Puerto Rico’s Top Historic Hotel Just Got an Upgrade, With a New Look — and a Gloria Vanderbilt Suite

Hotel El Convento, one of the most historically significant hotels in the Caribbean, has completed an $8 million renovation project aimed at updating the property while preserving its centuries-old character — and honoring some of its most famous guests.

The restoration, which focused on guest rooms, dining areas, and public spaces, was led by Puerto Rican designer Beatriz Tamayo. The redesign included all 81 rooms and suites, the Patio del Níspero restaurant, the hotel’s corridors and lounges, and select event spaces.

Located across from the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in the heart of Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento has long been a symbol of Puerto Rican history and architecture. The property was originally established in 1651 as the first convent for women in the Caribbean. Over the centuries, it underwent several transformations—including time as a car dealership and public housing—before being converted into a hotel in 1962. Since the 1990s, the property has been owned and maintained by a group of local investors.

“El Convento is not simply a renovated hotel; it is the continuation of a legacy,” said Henry Neumann, the hotel’s general manager. “Today more than ever, we adapt our facilities to the demands of the modern traveler, without losing sight of the soul of the great lady of Old San Juan.”

The renovation project was designed to retain key elements of the property’s colonial architecture—such as terracotta tiles, original stonework, and carved wood—while introducing modern touches to meet current hospitality standards. Guest rooms feature updated furnishings and technology while preserving the building’s historic proportions and finishes.

Among the most notable updates are a series of suites dedicated to important figures connected to the hotel’s past. The Pablo Casals Suite honors the famed cellist who found refuge in Puerto Rico during the mid-20th century. Another suite is named for Gloria Vanderbilt, a longtime guest of the hotel.

One of the most historically important spaces in the hotel is the Campeche Room, a former convent chapel that still features original stained-glass windows bearing the coats of arms of Spain and Puerto Rico. The room has been carefully preserved and now serves as a venue for private events and weddings.

The hotel also houses a space known as the Martorell Room—an immersive installation created by acclaimed Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, who transformed the interior into a living work of art.

Guests can also visit the Veranda Terrace, which looks out over the rooftops of Old San Juan and includes a small exhibit of photographs from the building’s past, including its brief period as an auto repair shop. The terrace also hosts a daily wine and cheese tasting.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Patio del Níspero, remains at the center of the guest experience. Located under a 300-year-old tree in the open-air courtyard, the restaurant serves brunch and dinner with a focus on local flavors. Decorative details include art installations, locally made furniture, and preserved architectural elements from the original convent.

Throughout the hotel, hallways display historical artifacts, antique furnishings, and curated artwork that documents the property’s transformation over the centuries. Original floors have been restored and preserved as part of the renovation effort.

El Convento is located just steps from San Juan’s historic Puerta de San Juan and Plaza Doña Fela, anchoring it within one of the most visited and culturally important areas in Puerto Rico. The hotel remains a fixture of the island’s hospitality industry and a destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, architecture, and contemporary comfort. We’ve visited many times and it remains a favorite among places to stay in San Juan.

You can find rooms for $298 per night right now, according to Google Hotels.