Though most of the hotels in Cuba are not currently operational, Meliá says it is formally ceasing operations at 15 properties across the island, operating primarily under the Meliá, Sol and Paradisus brands.
The move comes ahead of Friday’s deadline set by the Trump administration for companies to sever ties linked to Cuba’s military-run conglomerate GAESA or face sanctions.
The Spanish-based hotelier is the latest – and biggest – hotel company to shutter operations in Cuba (including Canada’s Blue Diamond and Iberostar), citing “the urgent need to ensure an orderly and sustainable operational framework, consistent with our responsibility as a company.”
In total, Meliá operates 34 properties in Cuba, where foreign companies can only manage, not own, hotels.
As such, Meliá says it has taken the decision to immediately cease the provision of management and commercialization services, as well as the licensing of its hotel brands.
Affected properties include:
- Gran Hotel Bristol Habana Vieja Member of The Meliá Collection
- INNSiDE Catedral Habana
- Meliá Buena Vista
- Meliá Cayo Santa María
- Meliá Jardines del Rey
- Meliá Las Dunas
- Meliá Península Varadero
- Paradisus Los Cayos
- Paradisus Princesa Mar
- Paradisus Río de Oro
- Paradisus Varadero
- Sol Caribe Beach
- Sol Cayo Santa María
- Sol Río de Luna y Mares
- Sol Varadero Beach
The company notes that its decision is based on “external circumstances beyond Meliá’s control”– namely energy constraints and reduced demand – which have “materially affected the operational, legal, and security conditions necessary to ensure the proper delivery of services at these properties.”
The overall impact of the decision is “limited,” says Meliá, as the majority of the hotels listed are currently non-operational.
The Havana Times reports that Meliá will consolidate any affected guests into its 19 remaining hotels, which notably include Melia Internacional Varadero, Melia Las Americas, Melia Varadero, Melia Marina Varadero, Sol Palmeras, and Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton.
The company says its withdrawal will be conducted in an orderly fashion with timely information provided to all suppliers, partners, and customers – and that it will continue to closely monitor and reassess its future in the destination.
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