Hotel Raquel, elegance and culture in the heart of Havana

A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in an activity in a showroom located on Amargura Street. As I was walking down that street, I came to the corner of Amargura and San Ignacio and my eyes stopped at a spectacular construction: the Hotel Raquel. Although it has only three floors, its imposing baroque style façade stands out from the other buildings around it, which are simpler and lower.

If you look closely at this beautiful façade, it seems infinite. The more you look at it, the more you can't take your eyes off it. It's like taking a trip through the years, a connection to the last century. Although it is more than 100 years old, it was not until 2003, after an exquisite restoration carried out by the City Historian's office, that the building reopened its doors as a beautiful four-star hotel. Previously, it had been the headquarters of a fabric importing house and several companies, with impressive lounges and libraries. However, in 1999 it was decided to renovate and change its purpose.

This hotel is a testimony of the link that exists between Cuban culture and Judaism, from its name, Raquel, an emblematic figure of Hebrew culture, to the architectural elements and the design of its decoration..

Although it always caught my attention every time I passed by that street, I was usually in a hurry. However, on this occasion, I was more relaxed and decided to enter. The entrance consists of three huge varnished wooden doors topped with stained glass windows, above which beautiful carved woodwork stands out.

The interior style is fascinating. I would have loved to go up to the rooftop veranda, as I was told, but unfortunately it was not possible, as the hotel was closed for repairs, although from the outside it didn't look like it.

I went up one of the two marble staircases leading to the lobby , the ones bordering a central descending one leading to the rooms. At the top of the staircase, two sturdy marble columns rise to the ceiling. Both the staircase and the handrails are made entirely of marble, a true luxury. In the center of the foyer is a beautiful white marble statue.

In the photos you can see, there is a sequence of columns inside the lobby, which give it a great attraction. But the most beautiful thing I saw was a stained glass window in the shape of a vault that covers a large part of the ceiling. It is a true work of art, my gaze could not take my eyes off it. It is one of the largest stained glass windows I have ever seen, made as detailed by Cuban artist Rosa Maria de la Terga.

The entire lobby area of the hotel is beautiful and permeated with elements of Jewish culture. The place where the folder is located, is semicircular, made of highly polished dark wood, and in the center is a clock. Right next to the folder, there is a plaque explaining the significance of a large rock in the mountains of Jerusalem, which has carved a 7-armed candelabrum, symbol of universal enlightenment, a replica of the one found in the Arch of Titus in Rome, after the victory over the Jews.

To the right of the folder is an old style elevator, which is used to ascend to the upper floors. It is a real relic.

At the back, there is a lobby bar called Lejaim, a Hebrew word meaning "a toast to life", a beautiful message . Almost every room and room in the hotel has a Hebrew name. On both sides of the bar are large paintings depicting women of this culture.

Next, to the right of the bar, separated by panels of stained-glass windows, predominantly blue, is the restaurant called Jardín del Edén (Garden of Eden). The furniture is upholstered in blue and is surrounded by large windows that open to let in daylight and the bustle of the streets, frequented by Cubans and tourists from all over the world who are fascinated by this old part of the city.

Throughout the lobby you will find paintings, beautiful furniture and large hanging lamps. The ceilings are decorated with moldings and the floors are gleaming, with a marble entryway and further on is polished granite that creates beautiful darker lines

It was a shame not to be able to go up, as everything looked so beautiful and luxurious that I imagine it would be a great experience. However, I plan to make another trip here so I can go up so I can share my experience with you.

It was a lovely and fascinating tour of the lobby of the Hotel Raquel. I enjoyed it very much and I send my regards to all of you, enjoy and I'll see you all!