Our Habana trip started at the airport w a bang when we jumped into Matteo and Celine's immaculately restored Dodge convertible for a ride to their beautiful house. Under the shade of a massive Chirimoya tree, their home feels like a jungle sanctuary, giving shade to the giant windows of our 2nd Flr room.
Their house is in Barrio Cerro walking distance to La Plaza de la Revolucion, Central Habana, Habana Veijo and Vedado. A quiet area of familys and schools, Corona Cigar factory, Estadio Latinoamericano and a lovely walk to cemetery Necropolis Cristobal Colon. Their immediate neighbor is the
Rivera Studio. An art gallery and work space that features outsider art. Owners William and Derbis are amazing people who have created a venue and support for seldom celebrated artists with physical or mental handicaps. Incredible.
We felt very safe and completely at home in Cerro and in Habana everywhere we went. Though the Cerro is very tranquil, completely devoid of the exhausting tourist hustle that you will encounter in Central and Veijo. Their neighborhood is flanked by larger avenues with groceries, restaurants and you can flag a taxi to anywhere. Matteo and Celines house felt like our own home (but much cleaner). They had meals available, wifi, coffee, beer, an amazing roof top patio, refrigerator and stove..everything needed. AND the BEST SHOWER in CUBA! They also offer trips in their fabulous car to countryside or beach. Fantastic hosts! Amazing home! Highly recommended!!