Hotel in Old Havana, Havana, Havana
Hotel Raquel
A unique Art Nouveau hotel in Havana's historic Jewish quarter, featuring 25 elegantly decorated rooms and the Jardin del Eden restaurant serving traditional Jewish cuisine - a remarkable rarity in Cuba.
Hotel Raquel occupies a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building in Havana's historic Jewish quarter, at the corner of Amargura and San Ignacio streets in Habana Vieja. The hotel takes its name from the Hebrew word for Rachel, reflecting the building's location in the district where Havana's Sephardic Jewish community established their institutions in the early 20th century. The address on Calle Amargura — Street of Bitterness — recalls the Via Dolorosa-style religious processions once walked from the church of Santo Cristo through this quarter in colonial times, adding a further layer of historical resonance to the location.
The building is one of the most architecturally distinctive hotels in Havana, with elaborate Art Nouveau facades featuring wrought iron detailing, decorative ceramic tiles, and ornate stonework that has been painstakingly restored. The lobby carries this character through its interior, with stained glass, carved columns, and period light fixtures creating an atmosphere unlike any other hotel in the Cuban capital. The property is managed by the Gran Caribe hotel chain.
Twenty-five elegantly furnished rooms occupy the upper floors, each decorated with thematic references to Jewish artistic and cultural heritage. All rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, and the standard Gran Caribe amenity package. Superior rooms offer views across the surrounding Old Havana roofscape, and the elevated position of some rooms captures views toward Havana harbor.
The hotel's most singular attraction is the Jardin del Eden restaurant, which serves traditional Sephardic Jewish cuisine in a city where this culinary tradition is otherwise entirely absent. The restaurant's menu draws on the Sephardic food traditions of the Iberian Jewish diaspora and represents one of the most genuinely unusual dining experiences available in Cuba. Advance reservation is advisable for non-hotel guests.
A rooftop bar and terrace provides evening drinks with panoramic views of Habana Vieja's colonial skyline, adding a sociable counterpoint to the hotel's more scholarly cultural identity. Hotel Raquel appeals particularly to architecture enthusiasts, culturally engaged travelers, and visitors interested in the history of Jewish communities in Cuba.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- WiFi
- Courtyard
Location
Amargura y San Ignacio, Old Havana
Highlights
- Art Nouveau architecture
- Jardin del Eden Jewish restaurant
- Unique cultural niche
- Ornate interior design
Tips
- Reserve dinner at the Jardin del Eden restaurant at check-in — it draws outside diners as well as hotel guests and books up quickly.
- The rooftop terrace bar is one of the best spots in Habana Vieja for sunset drinks with views across the colonial roofscape.
- The Art Nouveau facade is best photographed in the morning light before the surrounding streets become crowded with foot traffic.
- Explore the Jewish quarter on foot — the nearby Sinagoga Adath Israel on Acosta Street is one of Havana's active Sephardic congregations.
- The hotel is within easy walking distance of Plaza Vieja and the Cathedral, making it a well-placed base for Old Havana exploration.
FAQ
What is the Jardin del Eden restaurant at Hotel Raquel?
The Jardin del Eden is the hotel's restaurant serving traditional Sephardic Jewish cuisine — a unique offering in a country where this culinary tradition is otherwise unavailable. The menu draws on Iberian Jewish culinary heritage and is open to both hotel guests and outside diners with a reservation.
What is the architectural style of Hotel Raquel?
Hotel Raquel occupies a restored Art Nouveau building with decorative wrought iron, ceramic tiling, and ornate stonework on the facade. The interior continues this aesthetic with stained glass, carved columns, and period light fixtures. It is considered one of the most architecturally notable hotels in Havana's historic center.
Is Hotel Raquel close to Havana's Jewish historical sites?
The hotel is located in Havana's historic Jewish quarter in Habana Vieja. The nearby Sinagoga Adath Israel on Acosta Street is one of the city's active Sephardic congregations. The Patronato Jewish cultural center in Vedado, which houses a museum and library, is a short taxi ride away.
How far is Hotel Raquel from Plaza Vieja?
Plaza Vieja is approximately a 5-minute walk from Hotel Raquel through the streets of Habana Vieja. The route passes several notable colonial buildings and is a pleasant walk at any time except midday when the heat is most intense.
Accessibility
Hotel Raquel is housed in a historic Art Nouveau building in Habana Vieja. The property has elevator access to guest floors from the lobby. The surrounding streets of Old Havana are cobblestoned and present challenges for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Travelers with specific accessibility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking to confirm room and facility arrangements.