Martirena's Hostal was the best casa we stayed in during our trip to Cuba, so much so we extended our trip in Santa Clara for an extra night. We were made most welcome by Niury, Alfredo and their two sons, not forgetting their dog Theo :) . The accommodation we stayed in was absolutely wonderful and in the most perfect location, walking distance from everything. The photos completely undersell the property! Gorgeous details and art decorate the room and there is a beautiful outdoor area to relax and dine in the mornings and evenings. Niury is also a fantastic cook, preparing us breakfasts and dinners to the highest quality. Should you stay here absolutely choose to eat here!! Anyone who decides to stay here is in for the most pleasant surprise! Thank you Niury for making our stay in Santa Clara the best!

I think one heart is even a bit much to be awarding in this instance. At the end of our three week trip we arrived back in Havana to stay with Mary, not only were we not given the room we had booked for two nights, but we were told that we were staying in alternative accommodation 6 blocks away. I noticed that this was an overflow apartment, our passports were never taken and we never signed any documents to say we were staying in that location. Having arrived at the alternative accommodation we were put into a small dark box room, when we had booked a two bed, bright spacious room. An agreement was made that we pay 35 CUC per night for this small room instead of the 45 CUC that was required for the original booking - which is extremely expensive for a casa stay in Havana. Although we had a deposit paid for two nights we decided to leave the accommodation after the first night, as the room conditions were unbearable. When we tried to leave after paying for one night accommodation ,a woman who appeared to be Mary's daughter would not let us leave the house, she would not unlock the door and tried to barricade us into the apartment which was on the fourth floor. It was the worst experience we had during our entire visit in Cuba. I absolutely believe these people are scheming and greedy, using an overflow house and charging prices well above anywhere else. The pictures do not reflect the rooms in the accommodation. Having seen the wonderful pictures online we decided to spend a little more on this accommodation for our final two nights in Cuba as a treat. We could not have been more disappointed!