This hotel claims to be a Jewish establishment but it isn't very
Jewish at all. Also, it is basically located on three sides by a foul smelling slum with unemployed Cuban males leering at you
from every doorway. The hotel seemed to be run by the doormen
whose familiarity with you isn't a product of Caribbean friendliness, but a way to introduce a cheap cigar purchase to you. Had this establishment even the remotest managerial presence this type of behaviour would have to stop but since they
are nowhere to be found they seem to condone it. We payed 160
euros a night for a hotel whose physical beauty, were it to be located in Europe, could easily command twice that amount.
The main squares of old Havana are unforgettable Spanish
colonial gems well worth their World Heritage Site status.
Do not wear any jewellry or carry a handbag while walking these streets. There is NOT the level of police presence here the Cuban tourist board claims there is. Nor is the crime rate low.
My wife and I learned this the hard way. Good luck!!

After a lot of web searching we finally decided to make a reservation at Hotel raquel for our weekend in Havana. We wanted somewhere central and friendly - we were not disappointed!
We arrived very late (after a long delay) and the staff could not have been more friendly. We were quicky shown to our room, and told that the bar was open if we would like a drink!
Our room was absolutely lovely with lots of Cuban character and unique decoration.
The hotel itself is very art-deco in appearance and perfectly placed for wandering around Havana Vieja.
I would definitely go back when I re-visit Havana

I did a lot of research before deciding on Hotel Raquel. I was very very very happy that I did not go with Habana Libre or even Hotel Nacional. The location of this hotel is absolutely perfect, located within Habana Vieja itself. It had beautiful stained glass ceilings, very charming rooms and the shower pressure was great! We had a wonderful time chatting with the hotel staff, especially the bartenders. The staff even helped us book dinner with La Guarida, the famous paladar!
The only downside that I can think off is the breakfast, where some of the deli meats seemed to have been out for too long. Stick to the made-to-order omelets.

Dining tip: - Santa Angel Restaurant, just a few minutes walk from the hotel, delicious and cheap food!

Safety tip - we encountered a pair of very "friendly" locals, who sat down with us and proceeded to order themselves alcohol. He aggresively offered to sell us cigars while she proceeded to solicit our friend. Be careful. Watch out for a guy that keeps saying "What you think?"

This hotel is ideal as a base to sightsee Havana - it's in the charming old town but only 10 mins walk from the new city... it's a beautiful looking hotel especially its entrance. Our room was large and comfortable enough for our 4 nights stay. But it was a little noisy - ask for a room as far away from the lift as possible.

It's only a minutes walk from the lovely Plaza Vieja which is somewhere all should visit, and within a few minutes of all the local attractions e.g. Hemingway bars, Bar/Restaurant Muralla etc.

Staff were friendly and helpful, although sometimes the bar staff make you feel obliged to tip them. That's one word of warning about Havana, and Cuba, make sure you have plenty of change for tipping, wages are low so tipping really helps!

Enjoy Havana - an interesting and fun place to go, even though some of the buildings are falling down! It's certainly an education and a humbling experience. And take PLENTY of insect repellent, you'll need it!