The content creator Abelito Nemo shared on social media a visual tour of the ruins of the former Emperador hotel, which was also known as Senator, Cristal Laguna, and NH Cristal Laguna, located in Cayo Coco, province of Ciego de Ávila. The images depict a completely abandoned facility that has been operated at different times by groups such as Cubanacán, NH Hoteles, and Iberostar.
“Now we will enter this facility, we walk along this path, this is the statue that represents the Emperador hotel, formerly the Senador hotel, then Cristal Laguna, Ibero Star Cayo Coco,” narrates Abelito Nemo at the beginning of the video shared on his TikTok profile @abelitonemo.
During the tour, the creator shows collapsed ceilings, ruined spaces, areas taken over by vegetation, and destroyed structures.
"Well, this hotel has gone through several owners [...] apparently this area used to be filled with bars, ranches, and cafés, but there’s nothing left of that," he explained. "Mother Nature has taken over this whole area, unfortunately," he added while showing the state of the rooms. "It's a miracle that everything left hasn't been stolen," he said.
According to their testimony, the facility was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, and has not resumed operation since then.
“It was supposed that the renovations were underway; however, all that stopped when Hurricane Irma hit the island in September 2017,” she recounted. “Although I don't believe it's possible anymore, I think it will remain like this, just like many other facilities that have been left adrift,” she opined.
In another post, Abelito Nemo showcased the pool area and delved into the overall situation of tourism on the island:
"Looking at all this disaster makes one question why they continue to build new tourist facilities in the country, despite the fact that we are currently experiencing the worst economic crisis ever seen on the island," he noted. "It is also impossible to hide the low number of tourists visiting the country each year, which is far below expectations," he added. "This is what little remains of the Emperador hotel after the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017," he concluded.
The posts generated hundreds of comments from users expressing sadness, outrage, and criticism of state abandonment. Many recalled having worked at or visited the site, while others denounced the lack of maintenance, the progressive deterioration of tourist facilities in Cuba, and the contradiction between official discourse and reality.
Declining investment, empty hotels
According to recent data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), investments in hotels and restaurants accounted for only 4.7% of the total so far in 2025, a significant drop from the 11.3% of the previous year. Meanwhile, the electricity, gas, and water sector received 33.6% of the investments, indicating a shift in priorities amid a systemic crisis. This situation contradicts official statements claiming that tourism remains a priority.
The decline in the arrival of visitors has also been drastic. Between January and June of this year, the country welcomed 981,000 international travelers, a drop of 25% compared to the same period in 2024. Hotel occupancy fell to a critical 21.5%, one of the lowest in the region. Data like this reflect what has already been described as a hotel industry mirage fueled by billions poorly invested.
On the other hand, the statistics accumulated up to July confirm that only 76.8% of the international tourists who arrived in 2024 have returned this year, indicating a structural contraction in the tourism industry, exacerbated by the lack of conditions to welcome visitors in a competitive environment.
As empty hotels multiply, citizens' criticism grows over the neglect of vital sectors such as health, housing, and food. The case of the Emperador hotel is just one among many. Yet its appearance—now shrouded in weeds and forgotten—has become a metaphor for a tourism model that can no longer sustain even its own ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Abandonment of Tourist Facilities in Cuba
Why is the Emperador hotel in Cayo Coco in ruins?
The Emperador Hotel in Cayo Coco was left in ruins after being severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Since then, it has not reopened, and the promised renovation work has not been completed. This is yet another example of tourist facilities in Cuba that have been abandoned, reflecting an unsustainable and poorly managed tourism model.
How has Cuba's economic crisis affected tourism?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to a drastic drop in the arrival of international tourists, a decline in hotel occupancy to critical levels, and a significant decrease in investments in the tourism sector. Despite being considered a priority sector by the government, the reality reveals a structural decline worsened by a lack of maintenance and adequate conditions.
What criticisms have been made about the abandonment of facilities in Cuba?
Criticism of the Cuban government focuses on the neglect of vital sectors such as tourism, health care, housing, and food, while new tourist facilities continue to be built that fail to attract visitors. This neglect is evident in cases such as the Emperador hotel, the Isla del Coco amusement park, and the National Aquarium, all in a state of ruin and neglect.
Are there examples of other abandoned sites in Cuba?
Yes, there are multiple examples of abandoned sites in Cuba, such as the Isla del Coco amusement park, the national aquarium, the El Dorado recreational center in Boca Ciega, and hotels in Cayo Cruz. These places share a common denominator: institutional abandonment, progressive deterioration, and a lack of intervention for their maintenance or rehabilitation.
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