Casa Margarita Reviews
June 19 2017
Name: Nils
Country: USA
I stayed here at: 06/09/2017
How did you make the reservation for this casa particular?: The casa directly
How much did you pay per night?: 20CUC
My review about the casa: Margarita was extremely welcoming and this casa was one of my favorites during my time in Cuba. Margarita and her family were friendly, helpful, and honest. Margarita gave me very useful advice for my time in Santiago and her father drove me to some of the further-away sites that I wanted to visit for a reasonable price, with narration and stories included. Margarita served an excellent breakfast and cleaned/organized the room every day while I was out for no additional cost. She also offered a laundry service for a reasonable price and with a very fast turn-around.
How was your room?: The room was very nice. It had a high ceiling and a private attached bathroom. Air conditioning and a fan were also included.
How was the food they offer?: Breakfast (4CUC).
Other services they offer: Laundry service, taxi/tour service. |
Aug 2 2015
Name: Maja
Country: Sweden
I stayed here at: 09/01/2014
I made a reservation through Cuba-Junky
Casa Margarita
My review: FANTASTIC
I stayed almost 3 months in Margaritas house and I cant deny that living in her house was one of the best parts of My Cuba trip. Margarita does everything to make your stay as pleasant as possible
Her Casa particular is very well situated, close to the Main Street and Parque Cespedes but also a little bit to the side and with a view over the bay.
The apartment is big, airy and elegant but still cosy enough to make you feel at home. Everything is super tidy and clean.
Even though I quickly became close to Margarita she's a very professional hostess who respects your privacy but are still very willing to help you with any question or problem you may have.
How was your room?: The room is located in the end of the apartment which gives it privacy and quietness (something you may be longing for some days in Cuba). Just as the rest of the apartment it's exceptionally clean, the bedsheets are changed every day.
How was the food they offer?: Forget everything you've heard about Cuban food. Margarita surely knows how to cook and can create fantastic meals from the most basic ingredients. The breakfast is lovely with freshly made juices, fresh bread, tropical fruits, egg as you like them and hot, strong Cuban coffee.
June 17 2015
Name: Pawel
Country: Poland
I stayed here at: 06/01/2015
I did not make a reservation
Casa Margarita
My review: La casa esta muy bien ubicada, muy cerca del centro de la ciudad (a 2 cuadras). Las habitaciones limpias, con el A/C y el ventilador, bien organizadas, con cuartos de bano con la ducha. La duena muy amable, ayuda mucho para organizarse en cuanto a la visita en la ciudad y los alrededores. Se puede usar el balcon que esta en el salon- tiene la vista a la bahia de Santiago de Cuba (la puesta del sol es preciosa). Lo unico en contra es que mi habitacion no tenia su ventana, pero la tenia el cuarto de bano por donde entraba la luz y el aire(con el calor que hizo en Junio era suficiente).
La casa la recomiendo!
How was your room?: Lipia, bien organizada.
How was the food they offer?: La duena, Margarita, cocina muy bien. Os recomiendo el pescado o cordero :)
Other services they offer: taxi
Aug 4 2014
Name: Andrea Klucsik
Country: Hungary
I stayed here at: 04/18/2014
I made a reservation at the casa directly
through Cuba-Junky
Casa Margarita
My review: At our very first trip to Cuba, our favorite city and location became Santiago de Cuba at Margarita's house. After our first stay, we even changed plans and came back for one more night - the warm welcome, hospitality, closeness to the downtown, the view from the balcony, the food (breakfast and dinner) were all excellent. We really felt like at home and enjoyed staying there!!
How was your room?: clean, comfortable
How was the food they offer?: Excellent - we especially enjoyed the fried bananas served for dinner as garnishment
Feb 23 2014
Name: Jovanka Tesanovic
Country: Serbia
I stayed here at: 7/26/2011
Casa Margarita
My review: The location of the house is excellent! I love staying at Margarita's house because its safe and comfortable and I feel as at home.
Casa specifics: English speaking, Quiet, Fantastic hosts, Comfortable, Colonial, Romantic, Charming, Beautiful, Safe
Amenities: TV, Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Laundry service, Balcony, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Kingsize bed, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: My room was spacious always clean and safe!
How was the food they offer?: Food,... can I say the best food I had in Cuba? Shall I mention Guanabana and Papaya milkshakes Margarita always makes for me? And she knows I love it so much so she prepares a few cups for me :)
I love meals that Margarita prepares, I cant remember the name of my favourite salad she makes but I really miss it!
Other services they offer: Laundry service is available.
Other comments: I kindly recommend casa Margarita to everyone as Margarita and her family are excellent hosts and they will make you to feel as you are at your own house!
Jan 22 2014
Name: Charles Parker
Country: Canada
I stayed here at: 12/18/2013
Casa Margarita
My review: I stayed at Casa Margarita from Dec. 18, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014. This was the first time that I have stayed at a Casa Particular. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive. The previous three times I have been to Cuba, I have stayed at Breezes Superclubs Jibacoa. Although my stay at the resort was always very good, the weather could be somewhat unpredictable. Also, I wanted to be out more with the local population. Being a Canadian, I wanted a location with more predictable sunshine and warmer. And without question Santiago de Cuba offers that. However, let it be known my Spanish is a work in progress, that is I really do not speak the language. No problem, one gets by.
The home of Margarita was above all my expectations.
It was neat, tidy, and organized - the way I like things to be. Located two streets from Parque Cespedes, Casa Granda, etc., and numerous other points of interest (at least for me) was just perfect. From her casa, on the second floor, I rode my bicycle or walked many of the streets. Often I sat on the balcony at night watching and listening to Cuban life on the streets below.
Casa specifics: Fantastic hosts, Comfortable, Cozy, Hidden gem, Charming, Safe
Amenities: Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Minibar, Laundry service, Balcony, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Queensize bed, Extra bed available, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: My room had two queen size beds with private bathroom with shower. It was cleaned and the bed remade everyday. It was large for me since I was travelling alone. There was lots of room to keep my bicycle with me, but Margarita thought an alcove next to my room would work out better and it did.
How was the food they offer?: The food was delicious . Margarita is a great cook. Most days I ate breakfast and diner at the casa. She always asked when you wanted to eat so it fit perfectly into your daily schedule. Breakfast for me was eggs, fresh squeezed orange juice, fruit, bread and jam etc., while supper was soup, meat, vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers etc., oh yes and always dessert. I always looked forward to her meals.
Other services they offer: I took my bicycle with me, but I did find the city traffic, heat, humidity and the vehicle exhaust sometimes a bit too much. Margarita introduced me to Elvio, a taxi driver with a 56 year old Opel and off we would go east and west from the city, to sightsee, to visit the beaches, to go swimming and eat lunch on the beach. Margarita washed my clothes, which was so handy, since the temperature was in the mid thirties, requiring a change every day. She told me where a bank was, an Internet café, etc. These small but important things help one to quickly settle in and begin doing the things you came to do.
Other comments: Margarita and her family are great people. She was always there to offer a fresh squeezed fruit juice after a day out, lend you her copy of Lonely Planet (I lost mine), or help our understanding by using her electronic Spanish/English, English/Spanish handheld device. I had brought my Spanish/English, English/Spanish paper dictionary which in my hands proved to be very, very slow.
New Year's Eve we all went to Parque Cespedes, to bring in the new year with dancing, singing and fireworks.
Thank you Margarita and family, thank you Elvio and family.
Thank you for the music. I hope to see you again in the not to distant future.
Jan 12 2014
Name: Shelley Goble
Country: Canada
I stayed here at: 11/04/2013
Casa Margarita
My review: For me, Casa Margarita easily deserves 5 stars. The home is warm and inviting as are the hosts. The home is clean and the food is tops. I have heard so many negative remarks regarding food in Cuba...Margarita is an excellent cook! She was always willing to meet my dietary requests. The location is also worth mentioning. Very close to one of the busiest pedestrian streets, banking, and the real culture of the city of Santiago. I never felt afraid to leave her home on my own and actually find my way back. The Balcony overlooks the ocean and the excitement of the community moving through its tasks below became a favourite spot for me to hang out. Balcony plus morning coffee plus a lovely visit with Margarita...hard to beat. Highly recommend this Casa!
Casa specifics: English speaking, Quiet, Fantastic hosts, Comfortable, Cozy, Hidden gem
Amenities: Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Laundry service, Balcony, Ceiling fan, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Extra bed available, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: loved my private room with shower/bathroom all my own.
How was the food they offer?: EXCELLENT food
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Jan 4 2014
Name: Clive Lane and Marjory Ellsmore
Country: Australia
I stayed here at: 11/24/2013
Casa Margarita
My review: We stayed with Margarita for a week when we were performing in the Choral Festival in November 2013. Margarita is lovely and her hospitality is excellent. Her cooking is better than any of the restaurants in Santiago!
Her two daughters are friendly and along with Margarita helped us with our Spanish and filled in the gaps with explanations in English.
The casa is very well located, just a short walk from the main square, but very quiet at night.
Guests can come and go as they please and it was so nice to be able to come back during the day and cool down from the heat with a shower and rest in the cool air-conditioned room.
Casa specifics: English speaking, Quiet, Fantastic hosts, Comfortable, Cozy, Charming, Safe, Patio
Amenities: Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Laundry service, Ceiling fan, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Queensize bed, Extra bed available, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: Large cosy, comfortable and cool with an ensuite bathroom accessed from the room - good shower, toilet and basin.
The towels and sheets were changed regularly and the room was cleaned every day. Everything was spotless.
How was the food they offer?: Fabulous. Breakfast of delicious freshly blended tropical fruit, a variety of cut up fresh fruit, eggs as you like them, fresh bread and good strong coffee.
Margarita is an excellent cook and for the evening meals we had in the case delighted us with a range of traditional Cuban dishes, including delicious soups, and treats made from yam and platane.
Other services they offer: Margarita offers drinks -alcoholic and non-alcoholic, bottled water. She provided us with advice about Cuban customs and also on how to get around Santiago. She can also arrange transport to the airport and other destinations.
She also washed clothes for us
Other comments: Margarita is a very discreet host but also very interested in her guests and their activities if they wish to share. We were delighted that she came to the choral concerts where our Australian Union Choir was performing in the choral festival. We would stay with her again if we are lucky enough to come back to Santiago again.
And we would encourage tourists to visit Santiago de Cuba, especially for the choral festival (every two years). The Cuban choirs are magical. But come at anytime for the wonderful music and dance all across the city.
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