A Cuban visitor recently shared his experience at the five-star Hotel Playa Vista Azul in Varadero through a viral video, highlighting ongoing issues such as endless queues, a lack of desserts, and shortages of cheese and ham. Guests also faced long waits for eggs or omelets, all while paying nearly $1,000 for their stay.
"It's embarrassing, truly embarrassing. We're talking almost a thousand dollars for a service that's worth nothing," the video's creator lamented. The clip, posted on Isla Local's Facebook page, quickly gained traction with nearly 50,000 views, 529 likes, and 163 comments in just a few days.
As he walked through the dining area, the man narrated the scene: "People are lining up for desserts, but there are none. By the cheese line, there's a lot of pepper. Look at the line for cheese and ham; they say you shouldn't have to wait. On the other side, there's the line for eggs and omelets. Cubans here, you know. Struggling and experiencing hardship in a hotel that's supposed to deliver."
The hotel featured in the video is Ocean Vista Azul, a 501-room complex located at kilometer 11 on the Autopista Sur in Varadero. It's rated as a five-star hotel and is part of the Gaviota Group, which is controlled by the Cuban military.
Official prices for the hotel hover around $326 for a two-night all-inclusive stay for two adults, although longer packages can approach or exceed the $1,000 mentioned in the video.
This complaint is not an isolated incident. Back in April, another Cuban woman's grievances about the Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort went viral. She reported being served only "chicken with rice and cabbage" and noted that the bread was infested with weevils.
In May, another tourist criticized the limited options available at the buffet during a four-day stay at Meliá Varadero.
This pattern is pervasive throughout Cuba's hospitality sector, which is enduring its most severe crisis in decades. Reports from June 2026 indicate that Cuba lost nearly 50% of its visitors in the first four months of the year. Hotel occupancy in Varadero fell below 10% during some periods, and approximately 30 hotels temporarily closed due to fuel shortages and low demand.
In February, the Cuban government closed several hotels due to a lack of fuel, while those that remain open are offering discounts of up to 25% and free transportation to entice tourists.
The sector's revenue has plummeted by 70% since 2019.
The disconnect between the international prices these establishments charge and the actual quality of service—plagued by shortages, power outages lasting up to 20 hours, and a chronic energy crisis—is at the heart of the growing outrage expressed by visitors on social media. Varadero has become synonymous with a tourism promise the regime can no longer fulfill.
Common Concerns About Varadero Hotels
What are the main complaints about hotels in Varadero?
Visitors often report issues like long lines, food shortages, and poor service quality despite high costs. Power outages and energy crises also contribute to the negative experiences.
Why are hotel prices in Varadero high if the service is poor?
Despite the poor service, international pricing models still apply. The disconnect between price and service quality leads to growing dissatisfaction among tourists.
How has the Cuban tourism industry been affected in recent years?
The industry has seen a significant decline, with visitor numbers dropping by nearly 50% and revenue falling by 70% since 2019. Fuel shortages and low demand have caused temporary hotel closures.