Amidst an unprecedented tourism crisis in Cuba, a content creator known as @yiselllage shared a TikTok video on Tuesday, July 7, raising a question many are pondering: Is it worth staying at a hotel in Cuba given the current circumstances?
The focus of her review is the Sol Palmeras, a four-star beachfront resort managed by Meliá Cuba in Varadero, which reopened on July 1, 2026, following four months of repairs and renovations.
"The hotel just reopened, and the rooms were remodeled; they truly feel clean, comfortable, and more modern than I expected," the Cuban content creator stated in her video, which garnered over 5,000 views within a few days.
The Sol Palmeras renovations included the main pool with new ceramic tiles and inclusive access, a second pool with underwater lights and tiles, a restored lobby dome, gardens with fresh grass, and backup generators installed in the bungalow area.
Buffet Offerings and Beach Experience
Regarding the buffet—a primary concern for potential visitors to the island—@yiselllage was specific: "I found quite a variety: shrimp, various types of beef in sauce and grilled, pork leg, beans, bacon, and for the kids, there was always pizza and spaghetti."
The only downside she noted was that the mini-club, though renovated, was not operational during her visit.
When it came to the beach, her assessment was straightforward: "Varadero never disappoints."
Her conclusion was clear: "For me, this is one of the best hotels; I recommend it one hundred percent. Hopefully, it remains the same when you visit."
Contrasting Experiences in Cuban Tourism
This positive feedback stands in stark contrast to what other visitors have documented at Varadero hotels: buffets with limited options like chicken, rice, and cabbage; bread infested with weevils; waits of up to two hours for service; broken air conditioning; and rooms with mold and bedbugs at places like the Barceló Solymar and the Kawama.
@yiselllage's experience also differs from her own "bitter experience" at Cayo Santa María, where in 2026, the state-run enterprise Gaviota S.A. closed 20 hotels, leaving over 7,000 workers unemployed.
The overall outlook for Cuban tourism is dire. Between January and April 2026, the island welcomed only 328,608 international tourists, a staggering 55.8% drop compared to the same period in 2025. The occupancy rate plummeted to 21.5%, with some periods below 10%, translating to over eight out of ten rooms being vacant. It is projected that Cuba will end 2026 with fewer than one million visitors, marking its lowest record since the pandemic.
Amid this grim scenario, the reopening of Sol Palmeras—with genuine renovations and an experience that at least one visitor deems positive—sparks a debate: Is Cuban tourism still a viable option for those willing to try a newly refurbished hotel, or is this merely an isolated exception amidst the widespread collapse of the island's tourism infrastructure?
The Viability of Traveling to Cuba
Is it safe to travel to Cuba right now?
While Cuba is generally considered safe for tourists, potential travelers should be aware of the ongoing economic challenges and infrastructure issues that may impact their visit.
What should tourists expect from Cuban hotels?
Travelers should anticipate varying experiences, ranging from newly renovated resorts like Sol Palmeras to others that may have outdated facilities and limited services due to the country’s economic situation.