Cuban content creator Yaniris Díaz (@yanirenacer) recently shared a candid review of her stay at the Meliá Varadero hotel. While she praised the stunning beaches and renovated rooms, she didn't hold back in criticizing the lackluster buffet, sparking a lively discussion among her followers.
This video serves as a follow-up to another she released earlier, where Yaniris expressed her shock upon returning to Cuba after a decade away, documenting the "total decay" she observed in both Havana and Varadero.
Booking Challenges and Initial Impressions
Yaniris detailed her last-minute travel arrangements, explaining that she booked her stay through one agency and her flights through another, communicating entirely via WhatsApp. Due to the absence of direct flights to Varadero, she had to fly into Havana.
In her review, she describes the hotel honestly: "The rooms are lovely, newly remodeled, and the pool is impressive. But being in Cuba, you notice the shortages."
Beach Praise and Staff Courtesy
The beaches received the highest praise: "Our beaches are incomparable. Walking on the fine sands and swimming in those waters are life's true pleasures."
She also highlighted the attentive staff, noting that "the workers are eager to assist in any way they can," showing their kindness and dedication.
Buffet Disappointments
However, the buffet fell short, lacking diverse and flavorful food options. "For four days, the variety was minimal, and they offered virtually the same dishes," she noted. "While this didn't bother me too much, it is a frequent concern in other videos, so I must be completely honest with you."
Complaints about inadequate buffets in Varadero hotels are not new, with both Cuban and foreign creators documenting them since at least 2023. This issue has worsened amidst the island's ongoing economic and food crisis.
Social Media Reactions and Debate
The comments on her video mirrored this tension. Some users shared similar or even worse experiences. "Don't know where to seat you? Lucky you. My experience has always been traumatic. The poor service begins at the front desk," one user shared. Another remarked, "Lovely place, but there's no water or food. Lots of mosquitoes and even power outages."
Dark humor emerged, with jokes like, "Every hotel offers various 'meats': megalodon fillet, tyrannosaurus steaks, and polar bear stew."
Others questioned the video's intent: "This type of video indirectly whitewashes the dictatorship's image. There's a big difference between showing family moments and reviewing a Varadero hotel."
Another simply stated, "Keep giving money to the dictatorship," referencing the regime-managed hotels, many of which are under GAESA control.
The recent trend of Cubans documenting their stays in local hotels has sparked ongoing debates on social media about the implications of showcasing tourism in Cuba during a crisis.
Tourism Decline in Cuba
Cuban tourism is in a steep decline. In 2025, only 1.8 million international visitors arrived, a significant 62% drop from the record 4.7 million in 2018. The first quarter of 2026 saw a 48% decrease compared to the same period the previous year.
Understanding Tourism Challenges in Cuba
What issues did Yaniris Díaz highlight in her review of the Meliá Varadero hotel?
Yaniris Díaz praised the beautiful beaches and renovated rooms but criticized the buffet for its lack of variety and flavor.
How have Varadero hotel buffets been perceived by other creators?
Other creators, both Cuban and foreign, have documented similar complaints about the lack of variety and quality in Varadero hotel buffets since at least 2023.
What are the broader implications of documenting tourism in Cuba?
Documenting tourism in Cuba amid its economic crisis has sparked debates about whether such content indirectly supports the regime and how it portrays the country's current state.
What are the recent trends in Cuban tourism numbers?
Cuban tourism has significantly declined, with only 1.8 million visitors in 2025, a 62% decrease from 2018, and a further 48% drop in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year.