The K-23 Tower Hotel, situated at the crossroads of 23rd and K streets, opposite the Coppelia ice cream parlor in El Vedado, continues to stir intense criticism as its construction nears completion. Recent days have seen the removal of scaffolding, revealing its main entrance to passersby. However, this massive structure, set in a city increasingly worn down, has already earned the nickname "The Viewpoint of Misery" among Cubans.
Standing at an impressive 154 meters tall with 42 floors, the hotel will house 565 five-star rooms and will be operated by the Spanish company Iberostar. Despite being entirely funded with Cuban capital, the project has faced significant challenges since its inception in 2018, with an original completion date set for 2022.
Maurys Alfonso Risco, a renowned Cuban architect, has openly criticized the building's design, describing it as a "dagger in Havana's skyline." He argues that the structure fails to adhere to El Vedado's urban planning regulations and causes inconvenience to its neighbors. "The design is outdated, featuring technology-driven facades that lack charm, violating basic principles of our tropical architecture, such as covered terraces, eaves, or shutters for sun protection," Alfonso remarked. He also pointed out that the glass reflections during peak hours obstruct traffic light visibility, posing a hazard for drivers.
The tower's impact on the city's skyline has also sparked controversy. "It surpasses the height of the José Martí obelisk, something that should never have been allowed. Constructing it in a lower area of La Rampa would have been less intrusive to the urban image," the architect added.
On social media platforms like Facebook, the K-23 Tower has been the subject of numerous critiques and humorous renamings by the Cuban public. Suggested names include “The Viewpoint of Misery,” “Mordor Tower,” “The Catafalque,” and “The Grand Hotel Nobody Asked For.” These names reflect widespread public discontent, highlighting the stark contrast between the towering edifice and the unmet basic needs of the population.
Beyond architectural critiques, the hotel has been criticized as a symbol of what many view as misguided governmental priorities amidst an energy crisis and shortages in essential sectors. "It is a building that does not reflect the people's needs but rather the disparity between luxury and the everyday reality of Cubans," expressed a social media user.
The Cuban regime has yet to announce the hotel's inauguration date, which has been postponed to 2024.