Published Friday, November 6, 1998, in the Miami Herald

Cuba's `love hotels' get a dismal rating

HAVANA -- (AFP) -- Amorous couples are deserting Cuba's shabby state-run ``love hotels'' in droves, the Cuban workers weekly Trabajadores reports.

Strident music, poor lighting, creaky fans and aging linens in the posadas -- known for their low rates and no-questions-asked policy -- have proved a turnoff for lovers, the weekly says.

``The atmosphere is gloomy, lighting insufficient . . . bathrooms are cesspools. The walls are `decorated' with ridiculous bombastic slogans,'' the newspaper writes. ``The love is not there.''

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