The Hotel Raquel occupies a property built at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1905, on the corner of Amargura and San Ignacio streets, in Old Havana.
This building was originally conceived to house offices and a warehouse for textiles. Then it hosted the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation.
It is located just one block from the beautiful Plaza Vieja and very close to the convent and Plaza San Francisco de AsÃs.
The hotel captivates guests and visitors with its Baroque façade and its harmonious Art Nouveau style inside, the beauty of its romantic atmosphere and the many references to the Jewish culture, such as the Menorah, the sacred seven-branched chandelier or the stone carved Star of David decorating the reception, mezuzahs on the door frames, Hebrew names for each room and paintings of biblical themes on the walls.
Her name, Raquel, as well as the setting of the hotel, is in homage to the proximity of the small Jewish community of Havana, located in the nearby streets.
Upon entering, you are surprised by the lobby's beautiful columns, old cage lift, amazing stained glass rooft and decorative folding screens. Another main attraction is the roof-top garden/ terrace which offers stunning views of the city.
Today the Hotel Raquel features 25 rooms, standards and junior suites, carefully designed, with high ceilings, and decorated with original paintings by Cuban artists.
The hotel's restaurant also serves typical Jewish dishes like borscht and latkes.
It is a privileged area to go for a walk, day and night. Being so close to all the tourist attractions of the historic center, many restaurants and bars, it is a convenient hotel for discovering its wonders and at the same time learning about the Hebrew presence in Cuba.