The Cuban YouTuber Kevin Hernández stayed at the Iberostar Selection hotel, located in the controversial Torre K-23 in El Vedado.
The young man and his companion were dazzled by the facilities, although they admitted that the hotel is empty and somewhat lacking in life, which they attributed to its recent opening.
They were satisfied with the food, the gym, the pool, the decor, and overall with the services they had access to.
Especially striking are the views from the hotel, which offer a unique perspective of Havana, as there are no buildings this tall in the capital.
The video -thirty minutes long- generated a flood of opinions.
Some followers congratulated Kevin for being the first YouTuber to show the inside of the hotel, while others labeled him a “co-conspirator” of the regime for playing into the desperate search for tourism that the country is undergoing.
“Why am I an accomplice? Because I stayed in a hotel? In Cuba, everything belongs to the government, so anyone who uses public transportation or shops in stores is also an accomplice, right?”, the 19-year-old defended himself.
Some internet users asked to be more compassionate.
"Let him enjoy it, we all wish we could indulge ourselves like that"; "At the end of the day, he is showing the reality of Cuba, even if they don't realize it," commented two followers.
Many commentators emphasized the disconnect between the luxury of the hotel and the crisis in Cuba.
"The place is beautiful, but looking out those windows is witnessing a chaotic reality"; "A luxury hotel in a country where most people have nothing to eat"; "More than 220 million dollars in this hotel, while hospitals lack medicine"; "This video further demonstrates the mockery to which the Cuban people are subjected," were some opinions in that regard.
"The hotel is beautiful, but seeing the views from there is a reminder of the misery in which the Cuban people live," stated another internet user.
There were those who, when comparing it to hotels in other countries, do not consider it to be that luxurious, or who criticize specific aspects such as the decor and the lack of light in the spaces.
"In Miami, the cheapest hotel has more luxury than this one", "Here in Brazil, we have buildings that are ten times better"; "I thought the pool would have a more open view", "Overall, the hotel feels quite confining," said those who believe it’s not that impressive.
However, where there is general consensus is that the hotel offers unique views of the city, which is ironically sad given that it is a city in ruins and in complete decline.
The issue of the alleged profits allocated to public health is also controversial.
"They say that the money from this hotel goes to health, but in Cuba, they've been saying the same for 60 years, and nothing has changed"; "If that money truly were for health, hospitals wouldn't be in ruins"; "How many hospitals could have been modernized with that budget?" questioned critics.
"With the money spent on this hotel, they could have repaired the Habana Libre and fixed two thermoelectric plants," lamented one of the many dissatisfied Cubans regarding what is undoubtedly the most controversial hotel in Cuba.
The most controversial hotel in Cuba
In the midst of the worst economic crisis facing Cuba and a collapse in tourism, the regime continues to bet on the construction of luxury facilities.
Operated by the Mallorca-based hotel chain Iberostar, the hotel is a controversial skyscraper with 42 floors and 594 rooms. Located on 23rd Street in Vedado, it aims to integrate into the urban life of this artery, known as the cinematic corridor.
As part of its thematic concept, several areas of the hotel have been named in honor of iconic films, including the restaurant "Taxi Driver" on the ground floor, the lobby bar "La Dolce Vita," an area dedicated to Cuban cinema on the second level, the buffet restaurant "Fresa y Chocolate," and the pool snack bar "Habanastation."
On the 32nd-floor terrace, the "Habana Selfies" space offers panoramic views of the city, while at the top of the building, the Sky Bar "Habana Blues" promises an experience with stunning views of El Vedado.
The hotel features parking, a gym, a spa, a hair salon, a shopping gallery, a bank, and a multifunctional hall.
Iberostar thus strengthens its presence in the urban segment in Cuba, where, according to recent data from the chain, one in five of its rooms is located in city environments.
In the capital, the Iberostar Grand Packard, the Iberostar Selection Parque Central, and the Iberostar Marqués de la Torre are already in operation.
Despite the fact that tourism has yet to recover and hotel occupancy rates remain well below projections, the hotel infrastructure continues to expand, while Cubans face shortages of food, medicine, and basic services.
Frequently asked questions about Hotel Torre K-23 and its impact on Cuba
Why is the construction of the Torre K-23 Hotel in Havana controversial?
The Hotel Torre K-23 has sparked controversy due to its symbolism of inequality in the context of an economic crisis in Cuba. The investment in its construction contrasts sharply with the unmet basic needs of the population, such as the repair of infrastructure, hospitals, and the energy system. Many Cubans criticize the government for prioritizing luxury tourism over the urgent needs of the people.
What impact does the Hotel Torre K-23 have on the urban landscape of Havana?
The Hotel Torre K-23 has been criticized for its negative impact on the skyline of Havana. Its design has been described as a "dagger in the landscape," for not adhering to urban regulations and causing issues such as the reflection of the glass that affects the visibility of traffic lights. It is a structure that stands out for its size and style, which contrasts with the traditional urban environment of El Vedado.
How has the population reacted to the street repairs around the Torre K-23 Hotel?
The repair of the streets around the Hotel Torre K-23 has provoked outrage among the citizens, who believe that this work only beautifies the area for tourists while the rest of Havana suffers with poorly maintained streets and a lack of upkeep. The perception is that the country's resources are allocated to tourism projects instead of addressing the basic needs of the population.
What names do Cubans propose to rename the Torre K-23 Hotel?
On social media, Cubans have renamed the Torre K-23 Hotel with titles like "The Lookout of Misery", "The Tower of Arrogance" and "The Super Matchbox". These names reflect popular discontent regarding what they see as a display of the government's misplaced priorities, in a context of shortages and unmet needs on the island.
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