A Cuban guest has exposed a bedbug infestation at an historic hotel in Havana, sparking outrage on social media and raising questions over hygiene standards in Cuba's state-run facilities. Influencer Esperanzita DC shared a video on Instagram in the early hours of 29 August, showing insects crawling on her mattress and asking, 'How can a hotel sell you a room with bedbugs?'
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The Hotel Deauville, operated by the state-owned Gran Caribe chain, reopened in March 2024 after renovations, but only 100 of its 144 rooms were made available. The incident contrasts sharply with government tourism campaigns promoting the hotel as a symbol of recovery.
Following her complaint, hotel representatives contacted the guest to discuss a resolution. She updated followers on her efforts to prevent the insects from spreading and described feeling unwell from stress and lack of sleep.
The case highlights a wider issue, as bedbug infestations have been reported in hotels, hospitals, schools and private homes across Cuba, with residents criticising ineffective fumigation efforts and official attempts to downplay the problem.
The incident underscores a growing gap between Cuba's tourism marketing and the declining standards affecting both visitors and citizens amid ongoing economic hardship.
Source: www.cubaheadlines.com
