We stayed at the Raphael for a one night getaway. The hotel is located on the Plaza and walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Our room was one of their smallest so it was smaller than what we are used to. It did have a view of the Plaza, which was nice. I did see the plan of our floor and almost every room on our floor is shaped differently. Many are good size. I thought the decor was nice and found no stains etc. The hotel is currently remodeling all the bathrooms which is needed. The beds were large and comfortable. We had dinner in the restaurant and it was very good. I would return but would request a larger room.

My wife & I had stayed at the Raphael previously about 4 years ago & this time things seemed much smoother, from nicer looking rooms (all bathrooms are to be updated throughout 2006-07 according to hotel staff) to friendlier front desk staff. As long as a person understands this is a VERY OLD building as far as elevators, remodeling, etc. this location is hard to beat. Hotel website offers some decent packages so there's a little bit of everything offered.

We're looking forward to going back there after the bathrooms have been totally remodeled, as they are definitely the oldest/worst part of the rooms....

This is a great hotel only a short distance away from The Country Club Plaza. We went here for a weekend getaway on our anniversary weekend. We stay on the third floor and found out that the stairs are the fastest way to get to our room. The room was great! Our own personal hideaway! Service was great! We ordered room service and it was great! The staff was very helpful and were a great help with all of our questions. I would definately recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a place to stay on The Plaza!

Very dissappointing! We selected The Raphael because of previous experience, several years ago, and the fact it was listed in Travel and Leisure's top 500. It was far from top 500. Room was dark; carpets and furniture stained with spots; enamel chipped from tub; broken tiles in bathroom. It was a mere shadow of what it was in the past. Overall the single word to describe the place was "shabby."