A family who spent a night at the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba shared an unsettling experience when they discovered a cockroach scuttling around the drawers in their room.
The incident was captured by Cuban content creator @la_china_diaz7, who humorously captioned her post with: “Everything looks lovely, but nobody mentioned we'd be sharing the room with an extra guest.”
In the video, the cockroach was whimsically named "La cucarachita Martina," as she seemed to have taken refuge from the frequent blackouts. "Can you imagine?" the creator quipped.
Despite the comedic tone, the discomfort of the situation was clear. Nevertheless, the user acknowledged the general upkeep of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, noting that the facilities appeared to be in good condition.
She described the room as “quite beautiful and cozy,” emphasizing that everything was “very clean” and that the decor had a touch of “antiquity.”
Recurring Encounters with Cockroaches in Cuban Hotels
In September 2025, an Italian influencer reported sleeping among cockroaches at the Memories Miramar hotel, counting over 30 insects in a single room with no running water.
During that same month, a Cuban diner found a cockroach in a dessert at a Havana restaurant, and in August 2025, Spanish tourists spotted roaches in the buffet area of a Varadero hotel.
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a landmark since its opening on December 30, 1930, managed by Gran Caribe, has hosted international leaders, Hollywood icons, renowned writers, and artists. However, during her stay, one Cuban guest encountered a far less illustrious visitor: a cockroach.
Cuba's Tourism Industry Faces Its Worst Crisis in Decades
In the first half of 2026, Cuba welcomed just 387,591 international tourists, a 60.7% drop compared to the same period in 2025.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz admitted to the National Assembly that 73% of hotel facilities remain closed, leaving about 25,000 workers in a state of “availability.”
Since April 2026, offers at the Hotel Nacional for Cuban residents are limited to weekdays with a 48-hour notice, further restricting access for local guests.
In spite of the challenges, the video creator ended her account with gratitude, stating: “A blessing from God was enjoying this beautiful hotel and these stunning views.”
FAQs on Hotel Experiences in Cuba
What issues did the family encounter at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba?
The family discovered a cockroach in their room drawers during their stay at the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
How has the tourism industry in Cuba been affected recently?
Cuba's tourism industry has faced a significant decline, with a 60.7% decrease in international tourists in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
What measures has the Hotel Nacional implemented for local guests?
Since April 2026, the Hotel Nacional has restricted offers to Cuban residents, only available from Monday to Friday with a 48-hour advance notice.