Hotel El Convento

El Convento is truly a five-star experience; I am certain there is simply no better hotel option in Old San Juan. From the moment I booked our stay, directly through the hotel, the staff were responsive, attentive to my requests and concerns, and generous in their answers. I was apprehensive about travelling to Puerto Rico in the midst of the water crisis, but the hotel was right to assure me our stay would not be affected one bit. We arrived early, and the lovely ladies at the front desk greeted us and took our luggage into safe keeping while we spent some time at El Parque de Las Palomas, just down the street. They telephoned soon after to say that our room was ready, although it was still hours before the official check-in time. When we reached our room, our luggage had been delivered upstairs for us, and we had a beautiful birthday surprise arranged by the hotel staff, personalized to my son in a hand-drawn card on the hotel's lovely stationery. Our room was just perfect, clean and beautiful like the rest of the hotel, and reflected a tasteful mix of Spanish colonial history and modern design. The hallways, pool, veranda, and especially the central courtyard are just stunning. It was magical to get up early, survey the Old San Juan skyline, with the Cathedral right next door, and then proceed to sip tea and coffee in the company of birds flitting about the níspero tree. The daily Manager's reception provided outstanding cheeses with tiny gourmet toast crackers, Pellegrino, and wine and was included with our stay. We were touched each late afternoon to find our room had been made up a second time and that delicious chocolates, personalized by the hotel, were waiting for us on our nightstand. The beauty and comfort of the hotel would have been enough, but this was a place where detail mattered, right down to the "El Convento" branded water bottles always on ice for guests, the Molton Brown soaps and lotion, the bathrobes and slippers, and even the classy uniform dresses all of the women wore. The food at the restaurant was excellent, and the open-air patio was enchanting, with the chango birds flitting about. And then there was the location - for this reason alone, one could choose El Convento. Old San Juan is a walkable city, but it helps a great deal in the heat to have your hotel room nearby to afford a quick rest, dip in the pool, or some chilled water. You cannot beat the ideal combination here of convenience and luxury. And being in the center of it all does not mean your sleep will be compromised; the antique wooden doors and related extras mean the rooms are quiet at night and the atmosphere very soothing; the air conditioning was ice cold but fully adjustable to one's needs. We availed ourselves of the option to go to the beach in Isla Verde at the Marriot, and that visit was easy, enjoyable, and clearly well arranged by both hotels. In summary, El Convento is a phenomenal choice, the only one, perhaps, for guests wanting to be steeped in the real culture of Old San Juan while enjoying a luxury hotel accommodations, all at an affordable price. We felt like we were members of a private club and not simply hotel guests, a rare experience by any standard.

Indira and Victor were absolutely amazing! They both recommended places to go. We’d highly recommend staying at El Convento and frankly with how great the food is we had both dinner and breakfast. I loved this place!!

The hotel is classically beautiful. I do think it would benefit from a little more love; the rooms are starting to look worn and the furniture in the rooms (more modern looking) don’t go well with the classic style of the hotel. I think it’s a special place and so would love to see some refresh happen. Service was fantastic and ppl were very warm and friendly. Coffee offered in the morning is a minor thing but feels wonderful; same with wine in the evening. I think the value is exceptional; beautiful hotel, well positioned in Old San Juan with warm service at their rates is a steal. Happy I chose to go this for a few days.

Wonderful experience. Juan L and Monica were amazing! Would definitely recommend!

Lovely hotel with lots of nice common space. Rooms were on the small side but well lit and comfortable. Juan C was great with breakfast each morning.