Hotel El Convento

Puerto Rico's most famous hotel came back to life after a 1997 restoration, and it remains one of the most charming historic hotels in the Caribbean and a quintessential Old San Juan experience. The core of the building was constructed in 1651 as the New World's first Carmelite convent, but over the years it played many roles, from a dance hall to a flophouse to a parking lot for garbage trucks. It first opened as a hotel in 1962. The restoration has returned the property to its past glory, while injecting it with an urban, up-to-date feel, very much like Old San Juan itself. Its 4th floor rooftop has a small pool, adjacent Jacuzzi, and a big sun terrace with blessed views of the nearby Catedral de San Juan, as well as views of the bay and the Atlantic. The lower two floors feature a collection of shops, bars, and restaurants, all worth staying for a while. A late-afternoon wine and cheese offering is served on a beautiful mid-floor dining area spilling onto an outdoor terrace overlooking Calle Cristo. The midsize accommodations include Spanish-style furnishings, throw rugs, beamed ceilings, paneling, and Andalusian terra-cotta floor tiles. Each unit contains king-size, queen-size, or two double or twin beds, fitted with fine linens. The small bathrooms, with tub/shower combinations, contain scales and second phones. For the ultimate in luxury, there are two specialty suites: Gloria Vanderbilt's restored suite and the Pablo Casals suite, which run, respectively, $1,700 and $850 nightly. Room no. 508 is a corner room with panoramic views.

Facilities:
4 restaurants; 3 bars; small rooftop plunge pool; fitness center; Jacuzzi; limited room service; massage; laundry service; dry cleaning; rooms for those w/limited mobility

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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