Russian Tourist Details Disappointing Cuba Vacation
A Russian tourist described her vacation in Cuba as an experience characterized by opposites, where the natural beauty of the Caribbean was overshadowed by dirt, decay, and lack. Her testimony, published by the Russian medium Money Times, joins the growing reviews about the crisis in tourism on the island.
Anna S., who spontaneously decided to travel to Cayo Coco because her passport was nearing its expiration date, stayed at the 4-star Hotel Mojito, which belongs to the Cubanacán chain. What she found there, she said, resembled “the Soviet times of scarcity.”
In her review, Anna reported that after a 15-hour trip, she was received in a spacious and bright room, but with a level of cleanliness that shocked her: hair on the floor, sand in the bathroom, and a complete lack of hygiene.
“for the first time in an all-inclusive package, there was no drinking water in the room. The bar only served alcohol and coffee; water had to be sought in the restaurant,” she reported.
Further details included infrequent shampoo refills (only every two days),towels not being changed without tips,and mosquitoes and ants infiltrating the resort. “You need care in the tropical climate, but it doesn’t exist hear,” complained the tourist.
Paradisian Beach, Hotel in Ruins
The experience wasn’t entirely negative. Anna was fascinated by the white sandy beach, the crystal-clear ocean, and the chance to enjoy cocktails from fresh coconuts. “That made up for many of the disadvantages,” she admitted.
Though, the hotel’s facilities did not correspond to what is advertised on its official website, which emphasizes the pool, gym, children’s activities, and evening animation.
According to the visitor, the swimming pools are made of faded plastic, the slide is unsafe, the color is peeling, and a dilapidated pond spreads an unpleasant smell and attracts mosquitoes.
Regarding the food, the evaluation notes that even though there is some variety, the offer quickly becomes repetitive, with limited fruits and vegetables. “It is a C+ for an all-inclusive experience, but nothing more,” Anna concluded.
What impacted her most, however, was the general habitat of the country: “Cuba is nice, but reality is depressing. There is a lack for everyone, including tourists,” she said.
A Portrait in the Middle of the Tourism Crisis
The testimony of these travelers comes at a critical time for Cuban tourism, which is experiencing one of its worst crises in decades. Only between January and June 2025, 1.3 million travelers arrived – 319,654 fewer than in the same period in 2024,according to data from the National Statistics and Details Office (ONEI).