I'm sorry to say that my experience of Pepe & Rafaela's casa fell so short of expectations that in all honesty I cannot recommend a stay with them. Sure, their first floor 1912 property is architecturally impressive, but their attitude is not at all acceptable and quite frankly it defies belief that they come recommended. In my 3 weeks in Cuba Pepe displayed the rudest and most arrogant manner of any individual I had the experience of meeting. In country where most people are hospitable, friendly and polite, his character stands in stark contrast. As his casa occupies a prime listing in the Lonely Planet guidebook, he has clearly become over-complacent, and realises that he does not actually have to make an effort any more. He has a network of others to whom he sends those he cannot accommodate (and takes a cut in the process). He is too ready to judge, criticise and dismiss others' opinions and has a tendency to treat his guests with contempt. When not grumbling he and his wife barely communicate, and when they do it is usually to pursue an argument. In 20 years of travelling throughout the world, this is the first time I have come away with such a sour taste that I have to publicly report that I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone. Incidentally, during my time in Havana a guidebook author was also staying (anonymously) at Pepe & Rafaela's and had such a bad time that the listing is coming OUT of the next edition.

I've just had a terrible experience at this casa and would not recommend it at all.
I reserved a room for the 18/04 in order to catch my flight from Havana on the 19th. When I arrived on the 18th I was told it was fully booked. The owner made a mistake and had booked a room for me on the 14th instead of the 18th. He would not recognize he made a mistake in the reservation and even blamed me because I had not cancelled the reservation for the 14th that I am 100% sure I had not made ! When I said I was very worried because I was left without any room reserved and with all my luggages in the middle of Havana the guy told me I had a very bad character ! Then when I told I did not appreciate this kind of service the guy straightly told me to go [--] myself ! I could totally understand the guy had made a mistake in the reservation at least if he had said sorry, but I cannot tolerate to be insulted !!!

Pepe and Rafaela are absolutely fantastic hosts. My friend and I stayed with them for two nights. We were staying in Havana on three seperate occassions within a month and everytime we went back there.
The second two times Pepe was fully booked, but he, without hesitation, picked up the phone and called round his friends and found us a place to bunk.
A really funny guy and a charming house with great views of Old Havana streets from the 1st floor.
If you want a really 'real' place to stay, one of Pepe's friends house 'Casa Eldo' affords the most spectacular views of Old Havana and the Capitolio. You do however have to sleep in what is literally a shack with a loo right next to the bed. Really worth it if you don't mind roughing it.