Alina Bárbara López Hernández, a Cuban historian and professor, publicly condemned the arbitrary actions she encountered at Sol Palmeras hotel in Varadero on Saturday. A security guard barred her from entering the hotel lobby to retrieve a vital donation of medications intended for those lacking essential supplies in Cuba.
In a detailed Facebook post, López Hernández described her visit to Sol Palmeras, where she was supposed to collect a suitcase of medications. This was generously sent from Argentina by Cuban engineer Danilo Pompa and his wife, facilitated by an Argentine couple staying at the hotel.
Upon arrival, the security guard at the entrance refused her entry to the hotel lobby and declined to notify the awaiting guest, despite being informed of the humanitarian nature of her visit.
The scholar noted that even a simple solution, like calling the reception to verify the meeting, was dismissed.
When López Hernández pointed out that denying a Cuban citizen access to a hotel lobby on national soil violates constitutional rights, the guard cynically replied, "In Cuba, rights are violated every day and nothing happens. What are you going to do about it?" This remark, she noted, exemplified the entrenched institutional cynicism.
Ultimately, after reaching the guest by phone, the Argentine couple exited the hotel and handed over the medicine-laden suitcase, ensuring the donation's safe delivery.
López Hernández expressed her gratitude for the solidarity of individuals both within and outside Cuba who have repeatedly helped ease the medical supply shortages plaguing the nation.
Managed by the Spanish chain Meliá, Sol Palmeras' management practices were questioned by López Hernández, who wondered if such treatment would be acceptable in Meliá's home country. She argued that the incident highlights not just individual mistreatment but the normalization of rights violations even in foreign-managed establishments.
The incident sparked widespread reactions on social media, with users emphasizing that this was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of discrimination and abuse, often overlooked by those in power.
Commenters pointed out the stark contradiction of ordinary citizens organizing to send medicine while others, shielded by impunity, obstruct and demean such aid efforts.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Meliá Hotels International in Cuba amid criticisms over its opaque dealings with the island's regime, the exploitation of underpaid labor, and corruption allegations.
In late May, Cuban writer and academic Enrique del Risco urged the international community to pressure foreign companies like Meliá and the Canadian Blue Diamond chain, which economically support the Cuban government.
Meliá recently added the iconic Hotel Jagua in Cienfuegos to its portfolio, undergoing a renovation funded by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) and the chain itself, costing a total of 15 million dollars and 2,250 million Cuban pesos.
However, Meliá's own reports titled "First Quarter Results 2025" acknowledged a notable decline in their Cuban operations during the first quarter of 2025.
Understanding the Impact of Foreign Hotel Chains in Cuba
What was the nature of the incident at the Sol Palmeras hotel?
The incident involved a security guard at Sol Palmeras hotel in Varadero preventing Alina Bárbara López Hernández from entering the lobby to collect a donation of medications, despite its humanitarian purpose.
How did the incident at Sol Palmeras reflect broader issues in Cuba?
The event highlighted the normalization of rights violations in Cuba, even within establishments managed by foreign companies, revealing systemic issues of discrimination and impunity.
What criticisms face Meliá Hotels International in Cuba?
Meliá faces criticism for its lack of transparency in dealings with the Cuban regime, the use of underpaid labor, and allegations of corruption, raising concerns about its role in economically supporting the government.