La Casa de Carlos y Graciela: All In The Family

 

Esta opinión sobre la Casa de Carlos y Graciela,  la escribió Rerwin, una excelente amiga  de Estados Unidos, quien se alojó con nosotros a inicios de 2015.

 Le estoy muy agradecida por su comentario sobre La Casa de Carlos y Graciela,  nuestra casa particular donde alojamos a viajeros que pasan sus vacaciones en la capital de Cuba, está ubicada en el mismo corazón de la Habana Vieja. He decidido dejarlo en ingles, el idioma original porque trasnmite de corazón lo que piensa sobre nosotros. 

La Casa de Carlos y Graciela: All In The Family

For so many travelers, a luxury hotel is an oasis, there to shield you from the clamor of the city.

But La Casa de Carlos y Graciela has turned this idea on its head: Instead of a quiet private space, this bed and breakfast seems to function as an entire micro-neighborhood with pedestrians (passing by), tourists (inquiring about availability), Spanish lessons (offered for an additional tiny fee), antiques (glassware, postcards, jewelry, rosaries, coins, etc. for sale), cooking lessons (learn how to make ropa vieja), and tours (countless suggestions of places to visit and things to do off the beaten path).

For the record, this is not your ordinary home away; nevertheless, know if you do need some quiet time or alone time, it can be found on the second floor that encompasses a spacious kitchen with a grill top island, a small TV/DVD player, a large refrigerator, and two air-conditioned bedrooms: one with a full size bed and one with a full size bed plus an added single bed (can be removed if need be). Both rooms share a separate large tiled bathroom with lots of fresh towels, soap and an abundance of hot water. (Water pressure is average everywhere, including five-star hotels, due to government regulated water improvements throughout the province.)

In addition, the veranda allows you to benefit from daily trade winds while you relax in the large hammock. Unquestionably, the rooftop is spot on for catching lazy rays on the cozy lounge chairs or stargazing at night.

This spirited space is a reflection of its owners who adore flora and fauna, farm to table meals, reflective conversation… all within comfortable indoor and outdoor settings of vintage finds mixed with modern amenities.

Price to rent the second floor is 65 CUC per night (pronounced “kooks”).

In a former review, I reported that Mr. Carlitos Senior had moves like Jagger.

Confirmed, he’s still going strong.

Amir (also known as Carlos Junior or Carlos Amir) still hasn’t rested on his laurels! The man continues to roll “Gangham Style” and it shows. The herb patch is now a bonsai garden housing a small pet turtle; while, the resident hummingbird still holds court.

Thank goodness!

Hands down, you’re getting the best deal in the city, and nothing compares to the spacious, clean location, the camaraderie and the Cuban hospitality you’ll be privy to during your stay regardless of the weather.

So if I were you, I would book pronto.

Parque Central is a five-minute walk from the casa as well as the Hotel Plaza should you need to make international calls, exchange money or visit the business center for Internet usage (dial up). Various local markets are less than two blocks away where you can purchase ice cream or bottled water or even toothpaste should you forget to pack a toiletry item.

The Malecon is four blocks away just past the Museum of the Revolution or hire a taxi and head to Santa Maria Beach, just a mere 10-minute drive to see one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

For history buffs it’s a stone’s throw from Plaza de la Cathedral that showcases 18th-century baroque architecture. For art deco fans, it’s two blocks from the master itself, Bacardi Building, where for 2 CUCS you can visit the roof via the elevator for a panoramic view of the city.

Last but not least, barflies will love the proximity to 304 O’Reilly’s Gin Bar, Sloppy Joes and NAO Paladar.

Granted, lots of people travel the globe to many places and everyone wants the sole encounter.

Green flag!

This is your encounter… Amir y Graciela approach each day knowing they can make an extraordinary influence on each person who passes through their door. OMG! They’re so outgoing, humorous, smart and just downright good people.

We don’t ever get to pick our family but in this case, before your arrival to Cuba, you can!

I have no hesitation that once you “join” this delightful community, you will store fond memories in your trip journal, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone.

German writer Goethe probably said it best, "We are all shaped and fashioned by what we love.”

He’s right.

I find La Casa de Carlos y Graciela irresistible and may I suggest… you will too!

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