The hotel category announced as “five stars” can be misleading, warns the medium ‘Prodzer’.
Miami, United States. – The Russian medium Producer He criticized tourism trips to Cuba based on “numerous reviews”, service problems, supply and tourist offer. In A chronicle published in the “Travel” sectionit is indicated that the level of attention in hotels is low, that outside the tourist areas it is perceived deterioration and that finding quality gastronomy and modern shops is difficult.
Among the main accusations, it is indicated that the hotel category announced as “five stars” can be misleading due to the deteriorated rooms, the equipment in poor condition and an unsatisfactory service. In addition, the medium points out that dirty bedding, old towels and low quality food are frequent.
According to the note, the staff corrects deficiencies after complaints, but does not apologize, and a thorough cleaning would only be possible by an additional payment.
The text adds that outside the tourist enclaves many areas seem careless because of the low standard of living and that in stores there is a scarce assortment. While foreigners’ hotels offer greater variety, outside those spaces tourists face an unattractive environment, which does not invite you to walk.
The piece recommends traveling with health precautions, including a wide kit with solar burns, hangover and possible poisoning, in addition to repellent and antihistamines. It warns land risks (mosquitoes) and in the sea (hedgehogs, urticante corals and jellyfish) and advises not to touch anything for immersions.
On gastronomy, the article describes a “specific” kitchen that might not please the Gourmetsbased on pork, chicken, beans, rice and corn, with simple preparations and abundant use of spices and salt. He maintains that it is difficult to find places with really tasty food, with the exception of seafood and local mangoes.
Regarding the relationship with the tourist, the chronicle states that it is often based on the financial benefit. He ensures that Cubans see travelers as a source of income and that, sometimes, deception is used to sell them products, so he advises caution and postpone the purchase of memories for the end of the trip, when the first impressions have settled.
The text maintains that there are few modern shopping centers and that even partial and supermarket departments with wide variety are difficult to locate. It places the main attractions on beaches and rum and ensures that shopping centers exist only in Havana and there are few. It indicates that for the memories we will have to haggle, that the offer is limited and that the most popular are the cigars and the rum. He also states that the shortage in local supermarkets becomes very uncomfortable to rent accommodations without food and cook on his own.
The piece includes the opinion of a specialist identified as Anna Ivanova, an expert in Tourism, who claims that perceptions depend on multiple factors and the Cuban economic situation: “The impressions described, without a doubt, reflect the author’s personal experience and may not coincide with that of other travelers. The perception of Cuba is influenced by numerous factors, including the expectations, the budget of the trip and personal preferences. ”
