Cuban YouTuber Kevin Hernández recently stayed at the Iberostar Selection hotel, located in the contentious Tower K-23 in El Vedado. He and his companion were impressed by the facilities, yet noted the hotel felt empty and lacking vibrancy, attributing this to its recent opening. They expressed satisfaction with the meals, gym, pool, decor, and services available to them.
The hotel's views are particularly striking, offering a unique perspective of Havana, as no other building in the capital reaches such heights. The video, which spans 30 minutes, sparked a flurry of reactions. Some viewers praised Kevin for being the first YouTuber to showcase the hotel from the inside, while others accused him of being a "complicit" in the regime's desperate tourism push.
Defending himself, the 19-year-old questioned, "Why am I complicit? For staying in a hotel? In Cuba, everything is government-owned, so does that make anyone using public transport or shopping in stores complicit too?" Some commenters urged for more empathy. "Let him enjoy it; we'd all love to indulge like that," and "Ultimately, he's showing Cuba's reality, even if it's not apparent," two followers remarked.
Many emphasized the contrast between the hotel's luxury and Cuba's crisis. "The place is beautiful, but looking through those windows shows a chaotic reality"; "A luxury hotel in a country where most lack food"; "Over $220 million spent on this hotel while hospitals lack medication," and "This video further highlights the mockery faced by the Cuban people," were some of the comments shared.
Others compared the hotel unfavorably to those abroad, criticizing its decor and lighting. "Even the cheapest hotel in Miami is more luxurious," "In Brazil, we have buildings that are far superior," "I expected more open views from the pool," and "Overall, the hotel feels confining," were among the critiques.
Unique Views Amidst Controversy
Where consensus does exist is in the hotel's unique views of the city, although this is paradoxically sad given Havana's ruinous and declining state. The issue of the hotel's supposed profits going to public health is also contentious. Critics questioned, "They say the hotel funds health, but after 60 years, nothing has changed in Cuba"; "If that money was really for health, hospitals wouldn't be in ruins"; "How many hospitals could have been modernized with that budget?"
One dissatisfied Cuban lamented, "With the money spent on this hotel, they could have repaired the Habana Libre and fixed two power plants." Undoubtedly, it is Cuba's most controversial hotel.
The Most Controversial Hotel in Cuba
Amid Cuba's severe economic crisis and a tourism slump, the regime persists in constructing luxury establishments. Operated by the Majorca-based Iberostar chain, the hotel is a controversial 42-story skyscraper with 594 rooms. Located on Vedado's 23rd street, it aims to integrate into the city's life along this cinematic corridor.
The hotel features a thematic concept with several spaces named after iconic films, including the "Taxi Driver" restaurant on the ground floor, the "La Dolce Vita" lobby bar, a Cuban cinema area on the second floor, the "Fresa y Chocolate" buffet restaurant, and the "Habanastation" pool snack bar. The 32nd-floor terrace "Habana Selfies" offers panoramic city views, while the Sky Bar "Habana Blues" at the top provides an unprecedented vista of El Vedado.
Facilities include parking, a gym, spa, hair salon, shopping gallery, bank, and multipurpose room. Iberostar is thus strengthening its presence in Cuba's urban segment, where, according to recent data from the chain, one in five of its rooms is in urban settings. In Havana, it already operates the Iberostar Grand Packard, Iberostar Selection Parque Central, and Iberostar Marqués de la Torre.
Despite tourism not yet bouncing back and hotel occupancy rates falling short of projections, the hotel infrastructure keeps expanding, while Cubans face shortages of food, medicine, and basic services.
Insights on Cuba's Tourism and Economic Challenges
Why is the Iberostar Selection hotel in Vedado controversial?
The hotel is seen as controversial due to its luxury amidst Cuba's severe economic crisis, where most citizens face shortages of basic necessities. The significant investment in its construction contrasts sharply with the country's overall dire circumstances.
What unique features does the hotel offer?
The hotel provides unique views of Havana from its height, and features themed spaces named after iconic films, such as the "Taxi Driver" restaurant and "Habana Blues" Sky Bar. It also includes amenities like a gym, spa, and shopping gallery.
How has tourism been affected in Cuba recently?
Tourism in Cuba has not yet recovered, with hotel occupancy rates falling well below expectations. The economic crisis and political factors have contributed to this decline, affecting the country's ability to attract visitors.