This week, Cuban native Yaniris Diaz (@yani_renaciendo) took to TikTok to candidly share her recent stay at the Meliá Varadero hotel. She described a bittersweet experience shaped by the stunning beach, attentive staff, and noticeable shortcomings in the dining options.
The trip was a spontaneous decision, arranged entirely over the phone with an agency, with reservations and tickets sent via WhatsApp. Yaniris had to fly through Havana due to the lack of direct flights to Varadero, a logistical hurdle that highlights the challenges many Cubans face when attempting to reach tourist destinations within their own country.
Yaniris spoke positively about the hotel's facilities: "The hotel is pretty, the rooms are very nice and seem renovated, and the pool— as you can see— is also lovely." However, the true highlight of her visit was the beach: "Our beaches are unparalleled. Walking on that fine sand and swimming in those waters are life's true pleasures."
Despite these highlights, there were downsides. "You are in Cuba, and as such, the shortages are evident," Yaniris noted, pointing out that the buffet was lacking throughout her four-day stay: "There was very little food variety, and they offered practically the same thing." While she mentioned that this didn't bother her too much personally, she felt compelled to address it due to frequent inquiries on her previous videos.
In contrast to the material deficiencies, the staff received high praise: "The workers don't know where to put you or how to serve you," she commented, appreciating the employees' willingness and kindness.
Criticisms about the quality of buffets in Cuban hotels are a recurring theme on social media. This is not the first time a Cuban has shared a disappointing experience at a Varadero hotel, underscoring the ongoing debate about the gap between the image portrayed by Cuban tourism and the reality faced by guests.
In August 2023, Cuban reggaeton artist Jorge Junior criticized Meliá Internacional Varadero, expressing that "from what it was before to what it is now, there's quite a gap," suggesting the hotel be stripped of its stars.
Yaniris's review comes at a critical juncture for Cuban tourism. In 2025, the island received only 1.8 million visitors, marking the lowest figures since 2002, excluding the pandemic. In early 2026, tourist arrivals dropped 48%, with just 298,057 visitors between January and March.
Hotel occupancy in Varadero and Havana hovers around 20-21%, historically low levels that prompted the regime to implement a "hotel compaction" strategy, temporarily closing at least 30 properties. To combat the decline, Cuban hotels are offering discounts of up to 30% for the 2026 season. However, structural issues such as food shortages, maintenance problems, and an energy crisis continue to impact the genuine guest experience, as highlighted in Yaniris's review.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Tourism
What were the main issues Yaniris Diaz faced during her stay?
Yaniris Diaz highlighted the lack of variety in the buffet and the logistical difficulties in reaching Varadero due to a lack of direct flights, reflecting broader challenges in Cuban tourism.
How did Yaniris describe the hotel's staff?
Yaniris praised the hotel staff for their attentiveness and eagerness to serve, highlighting their kindness despite the material shortages at the hotel.
What is the current state of tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba is facing significant challenges, with a decline in visitor numbers and low hotel occupancy rates. Structural issues like food shortages and energy crises continue to affect the industry.