Yaneisy Canta, a Cuban resident, took to TikTok to share her family's encounter at what she referred to as "the best hotel in Las Tunas." In her video, she recounted, "We initially thought the entrance fee was 500 Cuban pesos per person, but it turned out to be 2,000 pesos for each adult, and all it included was a small plate of chicharritas and a few other bits, nothing more, folks, nothing more."
The clip, which showed scenes of the hotel and her family enjoying the amenities, was shared by @yaneisycanta_98. She added, "There were six of us, and the total came to 10,000 pesos, plus some extras I bought, bringing the total to 12,500 pesos." Despite the expense, she ended with a positive note: "We had a pleasant time, at least the kids really enjoyed the outing. Tell me in the comments if you'd spend 10,000 pesos to visit this hotel, which isn't a top-tier place, just a three-star hotel."
The video sparked numerous reactions on TikTok. Some criticized the hotel's appearance, including the pool. Yaneisy responded, "But it's the best available right now in Las Tunas." Others pointed out that 10,000 pesos could cover two weeks' worth of food. Several people living abroad mentioned that the price wasn't high when converted to dollars. Yaneisy clarified, "For a Cuban living here, it's not cheap," and added, "I don't live in the United States."
She also responded to comments estimating her total spending: "That was the approximate amount. Thank you." Supportive messages followed, with one user emphasizing the importance of family time, to which she replied, "That's why I did it."
Days earlier, Yaneisy had posted another viral video showing what she could buy with 1,500 Cuban pesos, the island's minimum pension: a small bag of noodles and a bottle of oil. "That's what a retiree earns per month," she explained, noting that the meat she used for soup was already stored. "If it were just the 1,500 pesos, the soup would be plain and clear," she remarked, closing the video with, "Cubans truly face hunger and need, especially our elders. So, if you have the chance to help someone, do it."
Her account is part of a series of shared experiences by Cubans regarding hotels. One young woman reported mistaking eggplant for meat at a Varadero hotel. Another displayed a room with dirty towels and an empty minibar. A young man in Havana called the Memories Miramar "a ghost hotel," nearly deserted on Valentine's Day.
The Tourism Dilemma
Cuba's tourism sector has seen a decline of over 300,000 visitors in five months, with hotel occupancy rates below 25%, according to official statistics. Nonetheless, the government persists in its hotel construction endeavors. Stories like Yaneisy's highlight the struggles many families face in seeking leisure opportunities. In a nation burdened with low wages, inflation, and growing hardship, a day at a hotel can be an extravagant indulgence.
"Tell me in the comments if you'd spend 10,000 pesos to visit this hotel," she invites, prompting a discussion on the true costs of domestic tourism in Cuba.
Understanding the Costs of Cuban Tourism
How much did Yaneisy's hotel visit cost?
Yaneisy's hotel visit ended up costing 12,500 Cuban pesos for six people, including extras.
What was included in the hotel's entrance fee?
The entrance fee, which was 2,000 pesos per adult, included a small plate of chicharritas and a few other small items.
Why did some users criticize the hotel?
Some users criticized the hotel's appearance, particularly the pool, and questioned whether it was worth the price.
What economic challenges are Cubans facing?
Cubans are dealing with low wages, inflation, and increasing economic hardship, which makes leisure activities like hotel visits a significant luxury.