TripAdvisor, Traveller99Hampshire
August 11, 2009
Thanks Ani and Francisco!!
We arrived here following 4 days in Havana. What a contrast and what an amazing retreat. The welcome was fantastic and Ani and Francisco did everything they could to make our stay so great. Being in their back garden so to speak could have been off putting but there was no sense of being on top of them and they were only concerned to make sure that we were having a good time. The accom. was really good... such a shock to have a showeer which delivered enough water. We had previously been in a casa in Havana Centre where things were not so good. It's obvious that these two great people have taken what they have learned in their work and applied it to their casa. They really deserve to be a great success as Cuba goes forward. Francisco made the arrangements for our onward travel, a real help when our Spanish is so weak. Have to do something about this if we are to go again. Ani's cooking was excellent, especially the fish. Make sure you use the hopper bus if you come here. It's 5 CuC, leaves from outside the casa and does all of the local sights. Better than any arranged tour as you can take it in your own time. The evening music in the bar on the main street was lively. Cross the road and turn left. It's the one which has no room on the inside. The bands were good and the staff moved the furniture around so we could be outside. The local scenery is great too. Truly a special casa. You won't regret booking this casa.

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TripAdvisor, Carylin, Espana
July 29, 2009
Estuve alojado en Villa Cristal y fue una de las experiencias mas asombrosas de mi vida, increíble como se mezcla en esa casa una mezcla de profesionalidad y tratamiento hacia los turistas con un poco de cubanía, las tardes con los amigos cubanos y las noches de tranquilidad, asi como las excursiones organizadas por Francisco a la Playa, o el Paseo a Caballo que fue sencillamente único. En la habitación no falta nada, desde lo mas mínimo que puede ser una caja de seguridad, secador de pelo o jabonera hasta un freezer y TV con DVD, y un aire acondicionado moderno. No se pierdan si van a Viñales, poder quedarse en Villa Cristal. Una familia cubana increíble

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TripAdvisor, Steve bercey, Paris,
May 27, 2009
Merci..merci..merci à Anita y Francisco pour la qualité de l'accueil qu'ils nous ont fait ! Nous avons séjourné 3 nuits à la Villa Cristal, dans une annexe derrière la maison. On sent le professionnalisme des propriétaires, la dépendance est très confortable : climatisation, salle de bain marbrée avec eau chaude, TV, prises 110 et 220 volts, lecteur DVD (avec DVD en prêt ;), coffre fort... Le service est excellent, les plats sont délicieux...pas la peine d'aller au restaurant, Anita, la tante, abuelito et toute la famille vous feront des plats inoubliables ! Les enfants sont adorables, la vie à la villa Cristal est un vrai bonheur et vous êtes à 200m de la rue principale de Viñales...Que demander de mieux ?!!! Ah oui, n'hésitez pas à proposer une soirée endiablée sur les rythme de la salsa à Anita et Fransisco...ils sont géniaux sur la piste !! On est triste de quitter la petite famille... J'y retournerai volontier lors de mon prochain voyage ! ;

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TripAdvisor, dart7612, Hampshire, England
March 13, 2008
Francisco Martinez has just built this superb letting suite in his garden, with a private sun terrace. The bedroom and bathroom have been fitted out to a much higher standard than most other casas in the area, that can be quite basic by European standards. He has provided TV, DVD, fridge, safe. But the most impressive part is the great hospitality you receive and the help you get in planning trips, hiring cars etc, as Francisco is the local Cubanacan travel rep. Whilst you have your private terrace in the garden, it is even better to sit on the front terrace of the house in the morning and evening watching the world go by and sipping a cocktail. One visitor we met had returned 9 times in 3 years. The price is 25 CUC per night for the room, which is slightly higher than the other Casas in the area, but it is well worth the extra. If Francisco is booked up, he will arrange to offer you accommodation in other local casas, such as Casa Esther, which is more basic, but where you will again be served excellent food and drinks and made very welcome.

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TripAdvisor, Wardsabroad, Cambridge
July 29, 2008
We stayed for 2 nights in the middle of July. The accommodation is a concrete annexe with en suite shower room. It is basic compared with a hotel but clean and the air conditioning is effective and not very noisy. Despite being about 10 m from the pig sty and with several chickens scratching around, it was neither noisy nor smelly. In fact that just added to the charm of the place. Francisco and his wife Ani were lovely and very hospitable, although they work so other members of the family or neighbours help with the cooking etc. The food was good and reasonably priced.

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Sept 20, 2006
Dear Any,Francisco and Family,
We can't thank you enough for your warmth and hospitality during our stay at your beautiful home. We were very comfortable in our lovely big room with air conditioning, fan, fridge, two beads and beautiful bathroom. Any, Thank you for such beautiful big meals! Francisco- Thank you for organizing tours and buses for us, AND for our movie nights together! We will be back! Lots of love
Shennae & Michael
Melbourne, Australia

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Sept 22, 2006
Dear Francisco, Any and Family,
Thank you very much for everything: your hospitality, the really great food and for letting us see how you live. It was very great and interesting to see how you live here in Vinales. It was a great experience and if we’re ever here again, we’ll stay with you. It’s a shame we couldn’t see everything in Vinales, it’s a beautiful city. Muchas gracias! With love,
Annette and Arjan,
Holland

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Feb/2009
Dear Francisco and Any,
I can't believe we've stayed with you so often and still not left a note behind! Obviously too busy enjoying ourselves. How many times has it been... March 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, each time for a week, then two weeks in July 2006. What joy! You spoiled us so much with good company and good food that we've stopped 'looking' elsewhere. Honestly, you are like family and we love you all. Can't wait to see how Efrain and Flavia have grown. I'll be there again in a few weeks. I'm counting the days til I reach. Then I'll be in heaven again as Any serves up her tasty fare. This year I'm coming alone.. but my grand-daughters will hopefully come in 2010. See you soon. Chau pescao. Derek xoxo

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Feb 18-20, 2009
Muchas gracias Any y Francisco para l’hospitalidad por los 3 dias a vinales. Te agredezco de todos que hiciste para nosotros.
El Grupo de Frances

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Feb 20, 2009
Cher Francisco y Any,
Je tenais a vous remercier pour votre accueil, votre gentillesse et votre aide si precieux durant ce sejour a Vinales. A bientot, Jan

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Feb 17, 2009
Nous avons passé un tres agreeable sejour a Vinales. Merci a tous pour votre accueil et merci a Any et a Zoraida pour les excellents repas et petit-dejeuners. We wish you all the best, Muchas gracias.
Rozenn y Jean-Francois.
FRANCE

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Feb 11, 2009 Nice hosts, nice landscapes and nice food.. Thanks for your friendly welcome. Carol, Victor et Stephane (France)

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Dec 21-25, 2008
Dear Family of the ‘Casa Cristal’
How lucky we were by spending Christmas with you all!!! We enjoyed the food, your company and your wonderful hospitality. Cak in Holland, we will recommend this place to our friends. Thank you for everything we had on Christmas Eve. We will never forget! All the best for 2009,
Hans & Els
Apeldorn-Holland

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Dec 21, 2008
Dear Francisco y Any (and all the rest of the family!),
Thanks a lot for looking after us! Your help and supply of medicines and thermometer has been very mch appreciated). The food was great! We especially enjoyed the seafood in tomato sauce (that deserved a ‘scarpetta’, for the benefit of future Italian readers!). This is the beginning of our trip in Cuba and you have set a very high standard for the other Casas Particulares we will be staying in. We hope to be lucky enough to find great families and casas like this! Tanti Saluti e Buone Fortuna per il Futuro!
Constantino (Italia) e Ediane (Brasil)

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To Everyone at Villa Cristal,
Thank you for everything during our stay at your wonderful home. Vinales is a beautiful place to visit but it was all the more specil to return to our perfect and relaxing home. The food that we ate here every night was delicious ( the lobster in particular) and we hope we can return one day. To anyone else reading this: try the horse riding, it is a great way to see the valley.
Steve & Gila, Newcastle, UK

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Feb 8, 2009
Where oh where to start? There are not enough words in my vocabulary to say how wonderful Any and Francisco have been during our stay in beautiful Vinales. Unfortunately, my brother staying opposite in Casa Esther, had a very bad fall on his bike. Francisco took us to the hospital, translated all the doctor’s reports and then ensure we had the prescriptions filled. Sad that this happened but we could not have been in better hands.Everything else has been said before- wonderful meals- thank you Any and Zoraida. The accommodation and lovely patio here, plus the immense kindness shown to us we shall never forget! Thank you so much Any, Francisco, Bullo, Zoraida, Flavia, Efrain and Mariana. Muchas gracias,
Julie and Neville De Pass

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Feb 6, 2009
Una casa muy linda, una comida muy rica, con una familia muy agradable. Muchas gracias.
Fabienne y Ludovic, Francia

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Feb 2, 2009
Thanks to all your family for the nice delicious 2 days we spent in Vinales. Your aunt’s and her daughter’s kindness and help, their laugh when we tried to speak Spanish, will stay forever in our mind. It will be difficult for Trinidad casa people to equal. The best for you in the future and hope that one day you will be able to visit Paris. Kouri et Christophe

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March 2009
Ole, Ole para Francisco y Any!
Muchas gracias por vuestra hospitalidad. Teneis una casa muy bonita. Llevamos un recuerdo muy bonito de vosotros. A seguir bien!
Miguel y Ann, Espana/Belgica

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Jan 5, 2009
Dear Francisco, Anita and the whole family!
Shortly, Thank you for making these days the highlight of our amazing vacation here in Cuba! We really feel like we experienced the ‘real’ Cuba here, with delicious homemade cooking, open and friendly people, a beautiful scenery in a welcoming and local atmosphere.Muchas gracias y esperamos que nos veamos otro dia!!
Vilde y Jon, Noruega

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Dear Francisco, Any & the Family,
We had a wonderful time at your casa. You are great people and staying at your home was a very good experience!
Eva & Peter, Estonia

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Jan 1 – 4, 2009
Dear Francisco, Any, kids and rest of the family,
Thank you so much for everything you did that made our stay here unforgetable! The warm welcome really made us happy. We really enjoyed the fantastic dinners, nice talks with you and of course, drinking wine and dancing together! In Holland we call that ‘gezellig’, that is difficult to translate but means that we really had a great time. Back home we will sit down and listen to your music ( thanks Francisco ) and remember the great time we had together with you! Gracias!!
Bram & Martine, Holland

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Nov 23, 2008
Dear Francisco, Ani, Auntie & kids!
Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and sharing your lovely home with us. The room is perfect, the food was perfect, you were the perfect host and hostess!! Thank you for all your advice for our onward travels in Cuba. Best Wishes for you and your family for the future!
Rob and Miriam, Ireland

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Nov 21, 2008
Thank you so much for your kindness and great food. We will tell everyone we know that this is the place to stay when visiting Vinales. We also hope to come back some day as the area is beautiful and the Cuban people are very kind. Thank you again,
Ken & Susan, Duncan, B.C.

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July 26-28, 2009
Hello Ani and Francisco
We have returned to the Uk and wish to thank you for everything during our stay in Vinales. You are both so welcoming and considering the busy lives you lead, miracle workers as well. We felt so at home in your home and felt able to relax and chill out in such a safe place. We loved it. Vinales is such a beautiful part of Cuba. Thanks Ani for the meals, they gave a taste of Cuba. No one cooks fish better and the lobster was great. Thanks Francisco for making the arrangement to move on. Everything went well. We are sure that you will both continue to do well as time moves forward. Your experiences in the tourist industry have allowed you to make your own part of Cuba so special, certainly from our experience in other parts of Cuba you are doing amazingly well. We have posted comments on Trip Advisor a web site used to get information. All the best to you and your family, Thanks
Andrew and Vicky Campbell

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Nov 12, 2008
Thank you for the most enjoyable stay at ‘Villa Cristal’- such lovely accommodation and food. Thanks also for arranging our walk around the valley, and Any – thanks for loaning me your shoes! Best wishes to you both & your family,
Anna & Ed, London, UK

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Sept 9, 2006
Dear Any, Francisco and Family,
First of all we’d like to thank you for your hospitality. We were having a great time while we were staying at your home. We will keep the stop in Vinales in our memory and recommend it to our friends in case they intend to visit Cuba. For us it was very helpful that your were able to talk English so that we could learn many more things of Cuba that aren’t obvious to the tourists. The two Swiss guys,
Lakas, Patrick

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Oct 9, 2006
Dear Francisco, Any and Family,
Thank you very much for your warm welcome at Villa Cristal. It was the best place we have stayed in Cuba. Any, the dinners were great! Good chance that the food in Holland will be disappointing (when we are back home). Francisco, thanks for all the help for the planning of excursions and other stuff. We also liked our evening out in the center of Vinales; it’s nice (and cool!) to see how Cuban people party (love your dancing with Francisco’s moves!). Say also, chau to Kenny (hope, I didn’t misspell his name). He’s a really great guy! Lots of fun. If we ever come back to Vinales, Casa Cristal will be the place for us! Thanks again!
John and Lorens, Hollanda

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Oct 3, 2006
Dear Any, Francisco and Family,
First we would like to thank you for your kindness and hospitality. We came here after we had a little struggle with our bank passes. We came back from a long day of making arrangements and solving the problem. At your place we had the best dinner we had in the whole of Cuba. We regret that we only have the time to stay one night. Last night on the porch and we said that if we ever come back to Vinales, Villa Cristal will be the casa for us. Mucho gusto! Y Gracias por todo! Que os lo paseis bien!
Tieme y Tim, Hollanda

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Dear Any, Francisco & Ninos, & of course, the rest of the family!
Thank you all so much for the hospitality during our pleasant stay at your beautiful home in Vinales! Thanks for the great dinners (Any’s fish is the best). And special thanks to Bullo for cleaning Nina’s shoes after our beautiful ( and horrible) walk through the mountains in the Vinales valley. We thought the mud would never come off, but he managed surprisingly well. Thanks for your kindness and making us feel welcome in Casa Cristal. The view in the mountains is good, but from the veranda of Cristal it’s the best! Wish you all luck for the future.
Fibehe Y Nina, The Netherlands

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Dear Any, Francisco and Family,
Thank you for your nice hospitality. We liked the talks about how Cubans live very much. We had many great experiences around Vinales, thanks to Any’s recommendations. It’s been a great place to stay and we will give you the best recommendations on the internet when we get home. Best of luck to you,
Hans and Helga, Denmark

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Oct 30, 2006
Muchas Gracias!
It was a nice stay at your house and the best dinner we had in Cuba! We’ll recommend you Casa at home. All the best for you all!
Stephanie & Martin, Allgau/Bavaria, Deutschland

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Nov 4, 2006
Querido Any, Francisco & Family
Muchas gracias para todos. We appreciate all that you have done for us. You have a sweet family, all three generations! Thank your aunt for the delicious meals and you too Any. We did have good appetites. Your room was very comfortable and we slept well. Thank you for your hospitality and graciousness. Good luck in all you do and may you always be happy. Enjoy raising your children. They are very sweet. Blessings from Canada.
John, Doreen Berg