Casa Ricci is in a good location in Havana Vieja, tucked down a side street from Plaza Cristo. Easy to walk to most sights, museums, etc. Rooms are clean and well equipped (fan and air con, excellent bathroom). Ricci is charming and helpful. Rooms open onto a narrow part-covered courtyard, so limited natural light in the rooms themselves. Breakfast taken in the courtyard (fresh fruit, juice, tea/coffee, eggs, bread) there's also a sitting room overlooking the street.

In the past 4 years my husband and i stayed at Ricci's 4 times, each time for a week on average. The place is wonderful, very well run, super clean, perfectly located. Two lovely colonical bedrooms, each with modern private bath, fan and air conditioning. The street and surrounding area are very safe. Most imporantly, Ricci is an incredibly lovely and helpful person who makes you feel at home and otherwise respects your privacy. it's perfect for those who want to see the real Cuba (as opposed the "all inclusive" resorts with their color coded wristbands which exclude real Cubans) while at the same time staying in comfortable accomodations.

Another thing: unlike many other owners of guest houses, Ricci honors all reservations made directly with her, or through a booking agent. Here a word of caution: many first time visitors arriving in Havana (or any other Cuban airport) who have reserved with a private guest house are often told my an unscrupulous cabdriver that the house they want to be taken to is either "bad" or booked out. They are then taken to another (typically inferior) house where the driver gets a commission. The owner of the house with the original reservation ends up with their room staying empty (and they have to pay steep government taxes by the day, whether the room is rented or not).

We would not dream of staying anywhere else in Havana, and we are looking forward to our next trip, and our next stay with Ricci in the Calle Cristo!

Ricci can be reached by email at ricci_hosp@yahoo.es, or by phone at 07-863 0382.

Highly recommended!!

The Casa Particulare experience is not to be missed when visiting Cuba. Casa Ricci is a great place to stay. Rooms are big with fair sized ensuite. Hot and cold water. Really friendly staff - particularly love kids (we took our 4 year old who loved it). Great breakfasts. Really close to the beautiful sites of Habana Vieja. You can take in a volleyball game on the adjacent corner of the park if you are lucky. We would recommend staying here and choosing the casa particulares as accommodation all over the island.

Reserved thru internet with Casa Chez Nous, as they were without vacancies inquired if i woulnd`t accept to stay some days in Casa RICCI what proved to be the best option.
Rooms are big with private bathroom comprised; Extremely clean so I could stay with bare foot on ground; Hot and cold water available, plenty!
Nice, polite and friendly staff which will prepare a tasteful breakfast.

A room costs 30 CUC + 3 CUC per person for a breakfast. It worked for me and shall do for anybody interested for a central B&B next to all attactions in Havana. Also fine for sleeping, breakfast day off and back again for giving ones feet a break. Availability of Ricci family and staff is a must.