The young Cuban identified on TikTok as @sheyreyes03 shared a video in which she detailed the room she stayed in at the Iberostar Bella Costa hotel in Varadero, which has triggered numerous reactions due to the contrast between the perception of the young woman from Matanzas and the experience that users believe is acceptable in a hotel of that category.
"This is the room of a hotel in Varadero, this hotel is in Cuba, of course, it's called Iberostar Bella Costa. It's my first time visiting and this is how the room looks," Sheyla begins, while she tours the space. "As you can see, this is the little bathroom, it has a bathtub. The towels weren't very clean, but you know how that is."
The room, as she explains, was triple because she was traveling with her sister and her niece: “So it definitely has to have three beds. I see the rooms are nice, and one thing I really liked is that there was good lighting.” She also shows a mirror, which she describes as “what I like the most for my photo, my posing, and those things,” a small table, a chair, and highlights the decoration, which she rates as “modern.”
The creator also points out other features: “Of course, there is a flat-screen TV and a telephone, but well, that telephone is just for decoration because there’s no room service or anything. This minibar, of course, is given to you empty, my love.” Finally, she shows the view from the room: “This was the view we got, I didn’t like it at all but well, for the price it was super good.”
The Iberostar Bella Costa hotel is a four-star facility located on the Hicacos Peninsula, known for its proximity to the sea and its offerings for both national and international tourism.
Reactions: "If that's modern, what will the old be like?"
The video generated dozens of comments, many of them sarcastic, others critical, and some in defense of the young woman and the Cuban context.
"If this is modern, what will the old be like?" wrote one user. Another commented, "The bathroom is destroyed," while a third person stated, "It's one of the oldest in Varadero."
Several people expressed skepticism regarding the description of the decor. "Modern decor, they say... if you visit the hotel rooms here in the United States, you won't sleep," wrote one user. Another added, "Modern??? If you go to one in the Dominican Republic, you'll be in shock."
Some focused on the hygiene issues: “The towels are not very clean and ‘you know how it is’? That’s disgusting, dear.” “That old yellow minibar,” commented another person. One viewer stated: “I don't feel like staying in that room.”
"I stayed at that hotel. It has declined quite a lot," reported one internet user. Another shared: "I worked at that hotel seven years ago, and before, those rooms weren't rented out, and they filled the minibars every day. What a shame."
There were also criticisms regarding the lack of basic services for an all-inclusive hotel. “Isn't that hotel all-inclusive? Aren't they supposed to provide a stocked minibar?” Another remarked, “What a disaster. That bathroom looks terrible.”
A smaller group of users defended the post, putting the experience into context within the reality of the country: “It's a basic hotel, without luxuries. One can understand that this is Cuba, a country with thousands of limitations.” Another added: “Fortunately, in all our countries in the Americas, hotels are super modern, but understand that this is Cuba. Those who are up to date on the situation in Cuba will understand.”
A user wrote: “Before, the hotels in Varadero were something else, they were enjoyable. It’s clean, but they don’t look the same. I haven't been there in 9 years. A lot has changed.”
There were also comments questioning the spending on tourism instead of other more affordable options: “With so many rental houses in better condition, and that money staying with the average Cuban, would you rather pay overprice for a government hotel?”
Other testimonies from the matancera tiktoker
It is not the first time that Sheyla has shared her experiences in Cuban hotels. In November 2024, she posted another video where she recounted that a five-day stay at the Grand Aston hotel in Varadero cost her 600 dollars. On that occasion, she highlighted the value for money and the amenities of the resort.
In February 2025, he shared his experience at the Iberostar Laguna Azul, also in Varadero, where he criticized the lack of rice in the buffet: “There were quite a few items, but what was missing was rice. The only day we were able to eat rice was the last day.” Despite this, he felt that the food was well prepared.
A few days later, she posted another video in the same hotel from a Japanese restaurant. There, she tried sushi for the first time and highlighted the preparation in front of the customer: “I'm not a big fan of sushi, but this was quite good.”
A tourism sector in crisis: declines, propaganda, and a lack of self-criticism
Sheyla's post brings the debate about the quality of tourism services in Cuba back to the forefront, highlighting the accessibility for the average Cuban and the growing gap between what the country promotes as a destination and what it truly offers in terms of infrastructure, service, and basic conditions.
According to official figures from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), tourism in Cuba has decreased by 30% so far in 2025 compared to the same period last year. The arrival of international visitors dropped by almost 29%, primarily impacting key markets such as Canada, Russia, Spain, and Italy.
The energy crisis, poor service quality, lack of air connectivity, and scarcity of basic goods, even in hotels, have worsened a situation that has been deteriorating for years.
Despite the adverse circumstances, the Cuban government insists on attributing the collapse of the sector to the U.S. embargo. In April, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz again held the “blockade” accountable during the International Tourism Fair FITCuba 2025, avoiding any self-criticism regarding the internal management of the tourism sector.
"Recovering and developing tourism in Cuba is a matter of honor," said Marrero, without mentioning the growing perception of insecurity, constant blackouts, prices in foreign currency, or the deterioration of hotel facilities. These conditions, reported by tour operators and visitors, have led to a loss of trust among tourists and international travel agencies.
Meanwhile, state investment continues to prioritize the tourism sector at the expense of essential areas like agriculture and local infrastructure. And although the government has launched promotional campaigns, dolphin events, and promises of modernization, the reality documented by many Cubans on social media, such as Sheyla, reveals a situation far from luxury and much closer to decay and precariousness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hotel Experience in Varadero and the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
How does Sheyla Reyes describe her experience at the Iberostar Bella Costa hotel in Varadero?
Sheyla Reyes describes her experience at the Iberostar Bella Costa hotel as a mix of positive and negative impressions. She highlights the good lighting and modern decor of the room, although she criticizes the cleanliness of the towels and the lack of room service. She also mentions that the minibar was empty and that the view from the room was not to her liking.
What are the main criticisms of the state of tourism in Cuba according to visitors?
The main criticisms of tourism in Cuba include poor service quality, a lack of basic products in hotels, and a disconnect between hotel offerings and the reality of the country. Additionally, there is mention of the Cuban government's lack of self-criticism, which blames the U.S. embargo for the situation without addressing internal issues such as resource shortages and mismanagement.
What impact has the tourism crisis in Cuba had on the country's economy?
The tourism crisis in Cuba has led to a 30% decrease in visitor arrivals in 2025 compared to the previous year. This situation has severely impacted the country's economy, as tourism is one of the main sources of foreign currency revenue. Factors such as a lack of air connectivity, the energy crisis, and poor quality of services have contributed to this decline.
What do users think about the quality of hotels in Varadero compared to other tourist destinations?
Users have expressed critical opinions about the quality of hotels in Varadero, unfavorably comparing them to destinations in other countries such as the Dominican Republic and the United States. Many question the description of the facilities as "modern" and point out deficiencies in cleanliness, maintenance, and the services provided.
Filed under:
