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When railroad tycoon Frederick William Vanderbilt built the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, part of the Legend collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, in 1919 it was Puerto Rico's only luxury hotel – President and Eleanor Roosevelt stayed here, part of a long list of notable guests. If the architecture looks familiar, it might be because the design firm also drew up the plans for New York's Grand Central Terminal. Graceful archways and sweeping staircases remain intact in this fully restored landmark, which presides over the Atlantic Ocean with two guestroom towers that are sumptuously modern.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
1055 Ashford Avenue
San Juan, Puerto Rico
00907
Nearest Airport: SJU
We stayed at this resort for the first time in May of 2026. I was weary of some of the negative reviews after reading them. We booked through jet blue packages and I got nervous. At arrival, transportation was punctual and professional and our room was ready four hours early. We were in an ocean view double queen and it was perfect. All non alcoholic drinks are free in room. There is day cleaning and turn down service/ but turn down service can be very late (after 9 pm). Caribbean air conditioning is more like Europe and less like the contiguous US. The room will read 68 but it will not feel very cold. It will also smell like ocean. This is normal. The check in process was easy. Daily buffet was delicious. Service was amazing. Everyone is out to ensure you have a great time. I left jewelry in the room safe. They found it and are mailing it!!!! Food is on the expensive side but this is typical for this area. The Vanderbilt is NOT a party hotel. It is a lovely, relaxing and beautiful resort if you want peace and beauty. I cannot wait to go back!
Nelba M
Stayed here with my adult son and we enjoyed the location, the restaurants, both pools, and especially the service. The valet was quick and cost was reasonable, the front desk very accomodating, and housekeeping kept us with fresh towels (chocolates!) and tidiness daily. The breakfast buffet is great though I preferred to order a la carte. The AC worked great in the room too, which is great because it is quite humid here.
PBGrl - Dallas, Texas
one of the best and luxurus hotel in san juan
Marianna V - Puerto Rico
Our stay at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel had its highs and a few frustrations, depending on what you’re looking for in a Puerto Rico getaway. The hotel itself is undeniably beautiful—historic, elegant, and very formal in its overall feel. It has a classic charm that sets it apart from more modern resorts. The rooms are on the smaller side, but that didn’t impact us much since we didn’t spend a lot of time in them. One of the biggest highlights was the location. It’s perfectly situated within walking distance to many great restaurants, which made it incredibly convenient to explore the area without needing transportation. We tried both the adult pool and the main pool areas. While the adult pool was quiet and relaxing, we found ourselves gravitating toward the main pool. Having access to the menu at Olas made a big difference, as it offered more variety compared to Tacos & Tequila. The drink selection also seemed better at the main pool, which added to the experience. Where the hotel fell short for us was service—especially at the pools. The staff were friendly and pleasant, but actually getting service was a challenge. We often had to track someone down just to place an order, and at one point, we waited nearly two hours before we could even order drinks. While we understand the laid-back “island time” pace, we expected a higher level of attentiveness from a property of this caliber. It’s also worth noting that this is not a true five-star experience. If you’re specifically seeking a luxury, high-touch five-star resort, this may not meet those expectations. Additionally, during the weekend, the hotel felt a bit lacking in atmosphere. We ended up heading to nearby spots for a livelier scene with music, dancing, and casino options. Overall, this is a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing stay in an elegant setting with an excellent location. Just don’t expect a vibrant nightlife or consistently prompt service.
worldtraveler428 - Orlando, Florida
Booked a two bedroom suite on the top floor, only half the room was ready on time. Sliders didn’t lock, exhaust ducts in the bathrooms were clogged with dirt. Needed to call housekeepers to empty trash and replace towels. Housekeeping showed up at 9:30 pm twice. My cc was charged 3 times for the same fee, room keys didn’t work the first two times and the food is only average . For a 5 star hotel supposedly not impressed.
Joe D
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