I have stayed several times at Casa Miriam and have experienced that it has several advantages: a perfect location (the western part of Centro Havana) between Havana Vieja and Vedado and near the Malecon and, not least, a family atmosphere and large, airy and clean rooms. To me that speaks almost no Spanish, Yali (who along with her parents runs Casa Miriam) was/is of invaluable help. She speaks fluent English.
In addition, the street Lealtad in the district of Centro Havana, is a bit beyond the tourism cluster in the central parts of the city and the surroundings are very much "the real" Havana with small cafeterias, shops and friendly and hospitable habaneros.
I can really recommend Casa Miriam.
Leif Ryding, Sweden
www.rydingsplanet.com

Very good host - "Jareld" - forgot his Spanish name.
Very good breakfast and pork dinner, must try.

We stayed here for 5 nights.
There was some confusion when we arrived and the room we had booked, with private bathroom, had been let out to someone else. We were not disappointed with the alternative room we were offered though, a twin with a shared bathroom. The room had no window (a tiny 'skylight' only) but had a grand, tall proportions and a handy fridge stocked with water and beer you could purchase for a fair price. The bathroom was tastefully tiled, spacious and spotlessly clean. Miriam's daughter said that we could have a discount to compensate for not having the private bathroom until night 3, when we swapped rooms. The next day she changed her mind and offered us a complimentary large breakfast as compensation for the room. We accepted this because a good breakfast is hard to find in Havana, it was quite tasty and well cooked.
We continued to have the bread and coffee smaller breakfast at Miriam's for the rest of our trip. Miriam's daughter helpfully answered all our questions and her father was very patient with our grammarless Spanish, and we managed to have several pleasant exchanges with him.

The location is near to the malecon, a short walk from Havana vieja and all of the tourist attractions in central Havana.

The only downside was no hot water and, in both rooms, very old and saggy beds that will not suit you if you are used to a firm matress.

I had a wonderful stay. My room had a double bed, a nightstand, a table and a place to put my clothes. The ceiling was so high, making the room feel huge. I shared a bathroom with the guests in the room besides me, but never had a problem. The bathroom was large, new and clean.
I really enjoyed the neighborhood. While I didn't see many tourists I felt super safe walking, even at night (by myself). I loved sitting on the balcony watching children play baseball in the street and watching neighbors talk to one another. I was able to easily walk to Malecon and Old Havana.
When I arrived I asked for advice on where to take salsa lessons. Yali gave me an amazing recommendation. I ended up taking 2 hours every day for one week. I couldn't have been more happy.

I loved Havana, I loved staying at Casa Miriam and I can't wait to go back!