A video shared on Facebook by the profile Los Aventureros y La Bestia has sparked a series of comments after showcasing the unique welcome that guests receive at the hotel Elguea, located in the municipality of Corralillo, Villa Clara.
In the images, a man is seen offering an extensive explanation to the newcomers about the accommodation conditions, with a special emphasis on the food.
"We have fish, picadillo, pork... I have a system set up where, when you have breakfast in the morning, you ask the girl what we have for lunch, what we have for the meal. Because even though it’s à la carte, if you tell me you’re from room 305, there are five chickens here and we don’t have to wait for her to arrive," the worker noted, in a tone almost like a group meeting.
The host also cautions about the basic services: “In the bar, they have beer and soft drinks. It’s not advisable to drink tap water, but in the restaurant and at the bar, they have bottled water.” This explanation, intended as practical guidance, was interpreted very differently by those who watched the video.
The most discussed aspect was not the information about the menu or drinking water, but the format of the meeting, which for many recalled the traditional political assemblies in Cuba.
“It seems like a revolutionary rally to that town, where everyone has a cultural level and surely has a ninth-grade education or more. Only that can be seen in Cuba,” said a user.
Others described it as excessive formality for something that should be a relaxing stay. “What a pathetic thing, a meeting and guidelines on what to do and what not to do in a hotel,” commented a netizen.
"What an incredible feeding system; even for a break, you have to keep a wealth of information in mind. God, how times have changed," added another person.
Nostalgic messages were not missing, such as that of a frequent visitor: “I have visited the hotel and the thermal baths many times over the years. I am from Motembo and I have always enjoyed going there to relax by the pool and see friends who work in the restaurant and the bar. Blessings to you and I hope you have a good stay.”
Some defended the practice, suggesting that it represents a cultural difference compared to all-inclusive hotels. “Perhaps those who are already aware have experience staying outside of Cuba, or at other all-inclusive hotels. And this hotel is different,” wrote one user. Meanwhile, others reacted with disbelief: “Oh my God! What is that?”.
In another one of their videos, Los Aventureros detailed the cost of their stay. A package for three nights and four days at the Elguea hotel, with check-in at four in the afternoon and check-out at noon on the last day.
They mentioned that excluding transportation, the total cost was a little over 4,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to about 1,600 pesos per night, and includes breakfast.
However, their video of the reception, which does not seem to have been recorded for critical purposes but rather as part of the usual content for their profile, ended up opening a space for debate on how even leisure in Cuba is perceived as being intertwined with rules, extensive explanations, and reminders that many compared to political rallies, rather than simply showcasing a welcome in a tourist center.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourist Experience in Cuba
Why has the reception at the Elguea Hotel in Villa Clara been compared to a revolutionary rally?
The video showing the welcome at the Elguea Hotel in Villa Clara has been compared to a revolutionary rally due to the way a hotel worker provided an extensive and detailed explanation of the services to the guests, similar to political assemblies in Cuba. This sparked comments about the excessive formality and the perception of strict rules even in a leisure environment.
What are the current conditions of hotels in Cuba according to recent testimonies?
Recent testimonials have revealed that hotels in Cuba are facing issues with hygiene, maintenance, and service quality. The experiences shared by tourists and locals highlight deficiencies in facilities, a lack of variety in food, and unprofessional treatment, which contrasts with the expectations of a quality tourist destination.
How does the economic and social crisis in Cuba affect the tourism sector?
The economic and social crisis in Cuba has significantly impacted the tourism sector. The decline in tourism is due to inadequate infrastructure, poor service quality, and a complicated social environment, where shortages and power outages affect both the local population and tourists. This situation has led to a decrease in the number of visitors and low hotel occupancy rates.
What problems do psychiatric patients in Cuba face according to recent reports?
Psychiatric patients in Cuba face inhumane conditions, including institutional abandonment and malnutrition, according to recent reports. The activities organized for them, rather than being inclusive, have highlighted the precariousness of their living conditions, leading to criticisms regarding the lack of ethics and respect towards these vulnerable patients.
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