Stayed here for two nights ahead of a cruise it just happened to be in the middle of the festival. Despite my wife having a small fall we had a great time with friends and the hotel were accommodating us despite all the partying! Definitely go back when a bit quieter thanks to all staff for their help
I’m sure there are a gazillion reviews of this hotel, with all kinds of opinions, but I will say, I love, love, love this place. I’m prejudiced towards historic venues, classic Spanish architecture, and antique ambiance- so take that as a starting point. Service for us was fine, check in was a breeze and we arrived late, well after 9:00 pm. The pool is small - just a dipping pool, and that too was fine, as we knew ahead of time not to expect a big pool. All we needed was basically relax and get wet after walking around Old San Juan all day. The views from the pool and the terrace, are beautiful. The architecture, the courtyard, the corridors, which are all open to the air, are just dripping with historic ambience. TheI location is perfect if you are a sightseer like ourselves. Atmosphere is quiet elegance, historic and calm, understated luxury, not over the top. We enjoyed the upstairs bar one evening, felt like we were with Hemingway in old Havana. We normally try to eat outside of our hotel to try new experiences, but we had lunch one day at one of the restaurants and it was very good.. We were 5 people, covering three generations, in two rooms. Everyone loved it.…
Hotel El Convento is an absolutely gorgeous historic hotel in the center of Old San Juan. The Basilica is right across the street and the views from every direction are gorgeous. Unfortunately for the money you pay to stay here the service is not up to par. When we arrived for our 3pm check in, our rooms were not available. The front desk provided some drink coupons (thank you!) and sent us to the bar. The bartenders at the bar were friendly and great both times we were there. Our travel companions got the call that their room was ready about an hour later so we waited it out in their room which had a gorgeous terrace off the back (junior suite). Our room was not ready until almost 5pm. When we entered the room there was a large birthday celebration set up with balloons and champagne which would have been lovely if it was our birthday. We called down to the front desk and explained that we didn't think it was for us and they assured us that it was complimentary and we were in the right room. When we returned from dinner, the balloons were gone as was the bubbly! They left a note saying they made a mistake and it was for another room.....not exactly the level of service and class I would expect from a $500/night hotel. The next day we got to use the pool which was lovely but there were only 2 towels for the 4 of us. They had a wine and cheese reception each night from 6-7 with lots of options to drink, but the snacks were a little sparse. There was no TV and the internet/wifi was also not working. There were also no blankets on the bed, just 2 sheets. The morning of check out we had planned to leave around 11am, but our travel buddies got a call from the front desk saying that they should be out by 9am (check out is 12) or they would have to walk 15 minutes with their bags to catch a taxi/uber. The San Sebastian Fiesta was to start that evening so we knew we had to get out of Old San Juan, but they could have told us with more notice. I suspect they needed to turn over the junior suite as we did not get the same call in our regular room. Overall, the location is excellent and it is lovely, but we were left with disappointment with the service we received.…
Everyone, but especially Victor Perez and Angel was absolutely wonderful! This hotel is a truly beautiful place. Full of atmosphere and character. The rooms are charming. Don’t come if you are expecting a dull soulless place, it won’t be for you.
Very enjoyable stay at this historic gem. I think people who are disappointed just don't understand the nature of historic inns. Yes the hot water was a little spotty. Yes we mostly had to sit out on the inside veranda to use the wifi (never really worked in the room). But the setting is beautiful, the room was clean, and the bed was comfy (no musky linens or old pillows). The hotel courtyard is lush and gorgeous. The Christmas decorations added to the ambience. The front desk crew was very helpful. The final bill was exactly as anticipated. Be aware that receptions do occur and do spill out onto the lovely interior courtyard, so if early to bed is your jam, that could be an issue. The afternoon wine and cheese receptions were appreciated. Didn't get a chance to eat in the restaurant. If historical is not your cup of tea, consider their sister property, the Palacio Provencial -- another historic building but has renovated in a modern style. Lovely rooms, courtyard and pool. Nice place for breakfast.…
Beautiful building, overall well maintained and clean. Could use a few things to be a 5 star experience (wifi was spotty especially in rooms, linens and pillows could stand an upgrade and hot water was a little inconsistent), but overall had a great experience. Front desk staff was helpful resolving an issue with my reservation, but people rotated in and out of the desk pretty often so I had to go through my whole story with each new person. Staff was very friendly, especially Angel at the manager's reception. Perfect location for exploring Old San Juan and a great way to feel.part of the history.
We stayed for 5 days/4 nights and so many of the staff felt like family to us. Sade at the front desk was so accommodating and took a personal interest in insuring my birthday trip was perfect. We loved Rene in the bar and Angel at the wine and cheese reception. The breakfast staff worked hard. Even with weddings going on in the hotel and our garden terrace room across from the bar, the sound proof barrier was very effective and we slept well. Trixie the hotel kitty is a sweet addition to the staff. She followed us into the room one day to inspect everything and then stood guard outside our door. This is a very convenient location we walked everywhere. Such a fun trip for my birthday !!! The only thing I didn’t care for is the surly bartender, Victor. Fortunately he was the exception and everyone else was delightful. …
I'm not sure who they have great reviews - they must be false like everything else the promise and advertise. This place only looks good in pictures. its smells old, the bedding was stale and the towels smells humid. Front desk couldn't care less, they're all very unhelpful - poor manners, Zero Hospitality and poor management. I asked for manager and they just gave us the runaround and lied to us. I emailed the manager and still to this day no response - its figures, the way they treat their guest all trickles form the top. Over priced, loud sleepless nights!! This hotel and the provincial are run by the same team of incompetent group of ppl.
I had to ask for fresh pillows as mine were very stale and weird smelling. The bed was comfortable but had no duvet or blanket as covering..linens could use a refresh if not a total replacement. Thus us too nice if a hotel for old sheets. The phone was not in operation. The Smart TV while a good size screen was impossible to figure out. I have one so am familiar with usual operation. Instructions for accessing just the major networks would have helped. I gave up. Morning coffee is provide on the 3rd floor and is really great coffee. Towels provide at 4th floor pool and hot tub area. Very clean and refreshing. When I checked out today no one even said “thank you” . $1000 plus and No “ thank you we hope you enjoyed your stay”?? The staff were all very nice people. Elizabeth in housekeeping was especially pleasant. PS. My SIL called for me as my elderly mother was very Ill at home. I never received the message. I was told about the call from Antonio when I checked out the NEXT day. More than 24 hours later! Such simple fixes would go a long way to elevating guests stay. Historical information a must!…
Located in historic Old Town San Juan, the 16thy century convent was painstakenly and beautifully restored in 1959-62. It is now a 5 star luxury hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of America. The restoration meticulously restored the ornate Spanish architecture both inside and out. It has several on site restaurants and other amenities normally found in hotels in this category. We stayed there in early 2000s and returned recently after another freshening several years ago. It is as beautiful and engaging as ever.
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing