The unveiling of the entrance to the Torre K-23 hotel in the heart of El Vedado, Havana, has sparked a wave of public ridicule and criticism. With scaffolding recently removed, the building's debut has not impressed locals, who question the wisdom of such a massive tourism project amid the city's deteriorating infrastructure.
Social media, particularly Facebook posts by CiberCuba, reveal widespread disappointment. Residents anticipated a design that would harmonize with the city's iconic 1940s and 1950s architecture. Instead, the hotel has been described in less flattering terms.
Comedian Andy Vázquez was among the first to comment. "Can someone say this thing is done? It looks like a crematorium. Well, of socialism, because even crematoriums here in the U.S. are beautiful," he remarked.
Local Reactions: Humor and Sarcasm
A neighbor commented that from her home, the hotel resembles a coffin. A Miami resident quipped, "It looks like a big guy in shoes that don't fit." An elderly man sarcastically suggested that the building might serve as a massive solar panel to solve Havana's energy issues. "Bravo for such a brilliant solution!" he exclaimed.
Others joined in the critique. A Pinareño said, "It looks like the back of a warehouse where trash is dumped." An engineer added, "A factory has more glamour than this." One online commentator sarcastically praised the investment, suggesting it was a missed opportunity to build a power plant instead.
Architectural Critique and Urban Impact
Architect Maurys Alfonso Risco described the Torre K-23 as a "dagger in the landscape of Havana," criticizing its oversized presence and lack of alignment with urban norms. "The design is outdated, with technological facades lacking charm, ignoring basic principles of our tropical architecture like covered terraces and sun-protecting eaves," Alfonso noted.
The building’s height, exceeding that of the José Martí obelisk, has also been a point of contention. "It should never have been allowed to overshadow such landmarks. Placing it in a lower area of La Rampa would have been less intrusive," the architect explained.
Symbol of Inequality
The Torre K-23 has become a symbol of the stark inequalities in Cuba. While the regime has poured resources into this grandiose project, citizens continue to struggle with unmet basic needs. On social media, Cubans have creatively nicknamed the hotel "The Lookout of Misery," "The Tower of Mordor," "The Tower of Arrogance," "The Super Matchbox," "Hotel Voltus V," and "The Great Hotel Nobody Asked For."
Standing at 154 meters with 42 floors housing 565 five-star rooms, the hotel will be managed by the Spanish company Iberostar. Despite being fully funded by Cuban capital, the project has faced numerous challenges since its inception in 2018, originally scheduled for completion in 2022.