EXELLENT, and highly, highly recommended. Michele and his family have a lovely casa and the rooms are large, bright, airy and spotlessly clean. They are amazing hosts. Michele arranged my taxi pickup from Havana airport and was there to meet my plane when I arrived. During my stay the breakfast each morning (included in the room price, and worth the price of the room!) was huge and delicious, served in the private, sunny guest kitchen. The best coffee, eggs, fruit, cereal and toast with nutella that I've ever had in Cuba! The guest area I was in was on the second floor with a private terrace and separate entrance from outside. I would have stayed for the entire month here, but had already made arrangements at another casa, right on the playa. As it was, I walked to and from the playa all 3 days I was here - a decent 30 minutes, but I wanted the exercise. Michele's brother took me on his motor bike once and it took less than 5 minutes to the gorgeous sandy beaches of Playa Santa Maria. Alternatively there are frequent buses (almost free at 5cents) or local taxis (collectivo $1 or $2 CUC's).
The tiny village of Barreras is perfect for travellers wanting to get to know the real Cuba, and Cubano's. A pretty, rural town with a church, a few little shops (bakery, local market), a bank, and flower-lined streets, it's a pleasure to simply walk around. A small cafe/bar/restaurant is 50 meters from Michele's casa and serves cheap, good food - limited selection of menu items of course, but when you can get a freshly toasted tuna panini sandwich or a Biftec or hamburger on a bun and a cold beer for under $2.50 who's complaining?
Thank you so much Michele, your lovely wife and daughter, I will return soon!
A+++ Chino, Jamel & Honey are perfect hosts! Chino and Honey (their daughter) are fluent in English, and Jamel understands most. They are helpful with everything: local info, taxis, directions, and in my case loaned me a cell phone when mine got water damaged!!
The house is impeccable, clean, clean, clean. I stayed for over a month and every 1 - 2 days bed sheets were changed and the entire apartment was cleaned. I was welcomed like a family member, but allowed my own space entirely. I swam in the pool a few times and it is clean and refreshing.
Right next door to the Casa is a kiosk where I bought good home-cooked meals (chicken, rice, salad) beer, pop, and candy (cigarettes are sold but I don't smoke). Across the street is another kiosk which sells bakery items, cakes, sweets, coffee etc. You really never have to leave the area! Cojimar, is truly colourful with lots of people, music and energy. It's very safe and I walked the streets daily and at night and felt very comfortable. Chickens and goats are housed in local backyards, many homes homes have dogs and a few roam the streets and are super friendly and well behaved. Cats are around but rarely seen. I had the best month of my life here and I plan to return soon. I love these people and this place!!
Muchas gracias Chino, Jamel & Honey! xxx