"A century-old, elegant oceanfront landmark on Ashford Avenue that has hosted presidents and celebrities and retains classic charm alongside modern comforts. Guests praise its restful spa experience—highlighted by a soothing hammam treatment—and the ability to toggle easily between balcony ocean views and poolside lunches, making it a refined choice for those seeking both history and pampering." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A beachfront, ultra-luxe hotel and one of the area's most celebrated resorts, favored by readers for its location and high-end amenities that place it among the top accommodations in the city." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"An oceanfront grand dame with a century of storied glamour: enjoy an exclusive pool deck with waterfront dining and an intimate spa that houses the only hammam on the island. The property's fine-dining anchor, the 1919 Restaurant (named after the year of the hotel's founding), is presented as setting the bar high for the island's upscale dining." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A five-star oceanfront property featuring fine dining, a tranquil spa, and sweeping sea views—well suited for travelers seeking upscale accommodations and easy access to Old San Juan and nearby beaches." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"At Condado Vanderbilt, a pink-marble, Art Deco lobby sweeps you into a bygone era in Condado, the neighborhood where San Juan's elite once summered. Originally opened in 1919, the Vanderbilt was Puerto Rico’s first luxury hotel; in 1940, it also became the first on the island to have a casino (no longer). Over the years it has welcomed luminaries and presidents like Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, Jr. The hotel was renovated and reopened in 2014, with two additional towers. Even after its 100th anniversary, it still reigns as San Juan’s premiere stay. The hotel is home to the city's best spa, and the only on the island with a Turkish bath. Indoor and outdoor treatments span everything from basic massages to a complete Hammam ritual." - Kathleen Squires