Nora is a great host. She is a very helpful, sincere, and warm person who tries her best to make the traveler feel comfortable in her country. She got us taxis and arranged it so that we could go to the airport early in the morning and not being ripped off. When we left for Trinidad, Cuba, and also to Cancun, Mexico, our flight was really early in the morning, but she also got up early to see us off. It was very touching and moving and I felt like she was my big sister. The breakfast made by Nora's sister Hermana, consisting of tropical fruits and egg tortilla, for 3 convertible pesos, is memorable too. You can feel that Nora truly feels pride in accommodating tourists, without commercial motive being the priority (in contrast to the casa we stayed in Trinidad). We had a whole annex to ourselves, with a kitchenette with fridge and a small hob, living space and the room. It would help bringing mosquito net because mosquitoes may be a nuisance to sleep. Thank you Nora and the family.

The casa from Nora (the lady who 'owns') is the perfect place to stay when you just arrived in Habana. As we are talking about a casa particulare don't expect 5 star luxury. You will get a good room with a new badroom for the general Cuban Casa price (25cuc).
Nora is very kind and makes you feel very welcome. She will explain you the necessary things you need to no before exploring Cuba and Habana. Good points are that she speaks English and that you can book through email/website (casaterraza.com).
For everybody who reads about the location: It is located in Centre Habana. This is not Habana vieja (the place where you walk around most). Walking towards there is 15 minutes (3 cuc (= about 3 USD) by official taxi, 1 by 'Cuban taxi'). Advantage is that you are closer to Habana Vedado, which you also have to see.
She also offers breakfast and dinner for a reasonable price.
For me the most welcome place I have seen in Habana.

A friend and I took a 10-day trip to the island this past spring....it was the first time for both of us. I had read a very positive review of La Terraza on a Lonely Planet discussion board and I appreciated that there was a website in English and we were able to book in advance directly with the owner.

We were welcomed by the gregarious and warm owner, Nora, and her mother. They served us a great espresso before showing us to our room. Our room was simple but very clean. As she was at capacity in her "main" house, we stayed one floor upstairs, next to her daughter and son-in-law. Our room was next door to a rooftop terrace overlooking central Havana.

The best part of staying at La Terraza was the experience of getting to know Nora and her family. I was very excited to visit the Literacy museum in Havana and when inquiring about its location, Nora revealed she had been a volunteer during the literacy campaign early in the revolution. She shared with us many stories of this experience and other such experiences in her life....I feel truly grateful to have had an opportunity to connect with such an amazing woman.

Nora's friend offers breakfast each day. I think we payed 5CUC. Breakfasts can be served on the main terrace and offer that great cuban coffee, freshly squeezed juice, an omelette, roll and a variety of fresh fruit.

Nora's place is conveniently located. The neighborhood is not as polished as Old Havana or other parts of Havana. I really like the fact it seemed more "real" and "authentic" and we never felt unsafe -- even though at night walking around its so dark due to the lack of electricity. Yet, I am a New Yorker so perhaps my level of tolerance is higher than the average person.

Nora was able to arrange a reservation for Trinidad and that was also a good experience.

Overall, i could not have asked for a better introduction to Havana & our time in Cuba. I will stay with Nora again and hopefully soon she may be able to stay with me!

Our two weeks in Cuba were AMAZING, and we owe most of that to Nora and Mesa, the owners of this casa particular. Their house is beautiful; very old spanish-style architecture with an outside terrace in the middle of the house. The rooms were perfect and quaint, the food (Nora's sister cooks breakfast, and her daughter the dinner) was delicious, and both her and her husband are a wealth of knowledge about Havana and the country in general. Nora went entirely out of her way to ensure that we had a good stay at her home, and then helped us plan the rest of our two weeks in Cuba. She introduced us to friends in other spots in Cuba, helped us with transportation, and answered any other little day-to-day questions that we had tons of! I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND staying here. Centro Habana is the place to be if you want to get a great feel of what Cuba is all about. It is bustling, busy and crazy though - so it's nice to be able to come home to a quiet place where you really can unwind, relax and feel right at home.