A shaft of honey golden light shines through the dome into the lobby of Hotel Raquel, illuminating the fine furnishings and guests down below. The light is just the beginning of what distinguishes the Raquel.

This hotel has some unlikely (as well as unbelievable, once you see the gorgeous interior) origins: it was built in 1908 as a storage warehouse for textiles. Taking in the soaring marble columns and intricate stained-glass "mampara´s"(folding screens) throughout the lobby, it’s hard to imagine this as a warehouse. Just a brief look around reveals the poignant reference to Jewish culture throughout the Raquel, underscored by paintings with biblical themes by contemporary Cuban artists. The elegant restaurant here serves typical Jewish cuisine.

Guests at the Raquel are treated like family, something Cubans are known for and which staff take seriously, says the hotel representative who tells the story of a guest who fell asleep on a lobby couch. ¨Then, we very carefully removed his shoes and placed them neatly together under the sofa¨. She explains that in the hotel’s 10 year retained almost all the original staff. ¨It's our house, our home¨ she says.

The final stop in the wrought iron elevator’s trajectory is the roof, with a picturesque dome where honeymooning couples can enjoy a romantic dinner; it’s also a great spot to enjoy a drink or just to look out over the city.

Address: Calle Amargura, No. 103 esq. A San Ignacio. Habana Vieja. Ciudad de la Habana. Cuba

Total Rooms: 25