During Carnival this year, I spent a few days staying at the Condado Vanderbilt, one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico. With five stars, the hotel is part of the Legend collection, from Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the largest group of independent hotels in the world. Located in San Juan, it has spacious rooms, good restaurants, several swimming pools, a SPA and is on the beachfront. So, check out all the details below!
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Condado Vanderbilt, one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico
Location
Condado Vanderbilt is located in one of the most sophisticated areas of San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, Avenida Ashford. It is home to designer stores such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Salvatore Ferragamo. He is considered one of the best hotels on the island and is just 9 km from Luís Muñoz Marín International Airport.
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Overlooking the sea and next to La Ventana Park, it is very close to the Old Center of San Juan. A trip, in fact, that is very worthwhile. The architecture is beautiful and preserved, with very charming houses.
The beach is wilder, with a narrow strip of sand and lots of rocks. If you are looking for typical Caribbean beaches, set aside a day to visit Rincón, a 2h30 drive away, or Culeba Island.
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If you like walking, the Pan-American Pier is a 30-minute walk away. If you want to see a little more of the city, El Yunque National Park is a 50-minute drive away. Furthermore, Condado Vanderbilt is also 45 minutes from Barceloneta, where the Puerto Rico Premium Outlet is located.
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History
The best hotel in Puerto Rico was built in 1919 and has been on the United States National Register of Historic Places since 2008. To get a sense of its architectural importance, Frederick William Vanderbilt – who was part of one of the richest families in New York – hired the company Warren and Wetmore to develop the hotel project. This is the same person responsible for Grand Central station in New York. At the time, the work cost 1 million dollars.
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Additionally, Vanderbilt County was the Puerto Rico’s first luxury hotel and also the first to have a casino, when gambling was allowed there in 1940.
Structure
The hotel has 320 rooms and suites ranging from 29m² to 76m² and offering views of the sea or the city. The suite I stayed in, Commodore, had a living room, desk, sofa with TV, dining table for four people, mini kitchen with sink, coffee machine, utensils and minibar and a king size bed. The bathroom was a good size and had a bathtub. By the way, there was also a balcony with a view of the sea. In other words, a real apartment!
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Leisure and Well-being
The hotel faces the sea, so you can choose to relax on the beach in sun loungers or in the cabanas that have butler service or enjoy the resort. There are four swimming pools, one of which is exclusively for adults and the other has an infinity edge.
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The Condado Vanderbilt offers four bars and lounges to its guests: Veritas, Vanderbilt Court, Mar A Bar and Avro Cigar Lounge.
In addition, it also has a SPA with various facial and body treatments and a gym with modern equipment and group classes, such as Zumba, Pilates and Cycling.
Restaurants
There are three restaurants in the best hotel in Puerto Rico. 1919 Restaurant is world-class, with contemporary touches and uses local ingredients. It is led by executive chef Juan José Cuevas, awarded 1 Michelin star. In fact, it is worth remembering that the restaurant is only open for dinner and requires reservations.
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Ola Oceanfront Bistrô faces the sea and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features some exquisite dishes from Puerto Rican cuisine.
And finally, Tacos & Tequila specializes in Mexican food, where the stars are the different taco options. It is open for lunch and dinner and is a partnership with the tequila brand Patrón.
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Additionally, Vanderbilt County is also popular for events. There are five different areas that can accommodate up to 600 guests. A luxury!
Curiosity
Contrary to what many think, Puerto Rico it is not an independent country but an American territory since 1898. Despite being part of the United States and its citizens having American nationality, Puerto Ricans cannot vote for president. Furthermore, they also claim the position of the 51st state in the USA. In addition to being a great place for shopping, it is hot all year round in Puerto Rico.
And if you want to enjoy this little piece of the United States in the Caribbean, direct flights from Miami only take 2h30. So, how about putting this destination on your next trip?
Text and photos by Renata Araújo.
