Arrival/Check-In: The 20-minute drive from San Juan International Airport to the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel moves quickly from busy city streets into a serene pocket of Old World elegance. Crossing the threshold, we entered a polished marble lobby anchored by a sweeping circular staircase and an airy lounge with floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean. Our room was not quite ready, so we left luggage at the front desk and headed to Ola, the hotel’s oceanfront casual dining spot. By the time we ordered pulled beef sliders and salt-rimmed margaritas at the pool bar, our suite was available.
Guest Quarters: “Guestroom” understates the scale of our accommodation. Our 815-square-foot, one-bedroom oceanfront suite—one of 107 suites across the property—felt like a private residence. Located on a corner of the East Tower, the suite featured two full balconies and a dining area with a well-equipped wet bar that included a microwave, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and an icemaker. With the addition of a cooktop and oven, this space would function as a full kitchen. Complimentary bottled water, soft drinks and snacks were provided and restocked daily, and a French Press coffee maker was available for use. The living area offered a full-sized sofa, an armchair, a coffee table, two ottomans, and a 55-inch flat-screen smart TV. The separate bedroom housed a king-sized bed, a 48-inch flat-screen smart TV and bedside reading lights. The generous bathroom included a separate tub and shower, an ample vanity and a sliding double-door closet. An adjacent water closet with its own sink and vanity opened to both the bathroom and the entry hall, serving also as a guest powder room.
Services/Amenities: One of the suite benefits is 24-hour butler service. Although our butler, Nadia, likely supported many guests during our stay, she made us feel uniquely attended to. When she learned I had a cold, she thoughtfully stocked our kitchen with fresh lemon juice, squeezed ginger, honey, chamomile tea and a tea steeper. The property is dotted with pools that range from a lively full-sized pool with a bar and music to tranquil plunge pools tucked among swaying palms. The on-site spa offers a traditional hammam, and dining options include casual oceanfront Ola, the refined Vanderbilt Court, and 1919, a celebrated restaurant where presentation and atmosphere are as integral as the cuisine.
The Experience: The hotel’s history begins with Frederick William Vanderbilt, grandson of 19th-century railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. The original Spanish Revival-style property opened in 1919 as one of Puerto Rico’s earliest luxury hotels. It flourished through much of the 20th century before falling into decline and facing possible demolition in the 1970s. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, the hotel underwent careful restoration and partially reopened in 2012 for restaurants and event spaces. The fully restored Condado Vanderbilt Hotel welcomed guests again in December 2014. Approaching its centennial, the hotel stands as a restored landmark and a central figure in the revitalization of San Juan’s Condado neighborhood.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room WiFi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar (varies)
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
Turn-down service
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
1055 Ashford Ave.
San Juan, PR 00907
tel 787 721 5500
condadovanderbilt.com