The controversial Hotel K23 in Havana, also known as Torre K23 and backed by the military conglomerate GAESA, has sparked intense backlash on social media against the government's economic management amid a crippling energy crisis. Ana Leydis Morales, a user on Facebook, posted a picture of the hotel in the Photos of Havana group. Among the many comments, one question stands out: "How many power plants could have been repaired with the money spent on building that hotel?"
As the nation grapples with widespread blackouts due to fuel shortages and a decaying energy infrastructure, the opulent 23rd and K Tower, with over 560 empty rooms, serves as a stark reminder of the regime's allocation of public funds. This 154-meter-high structure is a multi-million dollar project that starkly contrasts with the urgent need to repair the frequently failing thermoelectric plants in Cuba.
While official figures are not available, estimates suggest the cost of such luxury hotels ranges between $226 and $565 million. Given that most materials were imported, the budget likely leans towards the higher end. For context, a 300 MW plant, akin to the CTE Antonio Guiteras, costs between $210 and $450 million, meaning the funds for K23 could have addressed some aspects of the nation's energy crisis.
For over three years, Cubans have endured daily power outages. Many struggle to comprehend the decision to prioritize a luxury tower over essential upgrades to the National Electro-Energy System. A 40-story hotel with more than 500 rooms demands significant energy, estimated at around 1.93 MW based on an average of 30 MWh per room annually. This estimate covers typical energy use for lighting, climate control, elevators, and other essential services, without accounting for potential efficiency measures or additional building-specific systems.
By authorizing the construction of this building, the government daily reminds Cubans just how out of touch the Revolution's policies are with the most pressing needs of the citizens. While officials tout the project as a boost for tourism, many Cubans argue that what the country truly needs are immediate solutions to its economic, energy, political, and social crises—not more luxury hotels.