What began as a simple weekend plan turned into a stark revelation for many Cubans about the hurdles they face when trying to access hotels in Havana. This increasingly common issue is characterized by numerous restrictions, lengthy lines, and exorbitant prices that are out of reach for most.
Facebook user Yaraidi Rodríguez documented her frustrating experience in a video, as she navigated through various hotels in the capital seeking a promotional deal. Instead, she encountered one disappointment after another.
At the centrally located Iberostar Parque Central, she was told there was no availability. She learned that people had been queuing since five in the morning to secure a spot for breakfast, leaving the hotel fully booked before ten.
The situation was similar elsewhere. At the Hotel Nacional, she was informed that offers for Cubans were valid only from Monday to Friday, requiring reservations at least 48 hours in advance. This effectively makes weekends inaccessible for the local public.
At Paseo del Prado, the requirement was a minimum consumption of 30 dollars, and other hotels had even steeper prices. At the Hotel Cohiba, for instance, packages started at 14,000 pesos per person, with more luxurious options reaching up to 100,000 pesos.
"What is this?" she exclaimed in shock at the rates.
Eventually, she managed to gain entry to one establishment—the Hotel Neptuno-Tritón—where access was around 4,000 pesos per person. Yet, even inside, the cost of food and drinks was staggering: 1,950 pesos for a chicken dish, over 2,000 for pork, 300 pesos for a serving of rice, and 650 for a beer.
Despite having paid an initial amount to enter, she found herself needing to spend more just to settle the bill.
This account not only highlights the rising costs of hotel services but also underscores a policy that is increasingly restrictive for Cubans, who must adhere to limited hours, advance bookings, and prices that clash with their earnings.
The scenario is part of a broader pattern of economic exclusion in Cuban hospitality. Some establishments have stopped accepting Cuban pesos altogether, demanding payments in dollars, which excludes the vast majority of the population.
Understanding Hotel Restrictions in Havana
Why are Havana hotels imposing restrictions on Cuban residents?
Hotels in Havana are implementing restrictions as a way to manage demand and prioritize foreign currency earnings, often at the expense of local residents who face limited access and high costs.
What challenges do Cubans face when trying to book hotels in Havana?
Cubans encounter numerous challenges, such as needing to make reservations 48 hours in advance, restricted access on weekends, and steep prices that are disproportionate to their income levels.
How has the payment policy in Cuban hotels affected local residents?
Some hotels have eliminated the option to pay in Cuban pesos, requiring payments in foreign currency like dollars, thus excluding many locals who do not have access to these currencies.