room was attractively decorated, and was cleaned on a daily basis. Breakfast was served on the terrace and on request, Jose, who is a keen and competent cook, made us a scrumptious 3 course dinner which included a very tasty lobster. Hostal Don Jose deserves to do well.

Casa Orialis was the perfect place to start our Cuba holiday. The elegant house has been recently restored. It is situated in a very convenient area of Havana, close to the famous Hotel Nacional and the Malecon. Our room, with ensuite shower, was quiet, attractively furnished, with lofty ceilings and a comfortable bed. Aymeet, the housekeeper, is the person who makes Casa Orialis special. She is capable, efficient and above all, very helpful. She will do whatever she can to make your stay a pleasurable and memorable one. Rooms are cleaned on a daily basis, and the breakfasts are tasty and substantial, so much so that we didn't eat again until the evening. We can highly recommend this private home.

We only spent a short time with the delightful Idaisys and her charming French husband, Alex, as they were flying to France for a short visit, but they left us in the warm, affectionate hands of her mother and father, who made our two day stay in Viñales a memorable one. Casa Idaisys is tucked away in a quiet lane off the main Viñales high street. Most of the homes here are similar to look at, one storey villas with front porches and rocking chairs. But few of these will be home to such a loving family. For breakfast we were spoilt with pancakes, along with fruit, toast, juices and jams, and we ate our evening meals with the family, including grandmother, who all had a tale to tell. Our double room with en-suite shower was comfortable, quiet and clean, and although this is important, more importantly we were allowed into the intimacy of this particular Cuban family’s heart.

Fanny’s home is in a prime location, being very close to the Prado, which is the main artery running from the Malecon to the Parque Central, and is within easy walking distance for both Havana Vieja and Central. You will have to climb approximately 70 steps to the third floor, which is sufficiently high to be away from the vehicle noise of the Prado and will enable you to look at the Havana skyline, or witness every-day life unfolding below. Our room was quiet, clean and simply furnished, with the privilege of an en-suite shower room and a very welcome silent air conditioning unit, which is somewhat rare to find in Cuba, allowing us to have a good night’s sleep in the comfortable bed. Breakfast, (included in the room price) is a healthy, hearty meal which set us up for the day. Along with the plates of fruit, eggs, bread rolls and coffee, Fanny made some delicious fresh juices (carrot one day and lime another). However, the jewel in this humble crown undoubtedly is Fanny herself, who always had a genuine, ready smile, gave endless time and advice to our countless questions and has a good command of English. All in all you cannot ask for more than someone giving of their best.