On a recent trip to Santiago de Cuba, a Spanish tourist expressed strong criticism about the conditions at the Gran Hotel Casa Granda, a four-star establishment situated in the city's center. Antonio Mora Ayora shared his disappointing experience on Facebook after attempting to enjoy an afternoon at the hotel's terrace.
"I came to say goodbye and have a coffee and lemonade, but they have no lemons, so I couldn't have the lemonade. Instead, I asked for a small bottle of water... THEY HAVE NO WATER. Clearly, Santiago de Cuba is not equipped for a pleasant stay," Mora posted.
The incident didn't end there. In another post, the Spanish tourist also highlighted discrepancies between the hotel's menu and the available products. "In this photo, there are two decorative items, the small flower and the QR code that leads you to a false menu, as the items listed are not available at the Casa Granda hotel," he explained, sharing the message alongside an image of the decorative QR code.
The Decline of Tourist Services in Santiago de Cuba
Mora's complaints underline the deterioration of tourist services in Santiago de Cuba, a widespread issue across the nation. The Hotel Casa Granda, long considered a tourist landmark in Santiago de Cuba, exemplifies this decline.
Structural Challenges Facing Cuban Tourism
Tourism in Cuba, a major source of national income, is grappling with significant challenges due to structural issues and shortcomings in the services offered to foreign visitors. One of the most pressing concerns is the healthcare crisis, affecting not only local residents but also tourists. Recent reports highlight the shortage of essential medications and the poor condition of hospitals, which have led to traumatic experiences, such as a Canadian tourist being admitted to a hospital without electricity or adequate equipment.
Problems Beyond Accommodations
Tourists also face difficulties when attempting to rent vehicles on the island. Despite high costs exceeding $100 per day, rental cars are in poor condition, with inadequate maintenance and makeshift repairs. These issues reflect a neglect of basic quality and safety standards, resulting in disappointment and criticism from visitors.
Moreover, the nation's energy crisis has profoundly affected the tourist experience. A nationwide blackout caught many visitors off guard, including Jonathon Renko, a Canadian tourist who recounted how the lack of electricity disrupted all aspects of his stay, from airport procedures to basic conditions in hotels and restaurants.
Common Concerns for Tourists in Cuba
What are the main issues tourists face in Cuba?
Tourists encounter problems such as a lack of basic amenities in accommodations, discrepancies in service offerings, poor vehicle rental conditions, and an unreliable healthcare system.
How does the energy crisis impact tourism in Cuba?
The energy crisis leads to frequent blackouts that disrupt essential services, affecting everything from airport operations to hotel and restaurant experiences.
Why is the healthcare system a concern for tourists in Cuba?
Tourists are concerned about the healthcare system due to the lack of essential medicines, poor hospital conditions, and inadequate emergency services.