Condado en puerto rico: Restaurants in Condado | Condado Restaurants and Lounges

Hotel History in San Juan, Puerto Rico | Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

At the beginning of the 20th century, Puerto Rico’s capital of San Juan had experienced unprecedented urban growth. Driving the transformation were Sosthenes and Hernand Behn, two brothers who saw great economic potential in the city’s ability to be an incredibly popular tourist destination. To help turn their dream into a reality, the Behns began pitching their vision to numerous investors from the United States. Perhaps the greatest among them was Frederick William Vanderbilt of the powerful Vanderbilt dynasty, who agreed to finance the project. Interestingly, Vanderbilt took an incredibly active role in creating the business during every phrase of construction. Indeed, he personally selected the architectural firm Warren and Whitmore to oversee its development, based on previous experiences his family had with the company back in New York City. Vanderbilt worked closely alongside the architects, instructing them to craft a building that paid homage to San Juan’s Hispanic heritage. Relying on the emerging trends of Spanish Colonial Revivalism, Warren and Whitmore constructed a magnificent beachside hotel that dominated the local landscape. Among the stunning features that the architects incorporated into the building’s appearance included gorgeous white walls and red tiling that seemed to glisten with the natural light that radiated off the sea. French-inspired windows and lofty ceilings made the interiors feel spacious, yet warm. All the public spaces had unique motifs like ornate marble and intricate mosaics. A grand staircase extended up into the hotel’s upper floors as well, where 98 luxurious guestrooms came complete with their own private bathrooms and oceanside views.

The Behns and Vanderbilt debuted their spectacular destination as the “Condado Vanderbilt Hotel” in 1919. The hotel’s unrivaled majesty immediately made it one of the Caribbean’s most popular vacation getaways. Patrons were awe-struck by the many amenities available on-site, as well as the wealth of activities that awaited them upon their arrival. The Candado Vanderbilt Hotel offered everything to experience, such as tennis courts and motor tours of San Juan. The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel had also begun attracting some of the most influential people in the world, including renowned entertainers, businesspeople, and politicians. The hotel’s guestbook was soon filled with illustrious names like Charles Lindbergh, Errol Flynn, Bob Hope, and Carlos Gardel. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt even spent time the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in the years following its grand opening. (U.S. President John F. Kennedy was a guest several decades later, as well.) But the business was also a prominent fixture within the local community, as many residents hosted several prestigious events in its meetings spaces. For instance, the Catholic Daughters of America chose the Condado Vanderbilt for the crowning balls of the Queens of the Ponce de León and San Juan Carnivals. Afternoon tea was a must for the ladies of society, too, who instituted the “Te-Danzant”—a combination of the British traditional tea infused with dancing and local flavor. For entertainment, the Condado Vanderbilt offered live music at venues like the Terraza del Hotel Condado, the Patio del Fauno ballroom, and the Fiesta Room. And during the 1930s, patrons often held soirees at the Beer Garde, which was the hotel’s unique take on Germany’s Oktoberfest celebrations.

Over the following decades, the Condado Vanderbilt underwent a number of ownership changes and renovations. The size of the hotel thus expanded considerably, with 80 new guestrooms constructed during the 1950s. The work also enhanced the available facilities, in which a luxurious bar, cocktail lounge, and coffee shop were all created. But by the 1970s, the hotel’s grandiosity began to fade, and it was nearly demolished. Thankfully, Puerto Rican Governor Luis A. Ferré halted its destruction via an executive order that declared it a cultural heritage landmark. The hotel then sat dormant for some time until a few real estate developers acquired it during the 1990s. They spent years planning for the renovations, which involved negotiating with various stakeholder throughout San Juan. Construction finally began in 2002 and took ten years to complete. Nevertheless, the renovations succeeded in restoring the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel back to its former glory. The developers gathered a team of experts in their respective fields, demanding and receiving excellence in every facet. The architecture was painstakingly revitalized to resemble the designs that Warren and Whitmore first instituted generations ago. As such, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel showcased the same character it had at the start of the Roaring Twenties. Now restored to its original grandeur, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a cherished historical landmark in Puerto Rico. Its wonderfully preserved architecture and fascinating institutional history has earned it much praise, including a listing in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2015, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is the true epitome of world-class hospitality and service.



  • About the Location +

    San Juan, Puerto Rico, is one of the most historic metropolises in the Americas. Founded over five centuries ago, it has played a key role in the history of the so-called “New World.” Its first inhabitants arrived in 1508 under Juan Ponce de León—a conquistador now mainly remembered for his ill-fated explorations to find the “Fountain of Youth” in Florida. Calling the settlement “Caparra,” he specifically chose a nearly landlocked harbor along Puerto Rico’s northern coast to serve as its location. But Spanish colonial officials later moved the settlement to an inlet a few miles to the east and rechristened it as the “Ciudad de Puerto Rico.” Juan Ponce de León also continued to call the community home, having served as the island’s governor shortly before the town’s relocation. Juan Ponce de León and his family lived inside a beautiful estate known among the locals as “Casa Blanca.” San Juan’s location quickly made it one of Spain’s most important seaports in the Caribbean, with its wharves ferrying all kinds of goods and people across the Atlantic. The city even became a major marshaling point for Spanish incursions into mainland North and South America. San Juan gradually assumed great political significance in Spain’s global empire, as well. The city specifically served as the Catholic Church’s first headquarters in the region, as well as at the seat for one of its bishops. Unfortunately, this newfound prosperity attracted the attention of Europe’s other major superpowers, who attempted to conquer San Juan over the next 300 years. Those nations legalized pirating against the naval traffic heading into San Juan, which culminated in numerous raids on the city itself. Some of the most famous assaults transpired under famous buccaneers like Francis Drake and George Clifford. Spain’s rivals also tried to directly capture the city with their own navies on several occasions, too. Indeed, the Dutch and the British sent fleets against San Juan in both the 17th and 18th centuries, respectively.

    To deter those aggressive threats, the Spanish constructed many forts across San Juan. The most noteworthy of those defenses were a fortified castles known as “La Fortaleza” and “San Felipe del Morro. ” Yet, the most imposing citadel was the mighty “San Cristóbal.” The largest Spanish fort in the Western Hemisphere, it made San Juan one of the most heavily protected cities in the entire world. Nevertheless, San Juan’s status as an influential colonial city gradually decline as other places like Mexico City and Lima grew in stature. San Juan thus remained relatively isolated from the greater politics of the Spanish Empire by the 19th century, particularly the patriotic movements that swept through nearly all the neighboring colonies. In fact, San Juan was a bastion for the many loyalists that had fled from the Spanish American Wars of Independence. Puerto Rico as a whole remained part of Spain’s diminishing empire in the wake of the conflicts, becoming one of its last oversees colonial territories. Spain’s sovereignty over the entire island finally came to an end during the Spanish-American War of 1898, however. San Juan itself did not experience any significant fighting, although the guns at San Cristóbal did briefly engage with a flotilla of United States Navy ships anchored just off the coast. Now a territorial capital within the United States, San Juan gradually evolved into a modern metropolis. While early economic growth was slow, numerous industries soon emerged throughout the city toward the latter half of the 20th century. San Juan also maintained its local political importance, too, as it remained Puerto Rico’s capital after it obtained self-governance in 1952. Today, San Juan is among the most popular tourist destinations throughout the Caribbean. Cultural heritage travelers have especially enjoyed visiting the city due to the many historical landmarks that reside throughout. In fact, much of San Juna’s historic core—known as “Viejo San Juan” or “Old San Juan”—is even identified as both a U.S. National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.




  • About the Architecture +

    Among the stunning architectural features that Warren and Whitmore incorporated into the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel’s appearance included gorgeous white walls and red tiling that seemed to glisten from the natural light that radiated off the sea. French-inspired windows and lofty ceilings made the interiors feel spacious, yet warm. All the public spaces had unique motifs like ornate marble and intricate mosaics. A grand staircase extended up into the hotel’s upper floors, where 98 luxurious guestrooms that came complete with their own private bathrooms and oceanside views. Much of the architectural features incorporated by Warren and Whitmore were inspired from Spanish Colonial Revival design principles. Also known as “Spanish Eclectic,” this architectural form is a representation of themes typically seen in early Spanish colonial settlements. Original Spanish colonial architecture borrowed its design principles from Moorish, Renaissance, and Byzantine forms, which made it incredibly decorative and ornate. The general layout of those structures called for a central courtyard, as well as thick stucco walls that could endure Latin America’s diverse climate. Among the most recognizable features within those colonial buildings involved heavy carved doors, spiraled columns, and gabled red-tile roofs.  Architect Bertram Goodhue was the first to widely popularize Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States, spawning a movement to incorporate the style more broadly in American culture at the beginning of the 20th century. Goodhue received a platform for his designs at the Panama-California Exposition of 1915, in which Spanish Colonial architecture was exposed to a national audience for the first time. His push to preserve the form led to a revivalist movement that saw widespread use of Spanish Colonial architecture throughout the country, specifically in California and Florida. Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture reached its zenith during the early 1930s, although a few American businesspeople continued to embrace the form well into the late 20th century.




  • Famous Historic Guests +

    Charles Lindbergh, legendary aviator who completed the first solo transatlantic flight in world history.

    Carlos Gardel, singer who was the most prominent figure in the history of the tango.

    Errol Flynn, actor known for such roles in Captain Blood, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and The Adventures of Robin Hood.

    Bob Hope, comedian and patron of the United Service Organization (USO). 

    Arthur Rubinstein, classical pianist regarded as the greatest Chopin interpreter of his time.

    José Luis Moneró, musician from Puerto Rico best remembered for his performances with bands like Siboney.

    Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1933 – 1945) 

    Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States.

    John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States (1961 – 1963)




  • Women in History +

    Eleanor Roosevelt: The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has hosted countless luminaries throughout its history, ranging from Hollywood celebrities to notable politicians. Among those illustrious individuals who stayed at the inn was former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She was born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1884, the daughter of Elliott and Anna Hall Roosevelt. A member of the Oyster Bay clan of the Roosevelt dynasty, Elliott himself was the brother of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt’s immediate family cherished community service, although both her parents died at an early age. Her intellectually progressive outlook on life was further reinforced by Marie Souvestre, who was Roosevelt’s headmistress during her time in London’s prestigious Allenswood Boarding Academy. Nevertheless, she kept those personal influences close to her heart, and used them as the foundation for her future work as a social activist. Indeed, some of her earliest work involved tending to the overcrowded settlement houses in New York City’s Lower East Side.

    Around the same time, she began courting her distant cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They eventually married in 1905 and had six children together. Yet, the marriage was strained by the two’s dueling personalities, as well as the demands of her husband’s early political career. Roosevelt often felt her responsibilities as a “political wife” were tedious, especially after Franklin’s appointment as the Assistant Secretary of War shortly before the outbreak of World War I. Their marriage further deteriorated in 1918, when Eleanor discovered that Franklin had an affair with their mutual friend, Lucy Mercer. Roosevelt, thus, vowed to throw herself fully back into her political activism. But the two had a strong understanding that their fates remained intertwined and aspired to support one another going forward. It was Eleanor who encouraged Franklin to remain in politics even after he was beset with polio in 1921. As such, Eleanor Roosevelt was incredibly instrumental in aiding her husband’s election as the Governor of New York in 1928, as well as his subsequent rise to the presidency four years later. She often gave numerous speeches in public on his behalf that galvanized thousands of people. Roosevelt also became a central figure at of his many campaign events, serving as her husband’s voice whenever he could not attend.

    But Eleanor Roosevelt still established her own vibrant political career as the First Lady of the United States. Historians today consider her actions to have fundamentally transformed the role that the First Lady traditionally held within the national government. Roosevelt used her position to advance a number of causes close to her heart, including gender equality, civil rights, and housing reform. For instance, she arranged a massive celebration at the nearby Lincoln Memorial to protest the racist decision of the Daughters of the American Revolution to not let Marian Anderson—an African American opera singer—perform at Constitution Hall. On another occasion, she privately lobbied for the passage of the Costigan-Wagner Bill, which would have made lynching a federal crime. Roosevelt also held exclusive press conferences at the White House for female journalists, in order to help enable women to break into the field. She even attempted to create an experimental community in West Virginia called “Arthurdale,” where homeless miners unfairly driven out of the industry would have a shot at achieving a new, independent life. Although considered a failure, it was testimony to her commitment to enhance the lives of countless others.

    Eleanor Roosevelt’s historic career continued well after her time as the nation’s First Lady ended in 1945. She played a significant role in transforming Hyde Park into a museum dedicated to her late husband’s legacy, which set the precedent for future presidential libraries to follow. She also served as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, becoming its chairperson in 1947. Roosevelt remained with the organization until 1953, and her political insight proved integral toward drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. After working to reform New York politics throughout the remainder of the decade, Roosevelt eventually worked to support the campaign of John F. Kennedy. While she initially rebuffed Kennedy for his refusal to denounce McCarthyism, Roosevelt relented on the grounds that she believed he had the best chance of leading the nation into the future at the time. When Kennedy won in 1960, she became his representative to such organizations like the National Advisory Committee to the Peace Corps. Then, in 1961, Kennedy appointed her as the First Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. But Roosevelt would not see the commission come to fruition, as she died mere months after it was organized. Eleanor Roosevelt has since been revered as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century American history and is esteemed throughout the world today for her years of advocacy.





Condado: Your Puerto Rico Real Estate Neighborhood Guide

PRelocate’s Real Estate Brokerage Services
If you’re looking to purchase or rent real estate in Condado or other similar areas of Puerto Rico, PRelocate can help. We’re a licensed real estate brokerage firm (license C-21696) with experience and extensive knowledge of the Puerto Rico real estate market. Our team is professional, responsive, friendly, and experienced, and with both native English- and Spanish-speaking staff, we can help you break down any language barriers you might encounter. We can save you time and effort by helping you find the right Puerto Rico property for you quickly and easily. In the meantime, you can view current real estate rental and for sale listings.

For more information on real estate and to learn how to benefit from Act 60, contact PRelocate today.

Get our help to buy, rent, or sell property in Puerto Rico

Buy or RentSell

Condado: Your Puerto Rico Real Estate Neighborhood Overview
Wide beaches, luxury shopping, and a thriving restaurant scene, all within a few minutes of both downtown San Juan and Old San Juan, make Condado one of the trendiest areas in Puerto Rico real estate. Famed for its century-long connection with royalty and the jet set, some of the most decadent destinations in Condado were built by the Vanderbilts in the Gilded Age.

Whether you are searching for Puerto Rico luxury rentals or Puerto Rico luxury homes, Condado is a great, centrally located, beachfront neighborhood to consider for your relocation to “La Isla Del Encanto”.

Location & Language
Only 10 minutes from San Juan International Airport, Condado is a vibrant, upscale, “oceanfront city” in Santurce, a subbarrio of greater San Juan. Founded in 1521, San Juan is the largest metropolitan city on the island and the capital of the United States territory of Puerto Rico. Though nearly 2.2 million people live in the greater San Juan area, only about 6,000 full-time residents live in the 200-acre enclave of Condado.

Both English and Spanish are the official languages of the island. Those buying Puerto Rico real estate or Puerto Rico luxury rentals in Condado will find nearly everyone in the tourist-friendly neighborhood speaks English.

Real Estate Prices in Condado
There’s a reason Condado is often called the “Manhattan of Puerto Rico”. Condos and luxury condos dominate the Condado, Puerto Rico real estate market, likewise making Condado one of the hottest markets for Puerto Rico luxury rentals. Condos average around $650,000, with luxury homes selling for between $2-4 million USD. This area has also experienced rapid price increases due to the increased demand for oceanfront living.

However, those looking for cheaper Puerto Rico real estate still within walking distance of the beach can find condos in Condado from the mid $200,000s. For mid-range Puerto Rico rentals, expect to pay $1,200 USD for a 900-square foot Condado rental condo. For condos not directly on the beach or with ocean view, there is a significant discount in price compared to the limited inventory of condos in Condado with ocean front views.

Shopping & Dining
From upscale shopping to a thriving nightlife scene right on the beach, it’s no wonder that Condado is considered the “Miami Beach” of Puerto Rico real estate. Luxury brands such as Ferragamo, Cartier, Furla, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton have storefronts right beside Puerto Rico luxury rentals. Nono Maldonado is one of Puerto Rico’s best local designers, for both men and women. They also design interiors in a chic, contemporary style, perfect for Puerto Rico luxury homes and luxury rentals.

There are many dining options in Condado, just steps from some of the best Puerto Rico rentals. Some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico are right here, including Michelin-rated chef Juan José Cuevas’ opulent 1919 Restaurant and Mario Pagán’s eponymous restaurant, both combining locally-sourced ingredients and dishes with international techniques. For international fare, we recommend Bangkok Bombay for Indian and Thai, Yerba Buena for Cuban cuisine, or Via Appia’s for Italian.

Nightlife & Entertainment
A wide range of high-end resorts, such as the luxurious Condado Vanderbilt, and mid-range hotels, such as the AC Hotel by Marriott, populate the beachfront neighborhood, offering your guests convenient places to stay, as well as entertainment options open to all. Those interested in a little gambling will enjoy the 12,000 square foot, Vegas-style Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino, the intimate Casino Del Mar at La Concha Resort, or the family-friendly Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino, each right on Condado’s famous beach.

For the true Condado nightlife experience, start by taking in the breathtaking, oceanfront, Caribbean sunset from one of Condado’s stunning rooftop bars, such as Eter Rooftop Lounge by Ciqala, or the rooftop of The Wave Hotel. Continue your evening with dancing at the ultra-exclusive Club 58, or with salsa dancing at the San Juan Marriott’s Red Coral Lounge. Wind down at the Conrad Condado Plaza’s late night lounge Eternal. And if you are partying late into the night, Kali, an Eastern-themed lounge, doesn’t get going until 2:00am.

Outdoor Activities
Just over the bridge from Old San Juan, Condado’s wide beachfront is legendary, gaining a world-renowned reputation as the “Caribbean Riviera”. Sailing, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, surfing, and more activities are readily available on specially-chartered boat trips from Sailing Dreams Yacht Charters and Aqua Adventures. Beachfront parks such as La Ventana al Mar (“the Window to the Sea”) offer pleasant palm-lined places to stroll.

Away from the beach, Condado also boasts an additional waterfront on the huge Condado Lagoon, perfect for investing in waterfront Puerto Rico real estate without paying beachfront prices. Paddle-boarding, kayaking, beachfront yoga, and surfing schools are all available at the various waterfronts in Condado.

Weather & Hurricanes
Condado’s average temperature matches that of greater San Juan, at between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. However, being right on the ocean, Condado feels much cooler, due to the constant sea breezes.

Hurricane season lasts from June to November in Puerto Rico. When looking at Puerto Rico real estate, make sure that your future home is as prepared as possible to withstand these devastating storms. From Puerto Rico rentals to Puerto Rico luxury homes, PRelocate’s hurricane advice for homebuyers is essential reading.

Transportation
Public transportation options are limited in Condado, making cars a necessity. However, Uber is extremely common in the area, taking passengers from Condado to anywhere in greater San Juan and points beyond. Condado is also compact and highly walkable.

Private Schools
The greater San Juan area has terrific private schools, with solid track records of graduates matriculating into mainland U.S. higher education institutions. All offer students a bilingual education. Condado itself boasts two such private schools, St. John’s School and the Robinson School. St. John’s is frequently ranked as the best private school in Puerto Rico, and students from both institutions have gone on to Yale, Harvard, MIT, and more.

Act 60
Puerto Rico’s income tax laws make it extremely attractive to business owners and investors, both internationally and in the mainland United States. Act 60 allows Puerto Rico residents to pay zero taxes on passive income and allows relocated corporations or local companies to pay just 4% income tax.

PRelocate’s Real Estate Brokerage Services
If you’re looking to purchase or rent real estate in Condado or other similar areas of Puerto Rico, PRelocate can help. We’re a licensed real estate brokerage firm (license C-21696) with experience and extensive knowledge of the Puerto Rico real estate market. Our team is professional, responsive, friendly, and experienced, and with both native English- and Spanish-speaking staff, we can help you break down any language barriers you might encounter. We can save you time and effort by helping you find the right Puerto Rico property for you quickly and easily. In the meantime, you can view current real estate rental and for sale listings.

For more information on real estate and to learn how to benefit from Act 60, contact PRelocate today.

Get our help to buy, rent, or sell property in Puerto Rico

Buy or RentSell

Disclaimer: Neither PRelocate, LLC, nor any of its affiliates (together “PRelocate”) are law firms, and this is not legal advice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *