Cuban content creator Dani Boggeano shared her three-day, two-night stay at Havana's Hotel Habana Libre on Instagram, celebrating her 27th birthday. Her experience was a blend of unforgettable moments and unavoidable setbacks.
In two Instagram reels posted on March 9 and 11, Dani provided a detailed account of her time at one of the capital's most famous hotels. She began her first video with, "I stayed three days at Hotel Habana Libre, and here's what happened."
Her stay began with unexpected challenges. The first night, her reservation didn’t include dinner, prompting her to order sushi from a restaurant. Dani and her partner waited three hours for the meal, which ultimately fell short of expectations. This inconvenience, however, was not the hotel’s fault; the real surprise was yet to come.
On her birthday, Dani awoke excited to try the breakfast buffet at the Habana Libre, only to encounter a major hiccup: none of the hotel’s elevators were operational.
“We had to descend 22 floors using the stairs," she recounted. The remainder of their stay involved using what Dani described as "terrifying service elevators."
Upon reaching the restaurant, they found that the promised breakfast buffet was nonexistent. With few guests, the hotel offered a classic "continental breakfast" from the menu instead.
Despite the setbacks, Dani highlighted some positive aspects. Their room on the 22nd floor featured two large beds, a desk, a TV, a minibar, a safe, and a "very clean" bathroom. The views from this height were particularly striking to her.
“We woke up to the most beautiful views of Havana I had ever seen.” On the third day, breakfast was indeed served buffet-style by the pool. "Simple and small but it had everything necessary,” she noted.
The pinnacle of her celebration was a birthday dinner at a restaurant in Havana Vieja. “There was no better way to end the day. I’d give the place a thousand out of ten. The food, the service, the atmosphere, the vibe, the energy. I loved it all,” she exclaimed.
The total cost for the two-night stay at Hotel Habana Libre amounted to 47,200 Cuban pesos, a significant sum considering Cuba’s economic conditions. What Dani spent for this brief stay is roughly equivalent to nearly a year’s salary for an average state worker.
Such experiences fuel ongoing discussions about the luxury of Cuban hotels in stark contrast to the economic hardships faced by the local population.
Since 1958, the Hotel Habana Libre has been a symbol of the capital, remaining a sought-after accommodation in the heart of El Vedado, despite its evident shortcomings.
Dani was candid about her videos' intent: “This is not a promotion, I’m just sharing my experience,” she stated. Her account, with both highlights and low points, paints a realistic picture of staying at one of Cuba’s most iconic hotels.
Insights on Staying at Hotel Habana Libre
What challenges did Dani Boggeano face during her stay?
Dani faced several challenges, including a lengthy wait for food delivery that did not meet her expectations and malfunctioning hotel elevators, requiring her to use the stairs and service elevators during her stay.
What were the positive aspects of Dani's stay at Hotel Habana Libre?
Dani appreciated the room's amenities, cleanliness, and the stunning views of Havana from the 22nd floor. She also enjoyed a memorable birthday dinner in Havana Vieja.