$150 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: Jul 8, 2013 Check-out: Jul 11, 2013

Hotel El Convento

4 stars
100 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan, 00901
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.5
out of 5
120 reviews
Old San Juan- huge yes to stay here

We were looking for a convenient hotel to match the Old San Juan experience with the comforts of... See full review

  • Scooter N
  • May 7, 2013
Best in Old San Juan

El Convento is the epitome of Old San Juan. It is old, beautiful and staff is top notch. Stayed... See full review

  • newmusicleesa
  • Apr 24, 2013
Old San Juan hotel sets the standard for historic elegance
The historic Hotel El Convento was opened as a convent in 1651 and reopened as a hotel in 1963 by an heir to the Woolworth fortune. Rita Hayworth and Ethel Merman are among its famous guests. The hotel sets the standard for luxury in Old San Juan. This gem of Spanish Colonial architecture was meticulously restored with handcrafted tiles, thick mahogany beams, velvet settees and hand-carved chairs. A lushly landscaped interior courtyard is lit by Old World wrought-iron lanterns. Modern conveniences include a rooftop plunge pool, sundeck and free Wi-Fi.
Highlights
  • Historic character and architecture in luxury AAA Four Diamond setting
  • Rooftop sundeck and pool
  • Footsteps from Old San Juan hot spots
  • Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres nightly
  • Three on-site restaurants
Location

Hotel El Convento lies in the center of Old San Juan, across the way from the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista and two blocks from La Fortaleza, the governor's home.

Rooms

Hotel El Convento has 58 finely appointed guest rooms, each more luxurious than the next. These warm, charming rooms include ornate handcrafted furniture, Andalusian terra-cotta tile floors, fine linens, goose-down pillows and elegant marble bathrooms. Captivating views of San Juan Bay and the city are enjoyed from every room. Expect a spacious desk, Bose radio and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Features

The small, luxury Hotel El Convento is the oldest member of the Historic Hotels of America and is rated a AAA Four Diamond property. Extras include a library with high-speed Internet access. Spa services and personal trainers are also available.

Dining

There are three on-site dining options at Hotel El Convento including El Picoteo, overlooking the hotel's courtyard. The restaurant offers tapas and paella for lunch and dinner. Nuevo Latino Caña is the posh spot to see-and-been-seen under a high, wood-beamed ceiling. Caña is open for lunch and dinner. Patio del Nispero is named for its open-air courtyard setting shaded by a historic fruit tree. Breakfast and lunch includes refreshing menu choices such as the Jibarito salad, mixed greens with avocado, fried local farmers' cheese and red onions.

Recreation

There is a plunge pool and Jacuzzi on the bougainvillea-draped fourth-floor rooftop deck with breathtaking views of San Juan Bay and the city. The El Convento Beach Club offers beach and pool privileges at sister properties. The fitness center is free.

Transportation
  • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (7.5 mi/12 km)
Attractions
  • El Morro Fortress (0.3 mi/0.4 km)
  • Isla Verde Beach (0.6 mi/10 km)
  • Fort San Cristóbal (0.6 mi/0.9 km)
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center (2.3 mi/3.7 km)
  • Condado Beach (2.7 mi/4.4 km)
  • Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (3.6 mi/5.8 km)
  • Plaza Las Américas (4.2 mi/6.7 km)
Business
  • Business center with printing, copying and faxing available
  • Seven meeting rooms
  • Executive board room
  • Full catering available
  • Audiovisual equipment and support available
  • High-speed Internet access in all meeting areas
Policies & fees

A major credit card will be needed at check-in for incidentals.

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Hotel El Convento Rooms

Queen Deluxe Room
Queen Deluxe Room includes: One queen bed and City view from French balcony (no step-out space). Open-air-corridor seating facing interior garden courtyard. Spanish-antique and antique-replica furniture, including desk, dining set, reading chair. Tile floor. Small marble bathroom with pedestal sink, shower/tub, bathrobes/slippers, telephone. 32-inch LCD HDTV. Bose CD player, radio. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access. Compact refrigerator with complimentary bottled water. Smoking not permitted in room. Rollaway bed needed for a 3rd person in room ($35 extra nightly charge).
Vista Room
Vista Room includes: One Queen bed with full view of San Juan Bay from French balcony (no step-out space). Open-air-corridor seating facing interior garden courtyard. Spanish-antique and antique-replica furniture, including desk, dining set, reading chair. Tile floor. Small marble bathroom with pedestal sink, shower/tub, bathrobes/slippers, telephone. 32-inch LCD HDTV. Bose CD player, radio. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access. Compact refrigerator with complimentary bottled water. Smoking not permitted in room. Rollaway bed needed for a 3rd person in room($35 extra nightly charge).
Double Deluxe Room
Double Deluxe Room includes: Two double beds with City view from French balcony (no step-out space). Open-air-corridor seating facing interior garden courtyard. Spanish-antique and antique-replica furniture, including desk, dining set, reading chair. Tile floor. Small marble bathroom with pedestal sink, shower/tub, bathrobes/slippers, telephone. 32-inch LCD HDTV. Bose CD player, radio. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access. Compact refrigerator with complimentary bottled water. Smoking not permitted in room. Rollaway bed not allowed in room.
Superior Room
Superior Room includes: One queen bed or two twin beds (run of house)and limited view from French balcony (no step-out space). Open-air-corridor seating facing interior garden courtyard. Spanish-antique and antique-replica furniture, including desk, dining set, reading chair. Tile floor. Small marble bathroom with pedestal sink, shower/tub, bathrobes/slippers, telephone. 32-inch LCD HDTV. Bose CD player, radio. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access. Compact refrigerator with complimentary bottled water. Smoking not permitted in room. Rollaway bed needed for a 3rd person in room ($35 extra nightly charge).

Amenities

  • Wireless internet
  • Pool
General
Concierge
Activities
Pool
Health club
Spa services
Dining
Restaurant
Room service
Services
Conference facilities
Internet
Wireless internet
Accessibility
Handicapped rooms/facilities

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Hotel Map

18.4659 -66.1184
Area served
Old San Juan, Condado, Hato Rey, Rio Piedras, Guaynabo, Bayamon, Isla Verde.
Nearby airports
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU): Approximate driving time is 20 minutes and distance is 9 miles.
Area description
The hotel's location in historic Old San Juan makes walking the best way around to the numerous shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Hopping on and off the district's open-air trolleys is free. Nearby attractions: San Juan Cathedral - across street / San Juan Gate - 1 block / Puerto Rico Indian Museum - 1 block / La Fortaleza (governor's mansion) - 2 blocks / Casa Blanca museum & garden - 2 blocks / African Heritage Museum - 3 blocks / Pablo Casals Museum - 3 blocks / San Felipe del Morro fortress - 0.5 mile / San Cristobal Castle - 0.5 mile / Plaza Las Americas (shopping, dining) - 7 miles / Pinones forest (bicycling, hiking, surfing) - 12 miles / El Yunque Rainforest - 31 miles.

Nearby points of interest

  • Museo del Nino: 0 mi
  • Calle del Cristo: 0 mi
  • Bacardi Rum Factory: 0 mi
  • El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan): 0.1 mi
  • La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina: 0.1 mi
  • Plaza de Armas: 0.1 mi
  • Parque de las Palomas: 0.1 mi
  • Paseo de la Princesa: 0.1 mi
  • Fortaleza Street: 0.2 mi
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro: 0.5 mi
  • Castillo de San Cristobal: 0.6 mi
  • Port of San Juan: 0.6 mi
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center: 1.8 mi
  • San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan): 2.2 mi
  • Fine Arts Cinema: 2.3 mi
  • Museo del Nino: 0 mi
  • Calle del Cristo: 0 mi
  • Bacardi Rum Factory: 0 mi
  • El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan): 0.1 mi
  • La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina: 0.1 mi
  • Plaza de Armas: 0.1 mi
  • Parque de las Palomas: 0.1 mi
  • Paseo de la Princesa: 0.1 mi
  • Fortaleza Street: 0.2 mi
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro: 0.5 mi
  • Castillo de San Cristobal: 0.6 mi
  • Port of San Juan: 0.6 mi
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center: 1.8 mi
  • San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan): 2.2 mi
  • Fine Arts Cinema: 2.3 mi
  • Museo de Las Americas: 2.6 mi
  • San Juan Gate: 2.9 mi
  • Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Puerto Rico: 3.1 mi
  • Bellas Artes: 3.4 mi
  • Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: 3.5 mi
  • Ocean Park: 4.6 mi
  • Jardin Botanico: 6.1 mi
  • Isla Verde: 6.7 mi
  • Arecibo Observatory: 42.5 mi

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
Hotel El Convento offers superb meeting and banquet facilities. With close proximity to the financial center in San Juan, and 7 multi-use meeting rooms of varying sizes, the hotel is the perfect venue for banquets, charity events, and high-level corporate affairs. The 2700 sq. ft. Salon Campeche is a spectacular ballroom and can accommodate from 250 - 300 people for classroom/banquet seating. For smaller gatherings and corporate functions, choose from Salon Oller which accommodates 75 people for a seated event; Salon Paoli, perfect for a group of 50; Salon Zafiro, for a group of 35, the Executive Boardroom which seats 12. Two additional rooms are available for up to 40 people. The hotel has every amenity the business traveler needs to assure a successful trip from audiovisual facilities, computer ports, dual-line data port phones in each guest and banquet room, Internet access, and valet parking. Restaurants are located within the hotel and we also provide expert catering services.

Dining

Pizza E Birra
Pizza e Birra offers a taste of classic Italian and American-Italian dishes, but the main attraction is definitely Pizza perfection. For the perfect combination Pizza e Birra features over 20 different craft beers from all over the world. The Pizzeria embodies all the eclectic elements that characterize the cobblestone city, with a cool modern spark
Patio del Nispero
Shaded by Hotel El Convento's famous 300-year old nispero fruit tree, Patio del Nispero is located on the ground floor of the stately open-air courtyard in the hotel. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Patio del Nispero is a welcome culinary treat serving international gourmet fare in casual yet elegant surroundings. From the best banana nut pancakes,to creative and hearty sandwiches and salads, with even traditional Puerto Rican dishes, alfresco dining has never been more tasteful!
El Picoteo
There's something cooking in Old San Juan where the food is inventive, the service never misses a beat, and the wine list is exceptional. The atmosphere at El Picoteo is all about food and mood. Hot or cold, tapas warm you up for mas tapas de picotear. El Picoteo offers a cornucopia of choice without parallel on the island. After a sampling of delectable tapas, try the paella - voted best on the island! The gazpacho, tortillas, empanadillas, croquetas, specialty pizzas are all fantastico. The wine list fills classic bistro slots with imaginative producers and delectable desserts round out the eclectic menu. This is the place that defines the tapas and paella experience.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1500
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (120)

Ratings and reviews for Hotel El Convento

Overall score

4.5 / 5
120 out of 120
Amenities:
4.4
Room cleanliness:
4.7
Hotel staff:
4.7
Room comfort:
4.5
Location:
4.8
Value:
4.3

96% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

4
Lucy LuLu
Austin, TX
May 14, 2013

Wish I had stayed longer

This is a beautiful and historic hotel with lovely sitting areas in the courtyards to sip coffee and relax. The hotel staff was beyond wonderful: courteous and helpful. The always have complimentary water, coffee, and fruit. Every evening at 6 PM, there is complimentary wine and cheese on the 3rd floor terrace. Great place for a romantic getaway.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

If you want to eat delicious authentic Puerto Rican food, visit El Fondo del Jibaritto. For amazing creole food, check out Raices. The "Tornado" dish is amazing!!!

Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

5
Scooter N
Atlanta, ga
May 7, 2013

Old San Juan- huge yes to stay here

We were looking for a convenient hotel to match the Old San Juan experience with the comforts of today. Let's just say 100% yes, to Hotel El Convento. Two blocks from the original bay entrance to the Fort walls. 5 minute walk to the original Fortress. Great bar and restaurant in the Hotel, and 5 minute walk to all the bars, shopping and restaurants. Room was great and the staff was so helpful and Nice. Pric for the hotel was very fair for the quality. I could not give a higher recommendation. Enjoy.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

La Madre for Tapas/ Mexican food. Very fresh, quality dining at a reasonable price.

Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

5
newmusicleesa
Business
Kansas City, MO, USA
Apr 24, 2013

Best in Old San Juan

El Convento is the epitome of Old San Juan. It is old, beautiful and staff is top notch. Stayed there twice now and loved it. Great location for sight seeing.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Avoid crowds and dine at places near hotel. Avoid harbor where cruise ships drop tons of people off in one spot at once. El Jebarito is very good. Hotel food is good, but pricey.

Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

4
Ajaxx
Florida
Apr 15, 2013

Beautiful hotel

Beautiful hotel. Nice restaurants. Friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

4
buckcg
Minneapolis, MN
Mar 26, 2013

Nice bit of history

Very nice location and staff. Rooms are quite small. Beds are firm. Restaurants in the hotel are nice, but pricey.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

4
radmatt
Charlotte NC
Feb 7, 2013

Old San Juan at its finest

very well located, charming, unique hotel. Very comfortable, friendly staff. A very nice touch is the daily wine and cheese offered at 6 pm.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

5
Bebele
Fort Worth, Texas
Jan 28, 2013

The Heart of Old San Juan

El Convento is a beautiful hotel! It is not only in the perfect location to enjoy great restaurants, the rooftop has amazing views of the city and water! The cathedral is also in the same square as the hotel, which makes the location even more dramatic. It is also within walking distance (less than 10 minutes) to El Morro. The staff was superb! We were traveling with our 1 yo daughter and the crib they provided was so cute! The maid for our room was great! We stayed there and attended a wedding reception in their gorgeous ballroom. I felt like I spent a little bit of time in a Spanish hotel in Europe! Cannot say enough good things about our stay! Definitely a splurge but worth it!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

St. Germaine restaurant is a cute cafe/bistro very close by (less than 10 min) that is reasonably priced! El Convento has complementary wine for guests every night on the patio.

Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

4
no frills traveler 33
Brooklyn, NY
Dec 23, 2012

Wonderful Experience, Perfect Location

I really felt lucky to be staying at Hotel El Convento. It is gorgeous, located in the heart of Old San Juan. The staff is top-notch. They speak both English and, of course, Spanish, fluently. They care very much about your experience as a guest. I was there just before Christmas time, and there were some parties happening in the center open area of the hotel. It was fun. There was some noise trying to go to sleep, but it didn't bother me. The rooms are relatively small, very clean, and lovely. (I stayed in a single, and am sure that the rooms are larger if you are staying with more people. Obviously.) I really liked it and would absolutely recommend it.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

If you are willing to splurge on a meal (and it is a splurge), I HIGHLY recommend eating at Marmalade. Everybody I spoke to said it was the best restaurant in Old San Juan and, from my limited experience, I would certainly agree. Every bite of food, every sip of drink was a delicious experience.

Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

5
ready to go
Clearwater, Fl
Dec 17, 2012

atmosphere and ambiance

Imagine walking back to your room in the evening. lighted only by small lamps on tables for two along the courtyard balcony draped with philodendron and bougainvillea, music wafting up from the patio or second level tapas bar. You've just left the complimentary wine and cheese gathering and gazed over the city from a number of vantage points. This is a lovely, tranquil oasis with every staff member ready to assist with a smile.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

La Fortelaza, the governor's palace, has the best guide and what you learn about the island's history sets you up for your entire visit.

Review of Hotel El Convento

Reviewer score

3
Emmann
Chicago
Sep 30, 2012

First in Puerto Rico

Loved the location of El Concento; I was able I walk to all the historical sites and was less than 2 blocks away from the fortress walls! It was a great spot to hot restaurants and get to experience Old San Juan. If you want the beach though, this is not the hotel for you. The pool is small, and you would have to get on the bus to reach the beach. It simply depends on what sort of experience you are looking for. It is not a "resort" hotel but you can't beat the history it has!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Go to Cafe St. Germain for the best lunch/dinner! In walking distance and the staff is very friendly. Look for the cute cafe on the corner!

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