I had the pleasure of visiting the in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Upon arriving to Old San Juan, we took a taxi into the compact city of cobblestone streets, beautiful historical and brightly colored buildings, outdoor cafes, and rich culture. As we pulled up to the hotel, we instantly fell in love. The Hotel El Convento has gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture and design, is the only “Small Luxury Hotel” in Puerto Rico, and the oldest member of the Historic Hotels of America. This stunning boutique hotel was restored from a 350 year old Carmelite convent and centered right in the heart of Old San Juan. This hotel became one of my favorite places I have ever stayed, and that says a lot.
In my opinion, there is no other place to stay than the Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan. Puerto Rico has a ton of larger hotel chains and resorts you can stay at, but if you are looking for a place that provides a deep cultural connection, with amazing architecture, luxury, and warmth, then you will not find it anywhere else. We rented a car and drove around the island of Puerto Rico so that we could see things outside of Old San Juan, and I would definitely recommend you do the same.
Should you need help planning an itinerary in Puerto Rico, please feel free to contact me. We have such wonderful memories of the Bioluminscent Bay off Vieques (imagine swimming in waters that glow!!), the El Yunque Rainforest (hiking and swimming in waterfalls), as well as all the other small cities and towns that we stopped in. I could go on and on.
Arriving into their lobby, instantly I saw the black and white checkered floor. There is something so classic and timeless about this style, it’s fashionable and chic and yet historical in feel. A perfect blend. With warm colored hanging chandeliers and wall sconces, it provided the perfect accent to their arched hallways and wood beamed ceilings. It was architecturally breathtaking. Their staff provided some of the best customer service I have experienced. So warm and friendly, they go out of their way to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
When brought to our room, I could not help but marvel at the old history and “feeling” this hotel had. I felt like I had taken a step back in time yet with all the current amenities of today. The hotel has a beautiful inner courtyard with each floor having open air hallways facing the atrium. Should it rain, it rains right into this atrium, giving such a fresh and tropical feel to everything. Nothing is better than experiencing tropical weather patters of warmth and humidity, while thunderstorms push through, all the while being completely shielded from the elements in their open-air halls.
As we approached our room, I was eager with anticipation of what to expect behind the beautiful wooden doors. Our room was right at the end of a hallway (the one shown above) and we chose a queen superior room, which was perfect. The furniture in each room is perfectly fitting to the style of the hotel. I wanted to take the rug home with me (you can see it in the below pics). With marble bathrooms, floor to ceiling doors that open out to a view of the city streets, tile floors, and warm colored fabrics, this hotel goes all out in its style. (They also have great technology with a flat screen tv, Bose sound system, and free wi-fi).
One of the amenities of the hotel that I enjoyed the most was the nightly wine and cheese reception on their rooftop patio. It was such a wonderful feeling to relax each night with a glass of wine and tasty goodies while sitting outdoors viewing the gorgeous surroundings of Old San Juan below. This rooftop area also houses the hotel’s pool and spa. The hotel faces one of the most beautiful churches in the area, known as The Cathedral, which just so happen to house Ponce de Leon’s remains. Both the hotel and the cathedral face a lush open square with beautiful foliage and park benches, providing a great view of the surrounding shops and brightly colored buildings.
The hotel boasts four restaurants on site, which is a lot for a hotel with only 58 rooms! We unfortunately did not get the chance to try any of them, but I can vouch that they serve excellent drinks. You of course have to try a Pina Colada in Puerto Rico, it’s where they were invented! (You can actually visit the exact location of the first Pina Colada at a local bar/restaurant within walking distance of the hotel!) Outside the hotel, is truly magical. Take a peek at the below pictures, starting with the square right outside the hotel.In my opinion, there is no other place to stay than the Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan. Puerto Rico has a ton of larger hotel chains and resorts you can stay at, but if you are looking for a place that provides a deep cultural connection, with amazing architecture, luxury, and warmth, then you will not find it anywhere else. We rented a car and drove around the island of Puerto Rico so that we could see things outside of Old San Juan, and I would definitely recommend you do the same.
Should you need help planning an itinerary in Puerto Rico, please feel free to contact me. We have such wonderful memories of the Bioluminscent Bay off Vieques (imagine swimming in waters that glow!!), the El Yunque Rainforest (hiking and swimming in waterfalls), as well as all the other small cities and towns that we stopped in. I could go on and on.
