Carlos' house in Havana was even better than expected. In addition to being very spacious, it's filled with premium art & antiques, and felt very safe--he lives upstairs. After returning from La Vieja all day, we really appreciated the quiet neighborhood (in general, there are lots of chickens & roosters in Havana so bring your earplugs if you don't like to wake by rooster crowing), and lack of car emissions (i.e. nice clean air to breathe). The bed was comfortable, the shower water hot, large bath towels, and a working in-room safe. The ladies who work in the house are very sweet and the breakfast and the coffee was good. Carlos was kind enough to make us some dinner reservations at some hard-to-get-into restaurants (we don't speak Spanish), which we really appreciated. Playa del Estes is a beautiful public beach that is 40 min. away. A 1-way cab ride cost us $35 CUC (approx $35 USD). Bring beach towels or a mat, as beach towels are not common in Cuba. If you walk 15 min (or $10 CUC cab ride) you can use the swimming pool at Copicabana Hotel. Also it is a wonderful modern space to watch the sunset + drinks and appetizers are good & cheap.