Hotel Raquel, a kitschy, Jewish-themed hotel that opened in the city’s old Jewish neighborhood in 2003, is renowned for its unique dedication to Jewish heritage. In addition to the rooms named after biblical matriarchs and the Star of David chandeliers in the lobby, the hotel’s restaurant is called Jardín del Edén, or Garden of Eden, serving dishes such as borscht and Israeli salads. Its lobby bar, Lejaim (L’Chaim), adds to the thematic ambiance.

Each space in the installation is thoughtfully named after figures or places from the Bible. The first floor features 11 rooms named for patriarchs and prophets, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin, Reuben, Jeremiah, Elijah, Nehemiah, and David. On the second floor, the focus shifts to women of the Bible, with rooms named Esther, Rebecca, Sarah, Leah, Ruth, Miriam, Tamar, Zipporah, Elizabeth, and Hannah. The third floor honors the Holy Land with rooms named Galilee, Sinai, and Jordan, adding a geographical dimension to the biblical theme.

Hotel Raquel Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Hotel Raquel is a Jewish-themed hotel located in Havana, Cuba. It is notable not only for its architectural beauty but also for its deep connection to the history of the Jewish community in Cuba.

After the Cuban Revolution, the building was used for various government offices before being transferred to the Office of the City Historian of Havana. During the war, Jewish emigrants from Europe settled in this part of the Old City, leading to its dedication to the Jewish community. Between 1999 and 2000, the building was restored and transformed into Hotel Raquel, which officially opened on June 5, 2003.

The hotel is situated in the heart of Old Havana and is part of the “Habaguanex” group of hotels, which operate in the historic center of the city. The building itself dates to the early 20th century and was designed in the Art Nouveau style, with elements that reflect the Jewish heritage of the area.

Jewish Connection:

• Historical Significance: The Jewish community in Cuba has a long and rich history, with a significant Jewish presence in Havana during the early 20th century. Many Jewish immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe, arrived in Cuba in the early 1900s. By the 1940s, there were around 15,000 Jews in Cuba, many of whom lived in Havana. This period marked a flourishing of Jewish cultural, religious, and social life in the city.
• Hotel Raquel’s Design and Theme: The hotel itself is decorated with numerous references to Jewish culture and history. The design features elements such as Hebrew inscriptions, stained-glass windows, and memorabilia showcasing the Jewish experience in Cuba. These touches are meant to honor the Jewish community that once thrived in Havana and to preserve the memory of their contributions to Cuban society.
• Jewish Community and Preservation: Hotel Raquel is also located near the Centro Hebreo Sephardi de Cuba, a Jewish community center that serves as the focal point of Jewish life in Havana today. While the Jewish population in Cuba has significantly declined in recent decades, the community remains active, and the hotel plays a role in maintaining the connection to the past, offering visitors insight into the cultural and historical significance of Jewish life in Havana.
• The Jewish Museum in Havana: Just a few blocks from the hotel, the Museo Judío de Cuba (Jewish Museum of Cuba) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Jewish community in Cuba. The museum is housed in a synagogue and offers exhibits on the history of Jews in Cuba, including artifacts, photographs, and documents that reflect the community’s impact on Cuban culture.

Unique Architecture:

The building’s architecture is a stunning blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, which is typical of the early 20th century in Havana. Originally built as a private residence for a wealthy family, it was later converted into a hotel. The hotel’s façade features intricate details, such as wrought-iron balconies, stained-glass windows, and mosaics that reflect the architectural influences of Jewish immigrants in Cuba. The wrought iron elevator’s final stop is the rooftop, featuring a charming dome where honeymooning couples can savor a romantic dinner. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy a drink or simply take in the breathtaking city views.

Hotel Raquel Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Symbolism of the Star of David:

One of the most striking features of Hotel Raquel is the repeated use of the Star of David in its décor. It can be found in various parts of the building, including stained-glass windows, ironwork, and tiles. These symbols serve as a reminder of the Jewish community’s historical presence in Cuba, which was once vibrant before it began to decline after the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

The Hotel’s Name:

The name “Raquel” is a nod to the Jewish heritage of the hotel. Raquel is a common Jewish name (Hebrew for “ewe”) and serves as a symbolic tribute to the Jewish community that once thrived in Havana. This name also connects the hotel to the Jewish history of Cuba, as the community played an integral role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the country during the 20th century.

In addition to its décor, Hotel Raquel plays a significant role in the preservation of Cuban Jewish culture. The hotel has been involved in organizing cultural events, including Jewish music concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, all aimed at raising awareness about the Jewish heritage in Cuba. These events have helped foster a deeper understanding of the Jewish community’s history and influence in the region.

Close Ties to the Sephardic Community:

Much of the Cuban Jewish population has Sephardic roots, with many ancestors coming from Spain and the Ottoman Empire. This connection to Sephardic Jewish traditions is reflected in the hotel’s design, as well as in the Jewish community’s continued efforts to preserve their cultural heritage through education, religious observance, and cultural events. The Centro Hebreo Sephardi de Cuba is an important institution for these efforts, and its proximity to the hotel makes it a key cultural hub.

Symbol of Jewish Hospitality:

In addition to its role as a historical site, Hotel Raquel has become a symbol of Jewish hospitality in Havana. The hotel has hosted Jewish travelers, including international visitors and Jewish dignitaries, who come to explore Cuba’s Jewish history and culture. It stands as an example of how Jewish tradition can coexist with Cuban culture, providing a welcoming environment for those interested in learning more about the Jewish community’s contributions to the island.

While Hotel Raquel is not a kosher hotel, it has been known to incorporate elements of Cuban-Jewish cuisine into its offerings. The blending of Cuban flavors with Jewish culinary traditions reflects the fusion of cultures that has occurred over generations. Some traditional Cuban dishes, such as tamal en cazuela (a kind of Cuban tamale) and flan (a popular Cuban dessert), are prepared with a Jewish twist to accommodate both the heritage of the local Cuban population and the visitors’ interest in Jewish culture.

Hotel Raquel Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Jewish Community in Decline but Resilient:

While the Jewish population in Cuba has dwindled to a few thousand today, it remains a resilient community. Many of the community’s elderly members are descendants of those who fled Europe during the Holocaust or earlier waves of immigration. The legacy of this community is still alive, and the hotel serves as an important beacon of that history.

Hotel Raquel’s unique combination of historical significance, cultural influence, and architectural beauty makes it a truly captivating destination for anyone interested in exploring Jewish history, the heritage of Cuba, or the intersection of the two. Located in the heart of Old Havana, the hotel serves as a vibrant testament to the once-thriving Jewish community that shaped the city’s cultural and social fabric during the early 20th century. Its thoughtful design, which incorporates Jewish symbols like the Star of David, Hebrew inscriptions, and stained-glass windows, ensures that the stories of this community are not forgotten, but celebrated and preserved.

More than just a hotel, Raquel serves as a living museum and cultural hub, immersing visitors in a world where Jewish traditions meet Cuban heritage. The carefully curated spaces—featuring rooms named after biblical matriarchs, chandeliers inspired by Jewish motifs, and a restaurant serving dishes like borscht and Israeli salads—invite guests to experience a unique blend of history and hospitality. This dedication to cultural preservation extends beyond the walls of the hotel, as it is situated near key landmarks like the Sephardic Center and the Jewish Museum of Cuba, both of which highlight the resilience and contributions of the Jewish community in Havana.

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Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide.

This unforgettable journey was graciously hosted by The Jewish Heritage Travel, with heartfelt thanks to Luis Arteaga and Miriam Levinson for organizing such a remarkable and unique experience.

A special thanks to Vickie Prince for her knowledgeable and engaging guiding, bringing Havana’s hidden gems and history to life with her insights and enthusiasm.

For details on upcoming trips and to request a travel brochure, contact The Jewish Heritage Travel at https://jhtravel.org/ or call 1.845.256.0197.