A young Cuban woman residing in the United States, known as @solanssamper1998 on TikTok, has shared her disheartening experience at a hotel in Varadero after visiting the island. In a series of three consecutive videos posted on the social media platform, she detailed the poor quality of services and food at the establishment, where she stayed with her parents and brother, who live in Cuba.
In her account, the young woman mentioned that after opting for some macaroni and water—since the rest of the food was unappealing—she realized the food was spoiled upon smelling it. She decided to inform the hotel staff about the state of the food, explaining that she wouldn't eat it because it would make her sick. Despite this, the staff's reaction was one of apparent surprise, according to her narrative.
However, her criticisms did not stop at the food. She also pointed out the lack of hygiene and the presence of "cockroaches and flies" in the area, describing the establishment as a "total disaster." She lamented the decline of the Cuban resort, stating it is not "even a shadow" of what it used to be.
User Reactions and Criticism
The reactions from users in the video’s comments varied between support and criticism. One comment expressed regret: "Thanks for sharing your experience, it's no longer the dream it once was, what a shame." Another user shared a similar experience: "I stayed in the keys and came back super sick, losing 15 pounds." Some pointed out that these issues are not new to the region: "Varadero has always been like this, why go there? Take your family to Punta Cana; you'll have a great time there."
Others expressed surprise at the details provided, asking, "Which hotel are you at?" or commenting with concern, "I saw it, what a horror." There were also criticisms directed at the video creator, suggesting her opinion was influenced by having lived outside of Cuba: "Everyone turns into a snob after living in the States, OMG hahaha, after not having anything to eat there."
The situation described by @solanssamper1998—who had surprised her family in Cuba with an unannounced visit in March after being away for two years—is not an isolated case nor an uncommon criticism. In August, another content creator from Argentina went viral with a video showcasing the food served at a Varadero hotel, generating similar reactions about the quality of tourist services in Cuba.
FAQs About Tourist Experiences in Varadero
Given the concerns raised by @solanssamper1998 and other tourists, here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Varadero and the quality of services there.
Is the quality of food at hotels in Varadero generally poor?
Many tourists have reported poor quality food at various hotels in Varadero, citing issues with freshness and hygiene.
What should I expect regarding hygiene at Varadero hotels?
Reports indicate that hygiene standards at some Varadero hotels are lacking, with mentions of pests like cockroaches and flies.
Are these issues specific to certain hotels or widespread across Varadero?
While some hotels may perform better than others, complaints about food quality and hygiene seem to be relatively common across Varadero.