A video shared on Facebook by the profile Los Aventureros and La Bestia has sparked a flurry of reactions, showcasing the unusual greeting guests receive at the Elguea hotel in Corralillo, Villa Clara. The footage captures a man providing an extensive briefing to newcomers about the hotel amenities, with a particular emphasis on meal arrangements.
"We have fish, minced meat, pork... I have a system in place so that when you have breakfast in the morning, you ask the lady what we have for lunch, what we have for dinner. Because even though it's à la carte, if you tell me you're in room 305, there are five chickens here and we don't have to wait for her," the employee explained, in a manner reminiscent of a collective meeting.
The host also addresses basic services: "At the bar, you have beer, sodas. The tap water is not advisable to drink, but there's bottled water available in the restaurant and bar." While intended as practical guidance, the explanation was interpreted in diverse ways by viewers of the video.
A Meeting or a Welcome?
The most discussed aspect wasn't the menu or potable water information, but the manner of the exchange, which many felt mirrored Cuba's traditional political assemblies. "It seems like a revolutionary meeting for people who are all educated, surely with at least a ninth-grade education. Only in Cuba," remarked one user.
Others described it as overly formal for what should be a relaxing stay. "How pathetic, a meeting and instructions on what to do and not do in a hotel," commented one person. "What a complex dining system, even during a break you need to remember a heap of information. My goodness, how times have changed," another added.
Different Perspectives on Hotel Practices
Some messages were more nostalgic, such as one from a frequent visitor: "I've visited the hotel and thermal baths many times over the years. I'm from Motembo and always enjoyed the pool and seeing friends who work in the restaurant and canteen. Blessings to you, and have a good stay."
Others defended the practice, suggesting it reflects a cultural difference compared to all-inclusive hotels. "Perhaps those already have lodging discipline from outside Cuba or other all-inclusive hotels. And this hotel is different," wrote a user. Meanwhile, some reacted with disbelief: "Oh my God! What is that?"
The Cost of a Stay at Elguea Hotel
In another video, Los Aventureros detailed the cost of their stay. A package of three nights and four days at the Elguea hotel, with check-in at 4 p.m. and check-out at noon on the last day, was mentioned. Without transportation, the total cost was just over 4,000 Cuban pesos, amounting to about 1,600 pesos per night, including breakfast.
However, their video of the reception, seemingly not intended as a critical piece but rather as part of their regular content, inadvertently sparked a discussion. It highlighted how even leisure in Cuba appears to be intertwined with rules, exhaustive explanations, and reminders that many likened to political assemblies.
FAQs about Hotel Elguea's Unique Reception
Why did the hotel's welcome seem like a political meeting?
The manner in which the hotel staff addressed the guests, with detailed instructions and a formal tone, reminded many viewers of traditional political gatherings in Cuba.
What did the hotel charge for a stay?
A three-night, four-day package at the Elguea hotel cost just over 4,000 Cuban pesos, roughly translating to 1,600 pesos per night, including breakfast but excluding transportation.
How did people react to the hotel's reception video?
Reactions varied, with some seeing it as overly formal and reminiscent of political meetings, while others appreciated it as a cultural difference or shared nostalgic memories of the hotel.