HAVANA — An imposing structure stands out against the skyline of Havana, a massive rectangular edifice of concrete and glass known as the Selection La Habana hotel. At a height of 150 meters (490 feet), it is the tallest building in the city, featuring 542 luxurious rooms and offering stunning views of Havana and the sea.
Although the hotel, managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar, has yet to open its doors, it is already facing backlash. Critics point to the government’s decision to invest millions of dollars in luxury tourism while the nation endures a severe economic downturn and faces unprecedented drops in tourism numbers. As Susel Borges, a 26-year-old artisan, gazes at the towering structure, she voices the concerns of many Cubans, stating, “All that money could have been spent to build hospitals and schools.”
Situated near the renowned Habana Libre hotel and the famous Coppelia ice cream parlor, the Selection La Habana is part of a broader initiative by the government to establish a dozen upscale accommodations primarily in Havana. This ambitious plan has proceeded even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, despite existing luxury hotels remaining largely empty.
Tourism has historically been a crucial component of the Cuban economy, once generating up to $3 billion annually. However, recent reports reveal that only 2.2 million tourists visited the island in 2024, roughly 200,000 fewer than in 2023 and significantly lower than the 4.2 million visitors recorded in 2019.
Cuban officials link the downturn in tourism to a “perfect storm” of issues such as supply shortages, a severe energy crisis marked by frequent blackouts, and workforce challenges stemming from emigration and low wages. Adding to the complexity are intensified U.S. sanctions, which include restrictions on American travelers and a ban on cruise ships, all aimed at hindering the growth of Cuba’s tourism sector.
Julio García Campos, a driver for tourists in a pristine red 1951 Pontiac, reflects on the past when tourists flocked to Cuba. “Tourism is gone,” he remarks, reminiscing about the time when American and European visitors lined up to enjoy the island after sanctions were lifted by then-President Barack Obama.
Like all hotels in Cuba, the Selection La Habana is state-owned and functions under GAESA, a conglomerate affiliated with the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. This organization has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency in business operations and is not subject to audits by the Comptroller General’s Office, leaving the extent of the investment in the new hotel undisclosed.
Cuban economist Pedro Monreal has pointed out the disconnect between investing in tourism while underfunding critical sectors like agriculture. Monreal commented on social media last year, highlighting the problematic disparity: “With food insecurity a concern, it’s troubling that agricultural investment lags significantly behind tourism investment, remaining 11 times lower.”
From an architectural standpoint, there has been little enthusiasm for the new hotel. Experts have criticized its striking design, noting that its considerable height violates city regulations and that its extensive glass facade may not be suitable for a tropical climate. Abel Tablada, an architect and university professor, remarked, “This building serves as a perfect example in our classes of what should not be done in terms of bioclimatic design,” and condemned the allocation of scarce state funds to a design that he believes fails to benefit the city.
