A Cuban woman named Thalía Soler shared a video on Facebook this Saturday detailing her disappointing day at the Grand Hotel in Camagüey, one of the province's most renowned establishments. Her experience ended with a resolute statement: "I will never go back there."
Soler explained that she spent two months trying to book access to the hotel's pool. Rather than setting the stage for an enjoyable visit, the long wait led to a series of letdowns from the moment she arrived.
"I spent two months constantly making reservations just to swim in the pool. And in the end, when I got there, everything was a mess," she recounted in a video clip lasting just over a minute.
Disappointments Upon Arrival
Upon reaching the hotel, the group was informed they couldn't bring their own drinks. The problem was compounded by the lack of any food options available inside, forcing them to leave in search of a meal after already being in the pool.
"They told us we couldn't bring anything to drink. And when we arrived, there wasn't even a sad little offering; we had to leave the pool to find food," Soler described.
Poor Dining Experience
The lunch supposedly included with the day pass—spaghetti and pizza—was also underwhelming. Portions were so small that Soler deemed them insufficient for one person, and she likened the pizza to "an old sandal people used to wear to carnivals."
Additional issues plagued their visit: the pool water was excessively hot and the dishes arrived greasy. "Not to mention the water was scorching and even the plates were filthy," she added.
Amidst Challenges, Good Company Saves the Day
Despite everything, Soler admitted that her friends' company made the day bearable: "I had a good time because I was with my friends, and we bring a lot of energy, but I will never go back there."
In the video's description, Soler was more direct about the underlying issues: "Unfortunately, the situation in the province worsens every day, and there’s nothing we can do to fix it. A video isn't enough to express all I felt at that moment."
Widespread Issues in State-Run Hotels
The Grand Hotel of Camagüey, opened in 1938 and managed by the state-owned Islazul chain, features 72 rooms, a pool for adults and children, a restaurant, a café, and four bars. It is also marketed internationally as the "Gran Hotel Affiliated by Meliá."
Soler's experience is not unique. In August 2026, another Cuban woman recounted a nearly identical situation at the Hotel Neptuno in Havana: power outages, poor service, prohibitions on outside food, and poor pool conditions. Complaints are common across various state-run hotels in the island offering day passes priced between 3 and 30 dollars, or 10,000 to 19,000 Cuban pesos.
Camagüey faces one of its worst crises in basic services in 2026, with power cuts lasting up to 20 days in some neighborhoods, water shortages due to pump station failures, and salaries delayed by up to six months in municipalities like Güáimaro. Soler highlighted these issues with hashtags #PowerOutages and #Scarcity when sharing her story.
Understanding the Struggles of Camagüey's Hospitality Sector
What were the main issues Thalía Soler faced at the Grand Hotel in Camagüey?
Thalía Soler experienced several issues including a lack of available food and drinks, poor quality meals, excessively hot pool water, and dirty dishes.
How does the Grand Hotel market itself internationally?
The Grand Hotel is marketed internationally as "Gran Hotel Affiliated by Meliá," emphasizing its historical significance and facilities.
What broader issues are affecting Camagüey in 2026?
In 2026, Camagüey is dealing with severe crises in basic services, including extended power outages, water shortages, and delayed salaries.