The "Valentín El Patriarca" hotel, located on the Varadero Peninsula and rated five stars, has come under fire on social media for its abysmal hygiene and infrastructure conditions, especially in the kitchen area. Images shared by the Facebook page "La Nueva Cuba" and subsequently reposted by various profiles reveal chaos at the "Valentín El Patriarca," situated on the narrow Hicacos Peninsula in Varadero.
The hotel is managed by Spanish entrepreneur Javier Aguilar, and according to reports, the work mechanism involves offering free dinners to complaining guests to cover up deficiencies and compelling workers to post favorable reviews on websites like Trip Advisor.
On the popular travel site, the hotel is described as "an all-inclusive family resort that brings you closer to the best of Varadero," boasting a four-star rating based on visitor reviews. However, the shared images paint a very different picture.
Alarming Conditions in the Kitchen
The kitchen is in deplorable condition, with insects like cockroaches freely roaming the floors and areas where food is prepared and stored. The flooring and cooking equipment are in disrepair, and the cooking utensils and dishes are broken, reflecting a reality more aligned with Cuba's declining state than the regime's efforts to project confidence in attracting tourism.
Official data on investment in Cuba during the first half of 2024 has reignited debates on the allocation of resources on the island, particularly the regime's insistence on investing in the tourism sector at the expense of fundamental sectors like health and social assistance.
An ONEI (National Office of Statistics and Information) report indicated that from January to June 2024, the regime allocated almost 40% of its investments to tourism-related activities, while investment in Health and Social Assistance was 14 times lower. However, as investments grow, so do the negative experiences that lead to criticisms of hotel conditions in Cuba.
Tourist Experiences in Varadero Hotels
In 2023, Canadian tourist Deanna Lang filed a lawsuit against Toronto-based travel company Sunwing to recover the $8,000 she spent on a trip to Varadero. She stayed at the Memories Varadero Beach Resort with her mother and five children, and the trip turned into a nightmare due to multiple issues, including a lack of food and pervasive cockroaches.
Another Canadian tourist described her two-week stay at the Barceló Solymar - Occidental Arenas Blancas complex in Varadero as "the worst experience of her life." Joe Eastcott, a resident of Surrey, Canada, shared in a Facebook group his experience and photos depicting the severe deterioration of the facilities and the poor quality of the food.
This year, the opening of the import company Mesol, managed by Meliá Hotels International in Cuba, highlighted the island's deep crisis in supplying basic products. Established earlier this year, Mesol aims to supply Meliá hotels with a wide range of products, from food and beverages to cleaning supplies and kitchenware.
Presented by the official press as an efficient solution to maintain quality in the Spanish chain's hotels, Mesol underscores the Cuban government's inefficacy in ensuring the provision of essential goods to its population and now to its business partners.
Another negative experience came from Argentine influencer Georgi, who shared her disappointing stay at an all-inclusive hotel in Varadero. She posted images of the food offered during her stay at the Hotel Sol Palmeras, emphasizing the lack of variety and quality, such as pizza without cheese and bread as hard as a rock.
FAQs on Varadero Hotel Conditions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the concerning conditions at the "Valentín El Patriarca" hotel and other Varadero hotels.
What are the main issues reported at the "Valentín El Patriarca" hotel?
The main issues include poor hygiene, broken kitchen utensils, insects like cockroaches, and overall disrepair of the facilities.
Who manages the "Valentín El Patriarca" hotel?
The hotel is managed by Spanish entrepreneur Javier Aguilar.
What does the ONEI report say about Cuba's investment priorities?
The report indicates that nearly 40% of investments were allocated to tourism activities, while investment in Health and Social Assistance was 14 times lower.
What negative experiences have tourists reported in Varadero hotels?
Tourists have reported issues such as lack of food, poor hygiene, pervasive insects, and deteriorating facilities.