One Of The Most Storied And Cherished San Juan Luxury Hotels
A landmark monument to the Conquistador Age, Hotel El Convento showcases a timeless aura of Old World charm and splendor. Befitting its origins as a Carmelite convent 356 years ago, our splendid Puerto Rico luxury hotel is a loving restoration of Spanish Colonial architecture and design. Select from 58 elegant rooms -- each adorned with rich wooden beams, handcrafted tiles, carved chairs, velvet settees, and antique chests. Walk in the footsteps of world leaders and international celebrities at this world-class Old San Juan luxury hotel. Our colorful past includes highlights such as:
- 1646: Construction began on the Carmelite convent, through a petition by King Phillip IV of Spain
- July 1651: The convent was inaugurated as the Monastery of Our Lady Carmen of San José -- and was situated across the street from San Juan Cathedral, the Western Hemisphere's oldest cathedral
- Dec. 9, 1903: The convent was closed by the Archbishop of San Juan
- 1959 : Under the auspices of Operation Bootstrap, Robert Frederic Woolworth - heir to the Woolworth fortune - began converting the convent into the El Convento Hotel.
- Jan. 27, 1962: El Convento Hotel opened. Over the years, its guest log would include Rita Hayworth, Robert Montgomery, George Hamilton, Lynda Bird Johnson, Ethel Merman, singer Johnny Desmond, and concert pianist Claudio Arrau.
- 1990s and 2000s: The property was renovated again and rechristened Hotel El Convento.
Three Centuries Of Allure At Our San Juan, Puerto Rico Luxury Hotel
Celebrate more than 350 years of tradition at our luxury hotel in Puerto Rico. As the first Carmelite Convent in the Americas, it housed the nuns for 252 years until closing a few days before Christmas in 1903. Vacant for a decade, the abandoned building served as a retail store, a dance hall, and, for the next 40 years, a flophouse without running water, sanitary facilities, or electricity. Opened on Jan. 27, 1962 as El Convento Hotel, it offered a tranquil, European-style alternative to the glitzy hotels lining the Condado strip. Since that time, we've maintained a high standard of luxury and style - constantly improving our amenities and recreational services. Notable present-day features of our boutique-style Puerto Rico luxury hotel include:
- Named the only "Small Luxury Hotel" in Puerto Rico
- Oldest member of Historic Hotels of America
- Rated as a AAA Four Diamond property
- Daily Manager's reception, serving a variety of wine and cheeses on La Veranda Terrace
- Plunge pool and Jacuzzi, offering breathtaking views of San Juan Bay
- Fitness center, with free weights, treadmill, and stairclimber, offering guests unlimited use
- Four diverse restaurants, serving cuisine ranging from tapas to Italian to traditional Puerto Rican fare
- Library, with high-speed Internet access
- El Convento Beach Club, featuring beach and pool privileges at our sister properties, located on two of the best beaches in Puerto Rico
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past -- in contemporary comfort and style -- at Hotel El Convento. A uniquely Puerto Rican treasure, our illustrious hotel stands proudly as one of the most beautifully restored landmarks on the Isle of Enchantment. Book your San Juan hotel reservations online today for preferred rates.
