The tallest hotel in Cuba, a 42-story tower at 155 meters high, opened this week in Havana with a state investment of 200 million dollars. Although a grand inauguration event was expected, the opening was carried out quietly, without publicity or official media coverage. The construction of this hotel, named Torre K, has generated controversy at a time of economic crisis on the island, exacerbated by the pandemic and other difficulties.
The new hotel, owned by Gaesa and operated by the Iberostar hotel chain, stands out on the Havana skyline with its modern design and nearly 600 rooms. This project has been criticized for being a monumental work amid the scarcity and inflation that the country faces. Despite the decrease in the number of tourists visiting Cuba, the government continues to bet on building new hotels to attract foreign currency.
In 2024, the island received 2.2 million foreign visitors, a 10% decrease from the previous year. Hotel occupancy stood around 35%, according to official figures. Despite these numbers, the Cuban government has significantly increased investment in hotel construction and reduced spending in other sectors such as education and healthcare.
From the neighboring neighborhoods to the new hotel, such as Centro Habana, some residents see Torre K as a symbol of inequality and waste. While they recognize the importance of having high-quality accommodation, they also point out that many people lack housing in a country facing economic hardships. Some residents express their desire to visit the hotel’s facilities, such as the cafés or the panoramic bar on the 41st floor, despite the criticisms towards the project.
