A Cuban woman shared on TikTok what she described as a "real" review of Hotel Los Pétalos Varadero, the former Meliá Varadero, and her rating surprised many for being notably positive at a time when criticisms of Cuban hotels dominate social media.
The author of the video, identified as @rusa65906, toured the lobby, the room, and the bathroom of the establishment accompanied by her family, including a child, and summarized her impression with a phrase that she framed within the context of the island: "The hotel is in very good condition for the current situation we are experiencing here in Cuba."
Regarding the bathroom, he noted that "it is in perfect condition, has hot water all the time, has two toilets, and is very clean," and that towel changes are frequent.
The room, which they requested with two beds to accommodate the child, also received good reviews: "it is quite spacious, has a refrigerator, facilities for making instant coffee, and a safe," in addition to wifi, television, and a small terrace with a view.
The Hotel Los Pétalos Varadero is a five-star resort with a Family Resort category and over 490 rooms, including family options, junior suites, suites, and bungalows.
The positive review contrasts with the prevailing pattern among Cubans who have visited hotels in Varadero in recent months.
In August 2026, a Cuban woman spent 315 dollars at a hotel in Varadero and described the experience as one of the worst of her life, with criticisms focused on the lack of food.
In April, another visitor described the buffet of a five-star hotel as limited to "chicken with rice and cabbage."
In May, Yaniris Díaz praised the remodeled rooms of the Meliá Varadero and the beach, but criticized the "very limited food variety" during her four-day stay.
The hotel in the video has come under Cuban management following the complete exit of the Meliá chain from Cuba, which was finalized on July 24, 2026, when the Spanish company left the 34 hotels it operated on the island due to operational, legal, and financial difficulties.
Iberostar also exited the management of 12 hotels in Cuba between May and June 2026, and Barceló announced that it will not renew contracts starting in 2027.
In that context, the author of the video concluded her review with an invitation to her followers: "Let me know in the comments what else you would like to know if you enjoyed this hotel."
Filed under: