Two tourists were trapped for more than 30 minutes in an elevator at the Blau Varadero hotel, in Cuba's main tourist destination, and experienced a panic situation that jeopardized their safety.
The incident was reported on social media by one of the victims, the Canadian Carl Rainville, who described the event as “extremely dangerous” for him and his wife and harshly criticized the lack of preparedness of the hotel staff.
According to the testimony published on Facebook, the elevators at the hotel had serious malfunctions and the improvised intervention of other tourists was necessary to rescue those trapped, while the staff did not know how to proceed.
"The technician didn’t know how to restart the system or reset it so that the door would return to the correct level. Being suspended with your feet in mid-air on the tenth floor is quite high,” Rainville stated, pointing out that they had to exit between two floors, with the risk of falling into the void from the tenth floor.
The affected individual also reported that his wife suffered a back injury during the evacuation, which heightened the discomfort and outrage over the lack of safety protocols. He clarified that the elevator interruption was not due to a power outage.
"The big problem was the way they got us out of the elevator, which was extremely dangerous," he stated.
The situation has raised concerns on social media and among tourists, who question the safety standards in one of the most visited destinations on the island.
"They evacuated us after 30 endless minutes... I returned to Quebec to take care of you. Shitty hotel", he concluded.
Although the hotel management has not made any official statements so far, the case raises questions about staff training and the maintenance of facilities in a key location for Cuban tourism.
The incident, described as a moment of terror for visitors, adds to other recent complaints from travelers who have questioned the quality of service and the technical conditions in hotels at the country's most important resort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Safety and Maintenance in Hotels in Varadero, Cuba
What security problems have been reported in hotels in Varadero?
Security issues in Varadero hotels include elevator malfunctions, such as the case where tourists were trapped for over 30 minutes, and instances of physical assaults without an adequate response from security staff. These incidents highlight a troubling lack of protocols and preparedness among staff in emergency situations.
How does the lack of maintenance affect the experience of tourists in Varadero?
The lack of maintenance has led to visible deterioration of the facilities, such as dripping faucets, rusted showers, and hygiene issues in common areas, which negatively impact the experience of tourists. Furthermore, the presence of insects and spoiled food are frequent complaints that contribute to a negative image of hotels, even those of high category.
What impact do infrastructure problems have on tourism in Cuba?
Infrastructure problems have led to a decline in international tourism in Cuba, with a significant drop in the number of visitors and low hotel occupancy rates. The lack of electricity, basic services, and poor quality of facilities have discouraged tourists, severely impacting the economy of the country's tourism sector.
What measures should hotels in Varadero take to improve safety and service?
Hotels in Varadero must implement clear security protocols and adequately train their staff to respond to emergencies. Additionally, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance of the facilities and improve service quality to ensure a safe and satisfying experience for tourists, which would also benefit the image of tourism in Cuba.
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