Hotel Jagua Reemerges as a Smart Tourism Landmark in Cuba

Cienfuegos is undergoing a major transformation with the revitalization of the iconic Hotel Jagua, the most significant tourism investment in this central Cuban province. Backed by $15 million and 2.25 billion pesos in funding from Meliá Hotels International and Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), the project is positioned to become a flagship example of intelligent hospitality in the country.

Construction began in 2023 and, despite challenges with imported supplies, the hotel’s structural work is expected to be completed by December. Pedro Luis Lemus, director of the Tourism Real Estate Office in Cienfuegos, stated that the hotel will operate under the INNSIDE brand and feature cutting-edge technology designed to optimize energy efficiency.

Rooms will be equipped with motion sensors that regulate air conditioning based on guest preferences and automatically switch off when unoccupied. The hotel will also implement renewable energy lighting systems capable of supplying up to 50 percent of peak-hour electricity needs, supplemented by backup generators.

Just a few blocks away, progress is also being made on the Amanecer-La Punta Complex, a joint venture between Gran Caribe and Meliá. This smaller-scale project will feature a swimming pool and 19 rooms, with an investment of 108 million pesos and $1.8 million. Its completion is scheduled to coincide with the reopening of Hotel Jagua.

Both projects are moving forward thanks to the dedication of workers, specialists, and engineers navigating a challenging economic landscape. Originally inaugurated in 1959, Hotel Jagua stands as a symbol of the revival of tourism in Cienfuegos and a cornerstone of the province’s modern hospitality sector.