Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Hotel · San Juan
1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Highlights
Historic Spanish Revival landmark with modern luxury and ocean views
1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico Get directions
$$$$
Historic Spanish Revival landmark with modern luxury and ocean views
1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico Get directions
$$$$
"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
"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
"Among our readers' favorite resorts in Puerto Rico." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"What's the vibe here? At Condado Vanderbilt, a pink-marble, Art Deco lobby sweeps you into the heyday of Condado, the neighborhood where San Juan's elite once summered. The rosy-colored romance explains why the hotel is popular for weddings and galas. But even if you're not attending a special event, you can’t help but imagine being a socialite gliding down the grand, curved staircase, the centerpiece of the entrance. Does it have a good backstory? As its name hints, the property was owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt, who recruited Whitman and Whitmore, designers of Grand Central Station, as architects. 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 like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy, Jr. After changing hands and closing in 1997, the hotel was renovated and reopened in 2014, with two additional towers. Upon its 100th anniversary, it still reigns as San Juan’s premiere stay. What are the rooms themselves like? The Vanderbilt's 319 rooms are spread among the historic original building and the two towers that flank it. Heritage Rooms in the original building are elegant and den-like, with sepia-tones, while the tower rooms feel lighter and more modern. Most rooms (but not all) have views of the Atlantic Ocean. Suites are large enough to feel like the condo away from home, each with personal butler. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is included in the 18 percent resort fee, and the quality is very good. How are the food options on-site, if we don't want to venture farther afield? Executive chef Juan Jose Cuevas, an alum of Akelarre in San Sebastian, Spain and Blue Hill in New York City, runs 1919 Restaurant, a world-class dining destination. A champion of local ingredients, Cuevas works closely with Puerto Rican purveyors to present a seasonal menu of beautifully composed dishes such as chayote salad with goat cheese, cilantro, citrus, kale, and basil; and snapper with roasted noodles, shrimp, sepia, and shrimp-aji amarillo jus. Other dining options include the sunny, casual Ola Oceanfront Bistro, overlooking the Atlantic and serving dishes such as seafood rice stew; a branch of the club-staurant chain STK; and Tacos & Tequila, with Mexican inspired snacks and margaritas. Drinks go beyond the usual tropical cocktails, with three bars specializing in martinis, wine and cognac. And the service? At-the-ready and always smiling, whether at the front door, at the pool, or in the restaurants. What type of travelers will you find here? Glamorous modern-day socialites and dashing robber barons to-be. What else is nearby? The hotel, in the middle of fashionable Condado, is a short walk to the high-end boutiques lining Ashford Avenue and a 10-minute cab ride to historic Old San Juan. Is there anything you'd change? If only mother nature would bring on reverse erosion to create a more expansive beach. No matter; the small size makes it all the more exclusive, and it's spacious enough to hold a few beach cabanas. And the four pools don't disappoint. Any other features worth noting? 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
"Identified as a member of a micro-collection within a major hotel marketing umbrella that is deliberately positioned as LGBTQ+ friendly, signaling proactive inclusion efforts and participation in targeted programming and marketing to the community." - Mark Ellwood
