Was not sure what to expect from Casa Ana, even though it has great reviews on this site. Let me tell you, the great reviews are ALL correct. Ana and Pepe and their family and staff are all very friendly and happy, and completely welcoming in every way you could ask. Ana speaks brilliant English, and her genuine care and concern for everyone staying in her house is so valuable in a country where most people are very nice, but they don't care if you come or go. The house itself is kept impeccably clean by Ana and her staff and they do a better job than any hotel I've ever seen in Cuba. Food was great, breakfast was always delicious, and Pepe even made us sandwiches on night at 1am because we came home hungry. Their house is bright and beautiful and there's AirCon but you won't need it since there's always a nice breeze. Security was never a concern for me (and I was travelling with about $5000 in camera equipment) because the house is set up like a fortress (even though you never feel walled in at all). They have someone who stays awake in the front of the house the whole night, and there is always someone you know and trust home watching over your belongings during the day.
Pepe also speaks great English, is a fantastic dancer (ladies beware!!), knows all the best places to do things in and around Havana and can to book them for you on pretty short notice, he's knowledgeable about Havana itself, he knows the city like the back of his hand. He was looking through my digital camera and telling me what street certain random homes I had taken pictures of were on - they were just normal homes and he knew exactly where they all were! I wish I had the chance to go on a tour of Old Havana with Pepe, if you get the opportunity to go with him, take it. I will be returning to do a tour with him.
Cuba is a great country and Havana is an intense beautiful city, but I do not think my vacation would have been as good as it turned out to be if I had stayed somewhere else - so do yourself a favour and stay with Ana and Pepe. You'll be planning your return trip within 3 days of your arrival there...




