The Argentine influencer Georgi sparked controversy on TikTok after sharing a video detailing her disappointing experience at an all-inclusive hotel in Varadero. The video, which has garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, features images of the food provided during her stay and highlights the lack of variety and quality.
"We started with an appetizer that I can't quite identify... And the pizza, of course, is served without cheese," commented the content creator. She also complained about the hardness of the bread and the limited dessert options: "I hope you like watermelon because it's the only fruit available."
The video has elicited mixed reactions. Some users shared similar experiences at other hotels on the island. "I was there a few months ago, and it's exactly as you described... there's no food at the all-inclusives, pizza without cheese, just beans, and stuff like that," one user commented. Another added, "I went to that same hotel, and it's true. The meals change daily; one day everything had eggplant, another day everything had potatoes, and so on."
Others defended the quality of other hotels in Cuba, citing different experiences: "I don't agree with this. A few months ago, I stayed at an all-inclusive (Meliá Habana and Meliá Varadero), and the food was plentiful, just like in all-inclusive resorts in other Caribbean countries," one user noted. Another shared, "I stayed at the Meliá Varadero, and it was nothing like that... lots of food, no limitations, pizzas with cheese, soft bread... plenty of fruits."
Georgi's criticisms extended beyond the food. She emphasized that despite the limitations, the hotel was marketed as one of the best in Varadero, which she described as a "clear scam." Responding to a comment suggesting that the hotel was of low quality, Georgi said, "It's not low quality at all; it was sold to me as the best compared to others. I can't imagine how the rest are."
The video also prompted more critical comments about the situation in Cuba and opinions on what is best for the people suffering from shortages and scarcities of all kinds. Some of the harshest critiques included: "And that's a luxury compared to what the locals endure," "What did you expect? The beaches are incomparable," "I was in Cuba and wouldn't go back; people are starving," "I couldn't go to Cuba knowing my money supports the regime while people starve outside," "What do you expect from a communist country? It's in total decay," "I don't understand how anyone can enjoy an all-inclusive knowing how the Cuban people live," "It's incomprehensible to support a regime that oppresses its people just for a vacation," "The real reality of Cuba is much worse than what the hotels show," "With so many places in the Caribbean, why go to a country in crisis?" "We shouldn't keep enriching a dictatorship that only generates more poverty," and "Tourism in Cuba only benefits the regime, not its people."
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Experiences in Cuba
Given the mixed reactions to Georgi's video, here are some frequently asked questions about travel experiences in Cuba, especially concerning all-inclusive resorts and the broader implications of tourism in the country.
What are common complaints about all-inclusive hotels in Varadero?
Common complaints include lack of food variety, poor quality of meals, limited dessert options, and overall unsatisfactory dining experiences.
Are there any positive experiences at all-inclusive resorts in Cuba?
Yes, some travelers have reported positive experiences, highlighting plentiful food, good quality meals, and overall satisfaction with resorts such as Meliá Habana and Meliá Varadero.
How does tourism affect the local population in Cuba?
Many critics argue that tourism primarily benefits the regime rather than the local population, exacerbating the economic divide and contributing to the ongoing hardships faced by ordinary Cubans.
Is it ethical to travel to Cuba given its political situation?
This is a contentious issue. Some believe that visiting Cuba supports the regime, while others argue that tourism can help raise awareness and bring much-needed revenue to the local economy.