The hotel is situated close to Plaza San Francisco and has a very impressive exterior and lobby, which attracts many to the hotel as visitors to take pics! It really is one of the most beautiful hotels in Havana that captures the cuban charm without stripping it down to a non descript international hotel. The fact it only has 25 bedrooms also helps.

We had a good room which had a high ceiling and air con, very handy with the heat in Havana! The room was very clean and had a much appreciated balcony. The reception staff were helpful but be warned if they book a restaurant for you they won't inform you there is a charge you for this service, and add it to the bill on departure. It doesn't cost much but be mindful if you use them a bit. The bar service and clearing of tables can be patchy but they are friendly. Breakfast isn't too bad but the hot food as with many buffets in Cuban hotels is not too alluring!

The hotel is a great base for touring around Habana Vieja (the old town) and great for chilling.

The Raquel is a beautiful building in a great location in Old Havana. The staff were friendly and very helpful. The exterior and lobby spaces are magnificent, but the rooms a bit more spartan. Ours had twin beds, TV, bar fridge, AC but no window. High ceilings, however! The breakfast was good: eggs cooked to order, fresh breads and pastries, cheese, cold cuts, coffee and juice. Location is great - an easy walk to Plaza Vieja and Plaza San Francisco and a bit longer walk to the Catedral etc. The lobby bar is a good place for a mojito or cappuccino after a day of strolling.

Hotel Raquel has plenty of charm and character, which you experience as soon as you enter the foyer. Restaurant is Jewish themed.

PROS:
- central location, perfect for exploring Habana Vieja (old town).
- great breakfast is included in room rate.
- relaxing rooftop terrace to escape with a mojito and a book.
- very helpful girl at the tour booking desk in the foyer, speaks good english.

CONS:
- quite noisy in the mornings. Noise filters up from the central foyer area, and also from the street.

First, having been, we understand now that this hotel only has four rooms with double beds (rooms 103, 203 and two on the third floor). We spent 6 nights squashed in a single bed, but the room was lovely. If you are thinking of booking ensure you have written comfirmation from the hotel (not the agent) of bed type.
Second, the hotel construction is exquiste but is marble and glass. All sound reflective surfaces. The reality is that with a 24 hour bar and breakfast being served on the ground floor of what acts as an atrium, it is incredibly noisy, even with the door closed in your room (room 203 excepted). Together with the noise from the street, we expected we would only get peace between midnight and 5.30am. However on one night I went down at 2.30am to complain about the noise from the bar with no effect, my husband went down an hour later and spoke directly to the offenders as the hotel staff proved to be ineffectual (this did make a difference). The Swiss guests were, we were led to believe, asked to leave the next day. We were told to complain through our agent but we did receive an upgrade when we returned the night before we left Cuba...
The roof terrace is lovely and quiet - take your own wine.
We wouldn't recommend this hotel but having visited and spoken to people who stayed in Hotel Nacional we wouldn't recommend that either!!!!
Havana is a great city - one of the safest either of us have visited - including cities in the UK, but we would look for somewhere else to stay when we return.
Please contact us if you'd like advice/recommendations.
We learnt so much while we were there.