Casa Hostal Florida Center reviews
Jan 12 2014
Name: Agatha
Country: Canada
I stayed here at*: 01/02/2014
Hostal Florida Center, Santa Clara
My review: DON’T BOOK with them. They will send you to another casa anyway, so choose one yourself while you can. My experience was a nightmare. I booked with them on line about 2 months in advance and received by email a nice, officially looking confirmation with dates, addresses etc. I confirmed by calling 2 days before arrival.
I was travelling with my 9 year old daughter. Taxi was waiting for us at the Viazul station, but when we arrived at the hostal everything changed. First we were waiting for Angel. He came to tell us that he has no room and we have to go to another casa. It was nearby, but quite uninviting, not something you would recommend. On top of that the room was available for one night only, while we have booked for 2! I started calling other casas, but it was late evening and everything was full. Finally Angel sent a car for us and they took us to yet another casa, unfortunately further from the center. We had to wait in the street, as the owners were not home. Finally we got the room. It was all right.
Angel tried to save his face by offering a dinner on the house at his restaurant, but I would rather skip this experience and pay my bill. His food was very good, but overall this was our worst experience in Cuba. I haven’t seen such disrespect and arrogance elsewhere.
Feb 6 2013
Name: Emily de Valk
Country: The Netherlands
I stayed here at: 02/01/2013
Casa Hostal Florida Center
My review: I stayed in this casa with my dad and three sisters and we were all very enthusiastic about the casa! The place had three different houses, all colonial style with a green patio and wonderful colonial furniture. The room was very clean and the people were friendly. The casa is famous for its huge and nice dinner, true. But we were even more surprised by the delicious breakfast with eggs, fruits and cakes.
Casa specifics: English speaking, Elegant, Comfortable, Colonial, Romantic, Charming, Beautiful, Safe, Patio
Amenities: Private bathroom, Breakfast service, Queensize bed, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: The room was spacious and with colonial furniture and a huge and comfort bed!
How was the food they offer?: very good!
Sept 13 2012
Name: michelle
Country: Nederland
Hostal Florida Center
My review: It was a great casa!!!!!
We really liked the food in each casa we stayed in, but this one was the best!
It was very romantic to have dinner there at night and all the flora and fauna around was beautiful.
Casa specifics: English speking, Fantastic hosts, Elegant, Colonial, Cozy, Romantic, Charming, Beautiful, Garden, Pets in the house, Patio
Amenities: Private bathroom, Garden, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: The room was nice, colonial and comfortable
How was the food they offer?: The best I've tasted in Cuba
Other services they offer: Really nice and gave us a present when we left (cigars)
Other comments: I'd really recommend this place! Next time when I'll be there I will stay there for sure.
August 7 2011
Name: Jarmo Malmi
Country: Finland
I stayed here at: 7/6/2011
Hostal Florida Center
My review: I really recommend this hostel, great atmosphere, good food and competent hotel-keeper.
Casa specifics: Fantastic hosts, Elegant, Colonial, Beautiful, Safe, Garden
Amenities: Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Garden, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Queensize bed, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: Room was charming and clean.
How was the food they offer?: Advantageous price.
July 28 2011
Name: Cristina
Country: Spain
I stayed here at: 3/30/2011
Hostal Florida Centre
My review: We stayed with Mr Angel for 1 night, and we regret not having stayed for longer. It's a beautiful environment, he is a lovely person, and you have to stay for dinner as the cooking is lovely too.
Very clean, you had ensuit bathroom (as good as you can expect it to be in Cuba) and freedom to get in and out at any time.
I highly recommend this Casa Particular.
Casa specifics: Quiet, Fantastic hosts, Comfortable, Romantic, Beautiful, Safe, Garden
Amenities: TV, Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Minibar, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Bathroom with shower
How was your room?: Beautiful room, clean and tidy.
How was the food they offer?: Very nice food, we had lobster and shrip and it was gorgeous.
Other services they offer: Everyone was very kind and nice.
May 27 2011
Name: Bogdan Tatarchev
Country: Bulgaria
I stayed here at: 4/30/2011
Hostal Florida Center
My review: We made the reservation some 3 weeks in advance. We also called the hostal the day before we were supposed to check-in and they told us that everything was ok and they would be waiting for us the following day. Instead when we arrived at about noon, we found out there were tourists that had just unpacked and were heading for a walk in the city. We were told that the hostal was full and the owner was out and there was nothing they could do except recommend us another casa particular. When I demanded to speak with someone in charge we were asked to leave the house immediately. Later at the casa particular we stayed in (just two blocks away), we met another couple that told us the exact same thing happened to them at Hostal Florida Center. Obviously reservations mean nothing to them sin! ce they can always give the room to some other tourists just dropping by and therefore leave you searching for another accommodation with a simple "I'm sorry, there must have been a misunderstanding". This happened twice during our road trip in Cuba and I think the best we can do to stop this annoying practice of not honouring reservations is to share the negative experience with other potential tourists and avoid these casa particulares in Cuba. If you tolerate this kind of behaviour next time you risk turning out searching for another accommodation for hours with all your luggage in the burning sun.
March 17 2011
Name: Corine
Country: holland
I stayed here at: 02/1/2011
Hostal Florida Center
Review
last month we stayed in Hostal Florida Center in Santa Clara, cuba. The owner is very friendly. It is a beautiful place. Especially for me he made a special soup because I'm vegetarian. Breakfast was plenty! Mark and Corine from Holanda.
Casa specifics: Quiet, Beautiful
Amenities: Garden
How was your room?: nicely furnished
How was the food they offer?: excellent
January 21 2011
Name: Audrey
Country: Canada
I stayed here at: 01/12/2011
Casa Hostal Florida Center
Review
Its a wonderful place, really welcoming people, the food is great and cheap! Really nice with the patio full of plants and trees. The best Casa in Cuba!
Casa specifics: Fantastic hosts, Colonial, Charming, Beautiful, Garden, Patio
Amenities: TV, Airconditioning, Minibar, Garden, Bathroom with shower
How was the food they offer?: Big Langostina and shrimps in the same plate, pretty nice and good! Reallycheap!
January 19 2011
Name: Karianne
Country: Norway
I stayed here at: 10/08/2010
Hostal Florida Center
Review
This is one of the hostels or "casa particulares" that is given as "our pick" by the Lonely Planet guide of Cuba. They are absolutely right when they say that this is a national treasure with all its antiques, flowery patio and incredible food, but their recommendation makes it a popular choice, so one has to get to it rather early in the day to assure a room for the night.
It is situated in the centre of Santa Clara, and parking outside is arranged with the neighbor for a symbolic sum and they watch your car both day and night. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, with air condition, a full-stocked fridge (beverages, fruits and vegetables etc) and TV.
The meals we ate here were some of the best we had during our two-week stay in Cuba. The portions are so plentiful though that you risk being full before the main course is served.
We highly recommend this hostel!
Casa specifics: Quiet, Fantastic hosts, Elegant, Comfortable, Roomy, Romantic, Charming, Beautiful, Safe, Garden, Pets in the house, Patio
Amenities: Parking service, TV, Airconditioning, Private bathroom, Minibar, Garden, Ceiling fan, Breakfast service, Dinner service, Queensize bed, Bathroom with shower, Private parking
How was your room?: Excellent!
How was the food they offer?: Amazing and really plentiful portions!
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