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...
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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...
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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
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
- 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.
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
Pauli
Traditional and romantic
A perfect place to relax. Great onsite restaurants and pleasant staff
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Wdrewa
Amazing boutique hotel with great history
Upon arriving at El Convento, we couldn't have been more happy. The staff is so helpful. The restaurants in the hotel are excellent. Can't wait until my next trip back.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Dining tip:
Short walk from hotel
Don't miss tapas at Picoteo, or dinner at Marmalade.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Wish I were there
Romantic getaway
If your staying in Old San Juan there is no better place than this romantic renovated old convent. Ammenaties and cleanliness complement the hotel's historic charm. Pool and excercise room make good use of limited space and are quaint/up-to-date. Entire staff were courteous, helpful and friendly. The complementary evening wine and cheese was a good place to begin your evening and meet other guests. My wife and I will definelty return.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Karly
Living history
We really enjoyed staying at El Covento. The staff was extremely helpful, anticipating requests. The room was absolutely lovely, and staying in an old convent provided a feeling of living history, although with the addition of air conditioning. The location could not have been better, as it was possible to walk everywhere in Old San Juan.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 5
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Shopping tip:
Short walk from hotel
Emerald Isle on Calle Fortalezza is a locally owned jewelry business with lovely, reasonably priced pieces. The owner, Lawrence, is very customer service-oriented.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Rockwater
Book it!
Great staff, clean room, excellent happy hour, convenient location. Only thing I would have changed is the beds. We had 2 twin beds, too small for 2 single adults.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 5
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 3
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Trip purpose:
Business
Entertainment tip:
Short walk from hotel
"3 Horns" is about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Good times had by all.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Hund
Wonderful Old Style Atmosphere with new Amenities
This is our second visit to the hotel, and it was even better than the first. The location in Old San Juan is incredible. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I really don't think we could have asked for anything more.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Entertainment tip:
Short walk from hotel
If you like Salsa music, the best we found in Old San Juan was at The Latin Roots and the Nuyorican Cafe. Things really get hopping around midnight, so rest up.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Soderbee
Great wknd getaway!
Excellent wknd in old san juan! I loved the quiet hotel...felt like we were staying alone!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Money-saving tip:
In Hotel
They charge for parking $25/ni...free trolley around old san juan.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
MJM1
El Convento
Hotel was awesome!! Rooms were well appointed, food was terrific and well priced. One of a kind hotel. Pool was a little small, and parking was across the street at $25 per night.... Street parking was available for free if your parralell parking skills were good. We'd stay there again in a heart beat!!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 5
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Carlitos
A Real 5 Star Experience
El Convento is truly a 5 star hotel in every way. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, food service is excellent, and the hotel is absolutely beautiful with its Spanish colonial architecture and romantic inner courtyard. For those who want a romantic getaway, there is no better location than this hotel in the heart of Old san Juan.
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
Go to Carly's, owned by Carly himself, a great jazz pianist who performs every night (heplayed for the Beach Boys for years). Justo is the best bartender in San juan and is renowned for his mojitos. The food is outstanding, especially the tapas.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
mrmine
Great Service
Great location and service from everyone on staff during our stay, from the front desk to the resturants to matinence crew. Everything was spot on. Can't wait to return to this hotel for sure!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 5
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Money-saving tip:
Not Applicable
take advantage of the bus, 75 cent to their sister hotel LaConcha.