We stayed at the Raquel for a week at the start of a 21-day trip through Cuba, and were perfectly happy with our stay there. The staff are friendly and helpful (and not necessarily in the hope of a tip) and the room we booked through the highly recommended Habaguanex site was superb. Huge, airy and a great place to... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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,... more

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... more

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,... more

I was expecting great things from Hotel Raquel but our stay was pretty average. We backpacked around Cuba staying in casas and so we decided to opt for a little luxury on our last night.... The website made this hotel look glorious but in fact our room was pretty basic. It was also quite expensive. The buffet breakfast was good... more

After reading some of the reviews, my wife and I were ready for the worst. In fact, we were very pleasantly surprised by our experience with the Raquel in early January 2008. Arriving late after a flight from Paris, our Hotelopia booking was fine (we had also emailed the Raquel directly, through their website, 24 hours earlier to remind them... more