Mexican Tourist Shares Disturbing Airbnb Experience in Havana, Urges Caution to Fellow Travelers

A Mexican tourist took to social media to recount a harrowing ordeal in Havana after booking accommodation through Airbnb. She claims the supposed host deceived her, leaving her vulnerable in an unfamiliar city street.

Her post, shared in the Facebook group "Travel Tips for Cuba," sparked over 300 comments from users expressing alarm and concern over the perceived decline of the Cuban capital.

Identified as Sonya Ruiz, the traveler had reserved a room for December 6 in a building located on Consulado Street, first floor, between Genios and Cárcel, in Central Havana. Upon arrival, she described the location as "unsafe and filthy," with a dark entrance and stairways reeking of urine. Despite her misgivings, she approached the host's door, only to be met with an unsettling encounter.

According to her account, a man emerged "in very small shorts, shirtless, and visibly annoyed," yelling that she couldn't enter "unless she paid in cash at a rate much higher than what she had already paid via the app." The tourist stated that the man denied any connection to Airbnb and demanded extra payment to allow her entry, despite her pre-paid reservation from Mexico.

"I felt quite scared and extremely upset," Sonya wrote, explaining that the man insisted on a fabricated fee and refused her stay. Fearing for her safety, she left the location with her luggage, feeling "very confused" and uncertain of where to sleep.

Sonya reported the incident to Airbnb, but immediate assistance did not come from the platform. Eventually, she managed to secure a room at a nearby small hotel on her own. "I shudder to think what might have happened if I had stayed alone, without communication, at night in a completely unfamiliar country," she reflected.

The experience left a "bad impression and a huge scare" on the tourist, although she clarified her intention was not to harm the country's reputation but to warn other travelers against similar experiences.

Community Reactions: "Not All Cubans Are Like This"

The complaint ignited a heated discussion on Facebook, with many Cubans expressing regret over the incident, insisting that the host's behavior does not represent the Cuban people.

"I'm sorry for what happened to her, not all Cubans are like that," wrote one user, while others stressed that the city's degradation affects its own residents. "I hardly recognize my people anymore; most have lost their empathy," commented another group member.

Other tourists shared warnings of similar experiences, such as one man who recounted being pressured to pay for a supposed favor in Old Havana, and another lamented the increase in petty scams especially targeting first-time visitors.

Many users agreed that Sonya's choice of location may have exacerbated the incident. "Who would choose to rent in the worst part of Havana?" one person questioned, while others suggested finding accommodations in areas like Vedado, known for better conditions and more reliable hosts.

Some defended Airbnb, noting that Cuba has thousands of responsible hosts. "Her host is one of the few exceptions; I hope Airbnb removes the listing," commented a landlord who regretted the situation.

Balancing Caution and Fairness

Sonya Ruiz's post has sparked a dialogue blending concerns over safety, tourist scams, social decay, and the economic pressures driving some Cubans to exploitative practices.

While some urge not to judge the country by a single case, many emphasize the importance of warning foreign travelers to take precautions, research their lodging areas, and check recent reviews before booking.

For her part, the tourist expressed gratitude for trusting her instincts and leaving the location before the situation worsened. "I really hope you all exercise caution when traveling," she concluded in her message.

Airbnb has not released any public statements regarding this case, but according to several users, the platform typically responds to such reports by removing the listing and penalizing the host.

This complaint has become an uncomfortable reflection of what many describe as a Havana that is increasingly tense, impoverished, and lacking safe spaces, where even a tourist trip can turn into a major fright.