I usually stay in Boutique hotels when I travel abroad and generally receive above average standards of service. But this is Cuba. Leave you known standards and expectations behind and open up your heart to everything that Cuba has to offer. What an amazing Country.
Immediately upon arrival you will realise that Cuba and Cubans have a unique rhythm and this applies to their everyday life and work ethic.
HOTEL RAQUEL is a gem of architectural heritage , its history associated with the Jewish community. It is extremely well preserved and it was an honour to stay here.

FIRST IMPRESSION: When you drive or are driven into La Habana, you soon realise that you are some place special, with its narrow streets and little or no traffic. You are dropped off on the sidewalk and Hotel Raquel is on a pedestrian street. This is not a problem and the taxi or bellman is more than happy to take your luggage.
The hotel's three-door entrance is on the street corner and as you enter, the tall marble pillars throw your eyes to the magnificent stained glass roof-top 3 floors up through the center atrium.

CHECK-IN: Check in was friendly and brief and we were quickly expedited to our rooms. We were assigned the dreaded rooms with no windows and you cannot tell night from day. We requested a room change, but this was not honoured until the next afternoon as the hotel was full, but the staff made every effort to accommodate my request.

ROOMS: I enjoy luxury just like the next person and have luxuriated in the most posh of hotel suites around the World. But to truly experience Cuba this room was perfect. Beautifully patterned tile floors, high ceilings and a magnificent door which opened onto a small balcony. Just perch your self and listen to, smell and see life in La Habana sway below you. The size of the room is great, as is the cupboard for your clothes and there is a small safe and mini bar. The bathroom is beautiful as well from its time and works well, with excellent water pressure in the shower.

LOCATION: You could not be better located just a couple blocks away from the popular Obispo and just one block from the great restaurants on the Plaza Vieja (Go to Salto Angel and also the one thats the micro-brewery)

BREAKFAST: Well .....true....the first morning was a challenge, but you adapt (or remain pissed off) The is ample hot dishes to choose from and a wide selection of Fruit and pastires. The chef on hand will make eggs any style for you (on request) If the coffee does not come to you, go pour yourself a cup from the dispenser and have a great start to the day. It is a small dining room and another guest may have just left a table. They generally get to resetting it.

The staff were friendly, especially the Chamber Maids and Night Security. The Espresso from the bar is great, especially when you are using the internet from the one computer in the lobby which costs CUC3.00 for 30 minutes...its very easy

The roof top terrace is a wonderful retreat to relax between your days activities and your dinner plans. IN the evening they may be a violist in the lobby which is very enjoyable whilst sipping a Mojito from the bar. I also took advantage of the small gym which locals use in the basement and had a wonderful hour long massage before my long flight home.

I look forward to returning to Hotel Raquel the next time I go to Cuba.

Terrible service seems to be a norm in Cuba, so once you have gotten over the initial shock of waiters throwing tantrums because they have to work, then you can start enjoying yourself.

This hotel looks absolutely stunning in the reception area, with beautiful ceilings, pictures, and old cage lift and furniture. The rooms look just as beautiful inside, however the room we stayed in did not have a window and the beds were the worst we have ever experienced. We stayed on two different occasions and in two different rooms, and the best were terrible in both rooms, with the springs literally coming through the mattress. If you are a light sleeper, then do not expect any sleep.

Breakfast was a treat, with tables never set, so you have to go and get your own cutlery and serviettes etc. On our first morning the waiter threw a tantrum because he had so clean and set our table. The food was very mediocre.

The location is fantastic though as you are within walking distance of just about everything in old Havana and in the evenings you can walk to some amazing restaurants..

All in all the experience was good, however I would choose another hotel if I went back.

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.