El convento hotel san juan puerto rico: Hotel El Convento – Luxury Hotels in Old San Juan Puerto Rico – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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February 26, 2023
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El convento hotel san juan puerto rico: Hotel El Convento – Luxury Hotels in Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Hotel History in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Located in the historic walled city of Old San Juan, El Convento Hotel was originally built over 350 years ago as a Roman Catholic convent. The structure was specifically constructed during the mid-17th century at the behest of Doña Ana Lanzós, a wealthy widow who had donated the land upon her own death. Nevertheless, work did not fully commence for some time thereafter, since the fortifications around the city had taken primacy over all the local building materials. Construction finally began several years later in 1646, however, following a successful petition to King Phillip IV of Spain. The convent subsequently took weeks to complete, with laborers toiling for hours in the humid tropical air. But what they managed to achieve was nothing short of spectacular, as the beautiful new monastery stood as a brilliant example of the island’s colonial architectural aesthetics. Debuting as the “Monasterio del Señor San José de la Orden de nuestra Señora del Carmen” in 1651, the new gorgeous convent became the home for a sect of Carmelite nuns. Indeed, three nuns were transported directly to the structure from the neighboring island of Hispaniola. The convent went on to be one of the major religious facilities in the Caribbean, often providing support to the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. (Interestingly, the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is regarded today as the second most historic cathedral in the Americas.)

After operating for the better part of three centuries, the convent eventually closed for good in 1903. (James Herbert Blank—the Bishop of Puerto Rico—had decided that the building’s upkeep was too expensive to maintain.) The facility then faced an uncertain future as it sat dormant for the next five decades. Thankfully, salvation for the building ultimately arrived during the 1950s, when Robert Woolworth purchased the entire site. He invested heavily into its complete rehabilitation, ultimately transforming the erstwhile convent into a stunning boutique hotel. Now known as “El Convento Hotel,” it soon emerged as one of the most popular vacation getaways in all of San Juan. In fact, numerous celebrities—including Rita Heyworth and Truman Capote—were among the first patrons to step inside! Then in 1995, a $15 million restoration rejuvenated the structure’s architectural integrity. It mainly focused on revitalizing the Spanish-designed features of the original convent, such as the detailing throughout the building’s façade. El Convento Hotel has since remained one of San Juan’s most exclusive vacation getaways. Contemporary guests not only love its luxurious services—they also adore its unique historical features. (For instance, patrons always flock to the original courtyard, where a 300-year-old Spanish Nispero fruit tree still stands.) A member of Historic Hotels of America since 1999, El Convento Hotel is truly an amazing place to experience.

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 an important 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 relocated 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 on the other side of the Atlantic, 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 and the rest of Puerto Rico 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 throughout 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, especially the patriotic movements that swept through nearly all the neighboring colonies. In fact, Puerto Rico 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. 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 in particular have enjoyed visiting modern-day San Juan, due to the many historical landmarks that reside in the city. 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 +

Originally an ancient convent, El Convento Hotel still displays the same Spanish colonial architectural aesthetics that first defined it years ago. Also known today as “Spanish Eclectic,” Spanish colonial architecture dates back centuries and is one of the most prolific design aesthetics seen throughout the Americas today. The form itself emerged when the first generations of Spanish colonists began arriving from Europe at the start of the 16th century. Seeking to establish similar settlements to the ones found in their native Spain, the pioneers began to essentially recreate European cities across Mexico. Many of the earliest settlers crafted buildings that combined elements of architectural motifs popular in Spain at the time, including Renaissance, Moorish, and Byzantine forms. Over time, though, those beautiful and extravagant styles were complemented by other, newer forms, such as Neoclassical and Baroque architecture. The amalgamation of all those unique styles eventually produced structures that were incredibly decorative and ornate. But despite the variety in their appearance, they mostly shared the same general layout and qualities. For instance, the buildings typically featured a central courtyard, as well as thick stucco walls that could endure diverse climate of both North and South America. Among the other recognizable features that they possessed included heavy carved doors, spiraled columns, and gabled red-tile roofs, as well. This new stunning architectural form soon defined the landscape of countless Spanish cities in the “New World,” such as Mexico City, Lima, and of course, San Juan. Many of those buildings still survive to this day, too, with some even preserved as recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Famous Historic Guests +

Rita Hayworth, actress remembered for her roles in films like Gilda, Cover Girl, and The Lady from Shanghai.
Pablo Casals, remembered today as one of the preeminent cellists of the 20th century.
Truman Capote, novelist known for such works like In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Gloria Vanderbilt, renowned artist, author, and fashion designer known for her work popularizing designer blue jeans.

Read Guest Historian Series

Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 166;

Hotel History: El Convento Hotel (1646), San Juan, Puerto Rico*

By Stanley Turkel, CMHS

Located in the walled city of Old San Juan, the Hotel El Convento is a former Carmelite convent dating back to 1646. The Monasterio del Señor San Jose was founded by Doña Ana Lanzos, a wealthy widow who donated her money and her magnificent residence with a large double sloped tile roof. Three Carmelite nuns from Santo Domingo served as founders. The building was expanded between 1854 and 1861 after the original structure was torn down. Governor Fernando de Norzagaray helped raising the necessary funds and personally inspected the work daily. Certain elements stand out in the facade of the chapel, besides the entrance: the pair of Tuscan columns, the two towers and the latticed choir arch.

Vacated by the nuns in 1903 and left for ruin, it was nearly destroyed in the 1950s. It was saved by the Puerto Rican tourism office and millionaire Robert Woolworth who purchased the destination in 1962 and converted it into a European-style luxury hotel. In 1995, a $15 million restoration returned the hotel to its original beauty by accentuating the Spanish features of the original convent.

This historic hotel occupies the top four floors, has a private entrance in the original courtyard where a 300-year-old Nispero fruit tree from Spain still stands. Rooms and luxury suites are individually decorated with Andalusian tile floors, mahogany beams, throw rugs and hacienda-style furniture. Each room has a view of Old San Juan or its bay. The first two floors feature restaurants, 10 new guestrooms (introduced in 2003), and meeting rooms interconnected by a series of black-and-white tiled hallways.

The garden terrace, overlooking the Plaza de las Monjas and historic San Juan cathedral, offers a serene atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying evening cocktails. The flower-bedecked rooftop pool terrace, with its spectacular panoramic views of Old San Juan has a plunge pool and a Jacuzzi. This small boutique hotel celebrates the old—as its address in historic Old San Juan indicates—while embracing all the comforts modern travelers expect. Guests have beach access to El Convento’s sister location. There are three restaurants, including a friendly tapas bar. Named the premier “Small Luxury Hotel” in Puerto Rico, El Convento is the oldest member of Historic Hotels of America, an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is rated as a AAA Four Diamond holiday destination.

*excerpted from his book Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi

*****

About Stanley Turkel, CMHS

Stanley Turkel is a recognized consultant in the hotel industry. He operates his hotel consulting practice serving as an expert witness in hotel-related cases and providing asset management an and hotel franchising consultation. Prior to forming his hotel consulting firm, Turkel was the Product Line Manager for worldwide Hotel/Motel Operations at the International Telephone & Telegraph Co. overseeing the Sheraton Corporation of America. Before joining IT&T, he was the Resident Manager of the Americana Hotel (1842 Rooms), General Manager of the Drake Hotel (680 Rooms) and General Manager of the Summit Hotel (762 Rooms), all in New York City. He serves as a Friend of the Tisch Center and lectures at the NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism. He is certified as a Master Hotel Supplier Emeritus by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. He served for eleven years as Chairman of the Board of the Trustees of the City Club of New York and is now the Honorary Chairman.

Stanley Turkel is one of the most widely-published authors in the hospitality field. More than 275 articles on various hotel subjects have been posted in hotel magazines and on the Hotel-Online, Blue MauMau, Hotel News Resource and eTurboNews websites. Two of his hotel books have been promoted, distributed and sold by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (Great American Hoteliers: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry and Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi). A third hotel book (Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels in New York) was called “passionate and informative” by the New York Times. Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America, Lawrence Horwitz, has even praised one book, Great American Hoteliers Volume 2: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry:

“If you have ever been in a hotel, as a guest, attended a conference, enjoyed a romantic dinner, celebrated a special occasion, or worked as a hotelier in the front or back of the house, Great American Hoteliers, Volume 2: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry is a must read book. This book is recommended for any business person, entrepreneur, student, or aspiring hotelier. This book is an excellent history book with insights into seventeen of the great innovators and visionaries of the hotel industry and their inspirational stories.”

Turkel was designated as the “2014 Historian of the Year by Historic Hotels of America,” the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This award is presented to an individual for making a unique contribution in the research and presentation of history and whose work has encouraged a wide discussion, greater understanding and enthusiasm for American History.

Works published by Stanley Turkel include:

Heroes of the American Reconstruction (2005)
Great American Hoteliers: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry (2009)
Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels in New York (2011)
Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi (2013)
Hotel Mavens: Lucius M. Boomer, George C. Boldt and Oscar of the Waldorf (2014)
Great American Hoteliers Volume 2: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry (2016)
Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels West of the Mississippi (2017)
Hotel Mavens Volume 2: Henry Morrison Flagler, Henry Bradley Plant, Carl Graham Fisher (2018)
Great American Hotel Architects Volume 1 (2019)
Hotel Mavens Volume 3: Bob and Larry Tisch, Curt Strand, Ralph Hitz, Cesar Ritz, Raymond Orteig (2020)

Most of these books can be ordered from AuthorHouse—(except Heroes of the American Reconstruction, which can be ordered from McFarland)—by visiting www.stanleyturkel.com, or by clicking on the book’s title.

What To REALLY Expect If You Stay

Pros

Romantic boutique hotel in charming Old San Juan
Walking distance to historic sights, shops, and nightlife
Extraordinary architecture and authentic Spanish decor
Three distinct restaurants with bars on-site
Outdoor plunge pool and hot tub, with bay views
All rooms have Bose sound systems, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers
Bathrobes, slippers, Aveda products, and turndown service
Nightly wine and cheese reception (included!)
Business center, library, and beautiful event spaces
Fitness center and coin laundry
24-hour guest services and valet parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout

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Pros

Cons

Prices for food and drink add up fast
Not on the beach (driving distance to their recommended options)
The outdoor pool is tiny

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Cons

There is nothing quite like European-style El Convento in the medieval city of Old San Juan. It was a convent for 252 years, and today it’s the neighborhood’s principal upscale hotel, offering 58 elegant rooms and suites filled with Spanish antique treasures and modern amenities. Its history is present everywhere, from the exposed wood beams to the 350-year-old Nispero tree rising high above the romantic courtyard. A nightly wine and cheese reception takes place on the terrace, allowing guests (mostly couples) to mingle while overlooking views of San Juan Bay. The main restaurant offers al fresco fine dining in the courtyard; other features include the beautiful sun terrace and small outdoor pool. Service is a priority here, and it shows.

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Bottom Line

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Amenities

Fitness Center
Internet
Jacuzzi
Pool

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Oyster Awards

Scene

Made for romance, and yet business travelers and families will also find plenty to like

Hotel El Convento is a destination unto itself — that much is clear from the tourists often found photographing the pretty Spanish Colonial exterior from across the hilly cobblestoned street, or taking peeks through enormous wood doors into a lobby that can be mistaken for an art museum.

The hotel is a notable historic landmark, and both the unique historical atmosphere and service-oriented staff contribute to a special stay. The 350-year-old building became the first convent in San Juan and housed nuns for 252 years, until 1903. The building was neglected and almost torn down for a new parking garage in 1959. Thankfully, the heir to the Woolworth fortune restored the convent, transforming into a luxury hotel over the course of three years. Two additional floors were built around the courtyard and famous Nispero tree, and greenery hangs from the hallway archways. Decor is directly from Spain: Take note of chandeliers, overhead beams (walnut or mahogany), wrought-iron fixtures, antiques, oil paintings, and tapestries. When it opened, the hotel attracted plenty of VIPs, and it still does today. Though no longer owned by the Woolworth family, the hotel has garnered many awards after its grand re-opening in 1997.

The romantic ambiance throughout naturally attracts honeymooners, and many destination weddings are held here; event space ranges from the herb garden terrace to the 300-person Salon Campeche. The hotel is also suited for business travelers, who can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and lounge areas. It’s an unforgettable place for anyone who has money to experience Old San Juan in the most luxurious way possible.

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Location

Close to key historic sights in Old San Juan — but not the beach

Old San Juan is the 500-year-old historic district within Puerto Rico’s sprawling capital. It is a medieval walled city that is as old as the Spanish conquest, and history buffs will be spoilt for choice on things to see and do here. For starters, the hotel’s location on Cristo Street — a picturesque, hilly cobblestoned street — is across from the the Plaza of the Nuns (the city’s second oldest park) and catty-corner from the San Juan Cathedral, the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. Guests are also within walking distance to Pablo Casals Museum, San Felipe del Morro Fortress, San Cristobal Fortress and Galeria Nacional.

There is a public pathway for walking or running that swoops around the entire area past the famous Red Gate, where Spanish dignitaries used to enter from their ships in the harbor. This path provides great opportunities for photographs (just watch out for those stray cats) and ends at one of the fortresses guarded by police. Within Old San Juan, travelers will find shopping, restaurants, convenience stores like Walgreens, and nightlife — all of which can be accessed by foot. Guests can also take a taxi over to Condado for more nightlife options.

For those renting a car, parking is notoriously challenging on the compact streets, but valet is available 24-hours a day (for a fee). Guests have access to a section of Isla Verde Beach across town, which will require a car or taxi to reach. Sedan transfers to and from the airport (15 minutes away) are also available.

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Location

Rooms

Unique Spanish decor and modern amenities make for a luxurious stay.

When this building was a convent, nuns slept on straw mattresses — but today’s guests are in for a much more upscale experience. The 58 elegant rooms and suites are situated along along terra-cotta hallways, most of which surround the interior courtyard; the two original floors from the convent have original wood-beamed (and high) ceilings. Due to this open layout (the hotel’s main restaurant is in the courtyard), most rooms have been outfitted with an extra soundproof door to ensure a peaceful in-room environment. Beds have luxury linens and goose-down pillows, Bose Sound Systems, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges with free bottled water, coffeemakers with local Alto Grande coffee, and free Wi-Fi.

Furnishings in and out of the rooms include antiques from Spain; the Woolworth heir and an interior designer went on an extensive buying trip in the 1960s. Superior Rooms (with one queen or two twins) have Louver doors that open up to Juliet balconies, while Deluxe Rooms are on the lower two floors with higher ceilings and wood-beamed ceilings. Vista Rooms have views from the balconies of the cathedral and/or bay. One-Bedroom Suites have a separate sitting area and master bedroom (with one queen-size or two full-size beds). Two specialty suites include Pablo Casals and the Gloria Vanderbilt Suite, and there’s one Junior Suite with a sofa bed. Handicap-accessible rooms are available, and the hotel has an entrance ramp and elevator.

Romantic turndown service includes dimmed lighting, Spanish guitar music on the Bose sound systems, and bedside chocolates.

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Rooms

Features

Three restaurants, a nightly reception for wine and cheese, and excellent service all around

Though El Convento’s prime location is walking distance to many restaurants and bars within Old San Juan, the boutique property offers three restaurants and bars that are a draw for guests, locals, and tourists staying elsewhere.

The main restaurant, Patio del Nispero, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the romantic courtyard anchored by an impossible-to-miss Nispero tree rising high above. This is the centerpiece of the hotel and the guest room hallways look down on this pretty site. The restaurant serves classics like Eggs Benedict and Banana Nut Pancakes for breakfast, salads and seafood entrees for lunch, and gourmet options along with Puerto Rican fare for dinner. On the second level is a terrace overlooking the courtyard where El Picoteo offers a Spanish tapas menu, paella, and en extensive wine list. The bar here becomes especially romantic in the evening with massive candles flickering and Spanish music. The more fun and casual option is Pizza e Birra on the first floor, with 20 craft beers, thin-crust pizzas and pastas, and both indoor and outdoor seating. In-room dining is available for all three meals.

The property has a beloved herb garden that extends the full length of a hallway; it is full of pots of fresh herbs and fruits, which are used in the three kitchens and as cocktail garnishes.

Though lacking a beach setting, the outdoor terrace with plunge pool and hot tub has beautiful views of Old San Juan and the bay. There are cushioned lounge chairs for sunbathing, as well as tables and chairs for reading or enjoying a glass of wine. Those looking for some time on the sand can access El Convento Beach Club at Isla Verde, though transportation is not provided. All beaches are public in San Juan and Puerto Rico, and it may be worth considering Condado Beach, which is closer.

A daily manager’s reception on La Veranda Terrace includes wine, cheese, and crackers. This is a great chance to get dressed up and mingle with other guests before dinner. This beautiful lounge area offers free bottled water and local coffee throughout the day. This the is the main place to get work done, and it also includes a small library area and business center, which has desktop computers and a machine for printing, faxing, and scanning. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.

The hotel boasts seven meeting spaces, ranging from the herb garden terrace (popular with cocktail parties), to several salons boasting original artwork, one of which can seat up to 300 people.

There is a fitness center on the property, as well as coin-operated laundry. Spa services and aromatherapy can be requested through guest services. Staff can also arrange tours of Old San Juan historic sights with professionals for personal guided tours.

The hotel has 24-hour valet parking for a fee.

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Features

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Made for romance, and yet business travelers and families will also find plenty to like

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Scene

Location

Close to key historic sights in Old San Juan — but not the beach

See More
Location

Rooms

Unique Spanish decor and modern amenities make for a luxurious stay.

Romantic turndown service includes dimmed lighting, Spanish guitar music on the Bose sound systems, and bedside chocolates.

See More
Rooms

Features

Three restaurants, a nightly reception for wine and cheese, and excellent service all around

The property has a beloved herb garden that extends the full length of a hallway; it is full of pots of fresh herbs and fruits, which are used in the three kitchens and as cocktail garnishes.

The hotel boasts seven meeting spaces, ranging from the herb garden terrace (popular with cocktail parties), to several salons boasting original artwork, one of which can seat up to 300 people.

The hotel has 24-hour valet parking for a fee.

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Features

Hotel & Amenities Photos

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Air Conditioner
Business Center
Concierge
Dry Cleaning
Fitness Center
Internet
Jacuzzi
Laundry
Meeting / Conference Rooms
Pool
Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
Room Service
Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.