Reviews Casa Aleido
Feb 4 2015
Name: Karen
Country: London England
I stayed here at: 01/01/2015
I made a reservation through Cuba-Junky
Casa Aleido
My review: I am so lucky to have found Cassa Aleido and the extended Aleido family. From the moment I arrived I was greeted with open arms big hearts and a bloody strong Cuba Libra, this was the recipe for my entire stay with Aleido.
Aleido is a beautiful person always accommodating in every way :) he introduced me to his friends and nothing was ever too much trouble. I was due to stay for 15 days but I ended staying for nearly my entire trip to Cuba. I like to travel by myself so to find such an amazing bunch of people so quickly was an added bonus.
Aleido, Maielin, Pippo and Alexis looked after me so well ! Maielin and Pippo prepared breakfast any time I wanted it, this always set me up for the day until Aleido's delicious dinners, I did try the food elsewhere but always came back to Aleido's and Alexis found me good takeout when needed. Aleido is very well connected to find you other cassa's in Cuba if you plan on traveling. I went to Trinidad for a few days and stayed in a cassa Aleido recommended but I must say I was glad to get back to Aleido and family, I'm a city girl at heart so Cassa Aleido and Habana is the place for me.
The cassa is very clean, colourful and lively at times a true Cuban oasis in the heart of Habana, not to be missed.
How was your room?: My room was spacious and airy with a shower/bath and kitchen area, not that I needed it. I also had access to a lovely roof terrace. I have problems with my back so as soon as I mentioned that the mattress was too soft the boys sprung into action and changed it. The room was cleaned every couple of days by Maielin and Pippo so the room was always very clean.
How was the food they offer?: The food was a true taste of Habana, delicious, plentiful and made with love. Thank's for keeping me fed and watered Aleido, I needed it.
Other services they offer: Maielin or one of the family will always be happy to do some washing for you. Pippo is always on hand to go and pick up stuff for you. Basically anything you want someone will try and arrange or get it for you, Its far more than a five star service.
Other comments: Cassa Aleido is the a true Cuban experience.
Jan 28 2015
Name: Rik Tanghe
Country: Belgium
I stayed here at: 02/01/2015
I did not make a reservation
I paid 30 CUC
Casa Aleido
My review: Very clean, very kind, nice food.
How was your room?: Excellent
How was the food they offer?: Wonderfull
Jan 25 2015
Name: Ray
Country: Germany
I stayed here at: 01/11/2015
I made a reservation at the casa directly
Casa Aleido
My review: It was my first time in Cuba, and I am sure to turn back!. I stayed the first nights in Casa Alaido, which I reserved beforehand via Cuba-Junky. There was such a warm welcome that I felt like part of the family very soon. Aleido and his entire team are very friendly, helpful, and even with language difficulties we lough a lot. I got the impression they can manage everything. The extension of the stay was easily arranged and they helped me to book other casas in Trinidad and Santa Clara (very good recommandations!). After that traveling I "came home" to Casa Alaido, again a great stay.
The rooms are different and all very clean. The foot at the casa is amazing!!! I end up to eat there every evening. Based on the nice atmosphere in the kitchen, it was very easy to get in contact with other travellers. So, we end up with some days at the beach together or clubbing (Aleido knows the right places!).
Alltogether, I will stay in the casa of Aleido again during my next visit in Cuba and highly recommend this casa to everybody who like to explore the real Cuba.
How was your room?: Perfect!
How was the food they offer?: They serve good breakfast at any time and great Dinner (several choices).
Other services they offer: The laundry service was very welcome!
Jan 25 2015
Name: Claudio
Country: Denmark
I stayed here at: 12/16/2014
I made a reservation through Cuba-Junky
Casa Aleido
if I have to describe Aleido and his staff would take a book .
why?
Aleido and his staff are amazing people , I stopped by them for 20 days during the Christmas season and It's been an incredible experience .
Aleido care customers as if they were part of his family , protects them and warns them from possible disappointments that can be found in the street , if you need a guide Aleido Became immediately ready to find one of his great friends ready for you to explore the incredible Havana .
The "girl of the door" ????
My god she It's incredible , sweet and always ready to help you, she does not speak English and then ? must be flexible and not complain. By the way she prepares an amazing breakfast really I miss her.
To eat ? Try the cuisine of Aleido , he cooks in an incredible way , not to mention my favorite dish " rice with beans " to understand I put on 5 kg : - )
Personally I recommend everyone to stay with Aleido , where you will find friends , smile , happiness and everything you need to spend an unforgettable holiday .
Thanks a lot Aleido , Maielin (the girl of the door) and Pippo you were incredible and I'll have you in my heart forever .
See you soon again
Jan 25 2015
Name: Carl Buncamper
Country: Caribbean part of the Netherlands
I stayed here at: 05/01/2014
I made a reservation at the casa directly
I paid
30 or 35 CUC for the unit that is on the top floor with a private bath and sitting area overlooking the Capitol Building in the center of Havana.
Casa Aleido
My review: First of all I must state that I am a frequent visitor to Cuba. I travel at least once a year to Havana and if possible a second time and use Habana Viejo as my base for exploring other areas in Cuba .
I base my ratings particular on helpfulness, cleanliness, ambiance, safety, convenience of location, but most of all on the homely feeling that I experience each and every time I visit Casa Aleido. I say off-the-bat that I don't care for the commercialized properties in general, as I do enough of those while on travel duty. so when having a few days for leisure, I look for the alternative to a commercialized setting, and I can truly say that Aleido and his staff have become like family.
I first visited Casa Aleido about 6 years ago and have since always stayed at least a few days at Casa Aleido while traveling through greater Cuba. If one wants a through Cuban experience, including the culinary experience, I highly recommend Casa Aleido. Located in the center of the old city, Casa Aleido allows one to safely venture around and experience what remains a bustling city though with ageing facades. Many of the building appear run down from the exterior, but once on the inside of Casa Aleido, it is almost like you walked into a kaleidoscope arranged in the eighties. Colors, lights, lamps and many photos and artwork cover much of the home. There are common areas in the casa if you wish to have a visitor or two, and when ready to truly experience a part of Cuban culture and entertainment their is nothing like watching or joining the crew for a few Dominoes games peppered by libations and scrumptious foods. Aleido, the owner of Casa Aleido is a fabulous cook and prepares meals to order for his guest(s) on a daily basis if so desired, and portions are huge! As mentioned I have grown to love Casa Aleido and all of his support staff that make Casa Aleido what it is. Friendly, clean, convenient, safe, full of advice and recommendations from Aleido, and most of all a true Cuban experience that is enhanced upon every return visit I have had.
How was your room?: The rooms are generally very spacious and a couple of them have their own private bath, kitchenette and living area. Other have a shared bath.
How was the food they offer?: Aleido is a wonderful cook that can make any meal into a scrumptious experience. Prepare to gain a pound or two!
Other services they offer: Casa Aleido offer laundry services, arrangements for transportation if one so wishes, and Aleido is very experienced and knowledgeable with most parts of Cuba and can give wonderful advise and assist with arrangement in other cities / provinces if one so desires, through his network. A Cuban phone number is also available for guests during their stay.
Other comments: Casa Aleido is a very gay friendly accommodation, and to me this helped put me even more at ease in the environment when I first visited.
Jan 22 2015
Name: Alexis Torregroza
Country: Panama
I stayed here at: 01/05/2015
I made a reservation through Cuba-Junky
I paid 30 CUC per night
Casa Aleido
My review: Reading erin´s review .. I was shocked to see such review as I stayed in casa Aleido from jan 5th to January 20th. I was very happy with the staff and i loved the house and the room in which i stayed. The people were very pleasant and the food was great. Great service and the house is very clean and very helpful on where to go and what to do. Has many connections to the bars and clubs to make vip reservations.
How was your room?: My room was great, clean, spacious, and good air conditioning.
How was the food they offer?: The quality and taste of food was absolutely delicious.
Other comments: Overall I highly recommend this casa, as i will return soon.
Jan 21 2015
Name: Erin
Country: Canada
I stayed here at: 01/13/2015
I made a reservation at the casa directly
Casa Aleido
My review: Didn't actually stay for the multiple nights I thought I'd reserved. Before leaving for Cuba, I had a few email coversations, a couple through Cuba Junky, and thought I was set to stay in a gay friendly Casa in downtown Havana. Had no problems finding the place, the problems began when I tried to get in. The girl guarding the door spoke no English, and my Spanish is horrible to say the least. She kept insisting I was mistaken, the Casa was full even though I showed her Aleidos confirmation emails, which were in Spanish. (I used a language translator app on my phone to converse via email before I left Canada) another English speaking tourist kept asking if she should get someone to help, but I was taken to another residence a few doors down the street, to a hot, dirty closet with no bathroom, a dirty mattress on the floor, and a bunch of kids screaming.
I was really disappointed that after giving a lot of my flight information, where I was staying in Varadero, duration of my stay in Havana and being assured that Casa Aleido would be able to rent me a room for 2 nights in Havana, that the humid sweat box offered was seemingly an acceptable substitute. I made e decision to stay at Casa Aleido based on previous reviews, the fact that it was gay friendly, and the pictures that were posted online. The room offered was what is old consider to be among the worst I've seen in all my years of travelling, and I would not recommend it to someone I didn't like that much.
Thankfully, I had done enoug research, and a few options were available, and I was able to secure a better located, gay friendly Casa a block away from the Malecon.
I understand that rentals without a deposit inCuba can be a fairly unstable venture, but it's unfortunate for those of us who are serious about honouring our commitments are put through the stress of needing to find accommodations at the last minute when you think that's taken care of. I would not recommend this place unless there is a more suitable situation for dealing with guests as they arrive. Or a better second option.
How was your room?: What room.
How was the food they offer?: Didn't get the chance
Other services they offer: Non existent
Other comments: Ability to converse through a language translator app on my phone were ignored, as were the emails in Spanish that confirmed my 2 night stay there.
Jan 7 2015
Name: Leslie
Country: USA
I stayed here at: 12/23/2014
I made a reservation through Cuba-Junky
Casa Aleido
My review: What is there to say about Aleido, his amazing Casa, and his equally amazing family that hasn't already been said? I had a spectacular time in Cuba, mostly due to the wonderful people I met in Aleido's home....it would've been a completely different trip otherwise. I was greeted with warmth, humor, boisterousness (a necessity if you want to enjoy the energy of the casa!), and incredible service. Aleido is a gem, and a bit like staying with Harvey Fierstein and Liberace all rolled up into one :) The food was fabulous and I never wanted to eat anywhere else. I even screwed up my dates, left for the airport, realized I was leaving the next day, came back to Aleido, and he was able to put me up for one more night.
Jan 5 2015
Name: P B
Country: UK
I stayed here at: 01/01/2015
I made a reservation at the casa directly
CASA ALEIDO
My review: I wanted to stay at this casa again this year since I have had such a great experience last time. The house decor seems to change regularly but still very colourful and quirky adding to the unique charm of the place; and of course there are always new travellers to make acquaintance with. This is a great thing. If you are travelling on your own you are sure to meet new people who are only to happy to hook up with you; especially if you speak Spanish and know your way around. I have met some fascinating people at this casa that made my trip unforgettable. From day one I hooked up with some interesting people who joined me for a trip to the beach.
Even though there is a bus service for 5 CUC to the beach, sharing a taxi for 20 CUC there and back makes it all the more special as well as being on the beach itself.
The casa also offers great communal breakfasts and dinners; yet another opportunity to get acquainted with other guests.
Speaking of breakfast and dinner the host and his entourage try their best to cater for your dietary needs and they are equally flexible with your meal times. The host who is the chef is always present at mealtimes keeping guests entertained with his infectious smile and bubbly personality.
The location is great. Not only can you explore old Havana on foot with your new friends but the nightlife in Vedado is also just a short taxi ride away.
I have met some wonderful people at this casa from far and near and hopefully made some lifelong friendships. If I am in Havana again I will definitely stay at Aleido's house.
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