Cuban content creator Nanda shared a nearly three-minute video on Instagram, detailing her unsatisfactory experience at the Meliá Las Américas hotel in Varadero. Contrary to its reputation as "the best in Varadero," her stay turned out to be disappointing and "terrible."
Nanda had chosen the hotel based on recommendations from several individuals and influencers. However, upon her arrival, she encountered a different reality. Her post has garnered over 140,000 views, 11,195 likes, and 369 comments.
For two nights in a room located in the exclusive The Level area, the second most expensive category at the resort, she paid $520, which included transportation to Varadero.
"I am extremely disappointed with this hotel," she expressed in her video. "It was highly recommended, sold to me as Varadero's best."
One of the issues she faced was a malfunctioning air conditioning unit in her room, which failed to cool the space.
Additionally, the exclusive Level area bar was closed, forcing her to use the standard facilities despite having paid for premium amenities.
Subpar Dining and Service Issues
The a la carte restaurant offered a poor dining experience, with waits up to two hours for meals. "The restaurant's air conditioning was broken, making it unbearably hot, and lunch was a two-hour ordeal. The buffet only offered chicken and an inedible fish," she described.
On the last day, they were unable to have lunch and chose to lodge a complaint at the lobby. The minibar service was also unavailable, and the small refrigerator in the room was dirty.
During their stay, Nanda and her companions fell ill with fever and vomiting, yet the health point at the resort provided no assistance as it closed at 5 p.m.
"Those three days were dreadful. We couldn’t wait to leave," she summarized.
Widespread Discontent Among Visitors
Her video sparked a robust discussion. One of the most supported comments labeled the hotel as "one of the worst, if not the worst. It looks aesthetically pleasing, but in terms of quality, service, and offerings, it's abysmal."
Other followers echoed her sentiments, highlighting the gap between influencer reviews and actual experiences. "Thank you for providing real reviews. I've had similar experiences in hotels, seeing poor conditions, only to find influencers praising them online."
This incident is part of a growing trend where Cubans share negative experiences at Varadero hotels on social media. In April 2026, another Cuban rated the Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort 3/10 due to scant food and poor service.
Similarly, in May, a tourist described a "bittersweet" stay at the Meliá Varadero, citing a subpar buffet. In September 2025, a Cuban TikToker criticized the Roc Arenas Doradas after spending $450.
Despite maintaining a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor with over 10,700 reviews, the Meliá Las Américas frequently faces complaints about food quality, service delays, and maintenance issues on both the platform and social media.
The Level service is an exclusive, higher-tier concept offered by some resorts in the Meliá Hotels International chain, designed to provide personalized customer attention. However, in this instance, the experience fell short of expectations.
Common Issues at Varadero Hotels
What problems did Nanda encounter at Meliá Las Américas?
Nanda faced a malfunctioning air conditioning unit, closed exclusive amenities, long wait times at the restaurant, and lack of medical assistance during her stay.
How did the hotel's TripAdvisor rating compare to Nanda's experience?
Despite a high TripAdvisor rating of 4.5 out of 5, Nanda's experience highlighted significant issues such as poor food quality and inadequate service, contrasting with the positive reviews.
What is The Level service at Meliá hotels?
The Level is a premium service offered by Meliá Hotels International, promising enhanced, personalized attention and exclusive amenities. However, it did not meet expectations in this case.