Company has been operating in Cuba for 35 years
Spanish hotel chain Meliá has spent the past three and a half decades building a widespread Cuba presence, and in doing so says it has firmly entrenched itself in the Caribbean country’s tourism trade and beyond as well.
Maite Artieda, director of marketing, communications and customer experience, says Meliá has become the dominant hotel company in Cuba, and therefore a key contributor to Cuba’s tourism growth.
“We created more than just hotels — we’ve fostered a cultural bridge between Cuba and international travelers” she says. “Over 35 years, we’ve evolved from a single beach resort in Varadero to a diversified portfolio of city hotels, eco-friendly retreats, and luxury properties, all while prioritizing Cuban talent and sustainable tourism. Our presence is deeply rooted in community, authenticity, and innovation, making us a key player in Cuba’s tourism development.
“This milestone reflects decades of shared growth with Cuba. We’re incredibly proud of our teams, whose dedication has made Meliá synonymous with warm, world-class hospitality on the island. We’ve already begun celebrations, kicking off this milestone during FITCuba 2025, where we highlighted our legacy and future in Cuban tourism,” she adds of Melia’s involvement in Cuba’s annual tourism show.
Melia’s opening of its first Cuban property made it the first foreign hotel firm to operate in post-Revolution Cuba, a development that Artieda says wasn’t surprising.
“We feel tremendous pride in being the first international hotel company to establish operations in Cuba in the 90s,” Artieda continues. “This pioneering spirit reflects Meliá’s visionary approach to hospitality and our deep belief in Cuba’s potential as a world-class destination.
“What’s truly remarkable isn’t just that we were first, but that we’ve maintained and strengthened this collaboration for 35 years. Our enduring partnership with Cuba demonstrates a shared commitment to tourism development that benefits both visitors and local communities. This long-term perspective has allowed us to grow together, adapting to new realities while staying true to our core values of quality service and cultural authenticity. Being first was an honour, but staying relevant for 35 years is our real achievement.
“Our relationship with Cuba goes beyond institutional partnerships — it’s a triple bond of trust that connects us with authorities, our Cuban team members, and the Cuban guests who consistently choose our hotels for their own vacations. The collaboration with Cuban entities is indeed special, but equally meaningful is how Cuban customers have embraced our hotels as spaces for their celebrations, vacations and special moments.”
Melia currently manages 35 hotels across Cuba, including in such prime tourism locales as Varadero to Havana, Trinidad.
Artieda cites what she labels three key hotel projects Melia will be managing in Cuba for 2025:
- Gran Hotel Bristol Habana Vieja: A luxury standard hotel located in Havana’s historic district, just steps away from iconic landmarks like the Capitol building, the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Featuring breathtaking rooftop views and premium services, the property will mark the debut of the exclusive The Meliá Collection brand in Cuba.
- Sol Hicacos Varadero: A fully renovated all-inclusive beachfront resort designed for families and friends, featuring 268 bungalow-style rooms surrounded by natural landscapes.
- INNSiDE Cienfuegos Jagua: Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cienfuegos, the transformed property blends INNSiDE’s contemporary design with preserved historical architectural elements. “Perfect for cultural explorers, it will serve as an ideal base for discovering the city’s treasures,” Melia states
The past year has seen Cuba contend with issues that resulted in negative publicity for the country, including disruptions to its power supply, but Artieda says would-be vacationers shouldn’t be leery about booking a stay in one of Melia’s Cuban properties.
“We want to reassure guests that we’ve implemented proactive solutions to ensure seamless experiences,” she reports. “Beyond backup generators and diversified supply chains, Meliá operates MESOL, our own importing entity that guarantees a steady flow of high-quality supplies and operational resources for our hotels. This unique advantage allows us to maintain consistent standards across all properties. Our guests can focus on enjoying Cuba’s magic while we handle the rest.
“Thank you to our guests, employees, and partners for 35 years of shared stories. Cuba’s soul is unforgettable, and we’re honoured to keep welcoming the world to discover it through Meliá,” she adds.
