Hotel El Convento
http://www.orbitz.com/hotel/Puerto_Rico/San_Juan/Hotel_El_Convento.h78465/
Hotel Overview
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.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
Hotel Map
- 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
- Bacardi Rum Factory: 0 mi
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro: 0.5 mi
- Port of San Juan: 0.6 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.
Guest Reviews (120)
Ratings and reviews for Hotel El Convento
- All travelers (120) 4.5 / 5
- Business (5) 4.4 / 5
- Couples (76) 4.5 / 5
- Families (18) 4.7 / 5
- Friends (13) 4.7 / 5
- Singles (6) 4.3 / 5
- L.G.B.T. (2) 4.5 / 5
- 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.
- Most recent
- Highest score
- Lowest score
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Lucy LuLu
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!!!
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Scooter N
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.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
newmusicleesa
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.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Ajaxx
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
Reviewer score
Would recommend
buckcg
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
Reviewer score
Would recommend
radmatt
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
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Bebele
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.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
no frills traveler 33
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.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
ready to go
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.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Emmann
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!
