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Magnificent Spanish Revival architecture, stunningly opulent interiors and dramatic ocean views frame the graceful facade of one of the most storied hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since its inception in 1919, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has catered to sophisticated travelers who place one aspiration above all else - to pursue a lifestyle of five-star luxury and leisure within some of the world's most exclusive destinations. Restored to its original grandeur by virtue of a meticulous renovation, this cherished landmark stands today as a monument to timeless elegance and style. We invite you to discover Puerto Rico as it is meant to be experienced - where exacting service, exquisite amenities and fine dining are a hallmark of every stay. Become part of the Condado Vanderbilt legend during your next escape to San Juan.
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The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is celebrated for its luxurious ambiance and prime location close to beaches and local attractions. Guests have called out the hotel's extensive amenities and the spacious, well-appointed rooms that offer impressive views. While the service receives accolades for being friendly and accommodating, some guests have encountered service delays and inconsistencies.
Despite the praise for its cleanliness and atmosphere, the hotel has drawn criticism for high prices and the need for room updates. Additionally, the pool music and dated decor have been points of contention for some visitors.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Luxurious
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Well-appointed
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We were in an ocean front suite, so the view was outstanding. The staff, room location, layout, and the cleanliness of the hotel were all excellent. We liked the bed, coffee maker. The bathroom and toilet area are beautiful and well maintained.
Sorry, but the Cons:
Bureau drawers are very shallow.
The ice machine was constantly defrosting and melting the ice, making new ice all through the nights. We had to close the bedroom door to not hear the clunking of ice cubes dropping. (We let the staff know but it wasn't resolved.)
The TVs came on randomly and showed the hotel info screen and played music. (We notified the staff but nothing was done about it. I ended up unplugging the HDMI cable when we weren't watching TV. Turning the sound off didn't solve the problem because the volume was turned back on when the TVs came back on.)
The wooden chairs do not have sliders on the feet to prevent noise when moving them on the tiled floors. You could here the chairs moving from the room above.)
There was no counter in bathroom where you can put cosmetics - they just slide into the sink. The lighting in bathroom is dim and so is makeup mirror, so it was difficult to see when applying makeup.
The positioning of the overhead shower handle was against the back wall. You end up getting soaked with cold water when turning it on.
For the money, we will try somewhere else next time.
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place was so fabulous. Our suite was glorious and we spent 5 nights truly enjoying all of Condado and the hotel's pools, food & beverage and beach. The staff was very attentive - the concierge booked us on two excursions VERY easily. We didn't eat much on property, but we LOVED lunch at Tacos & Tequila. Our *only complaint was how delayed check in was (we couldn't get into our room until after 5pm) but the suite made it totally worth it.
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This place was amazing. We had an oceanfront suite which includes two balconies and believe me, the views did not disappoint. The oceanfront rooms come with your very own butler to assist you with reservations, excursions, special requests, questions, etc. Our butler Alan was fantastic. He checked in with us each morning and was available to us each day...he even delivered umbrellas to us one day when we were venturing out in the rain. Exceptional service. Twice daily room service was a very nice touch. Who doesn't love a good room refresh and turndown service while out to dinner??
It's not a swimming beach but there is one within walking distance. The pools were amazing. The main pool area had bubbler chairs in the shallow and nearby was the infinity pool overlooking the ocean which was sublime to spend time in. On the other side of the resort was a much smaller adults only pool but honestly, given the price point of this property kids were far and few between. Service at the pool is top notch. You select your chaise chairs and they bring over not only towels but pool chair covers which was a lovely touch. Don't forget to tip these guys, they work really hard! Plenty of chairs at the pool so none of that putting towels out at 8 a.m. to save a chair. We usually went to the pool between 10-11 and there were easily 50 chairs still available. Drink service in the pool area was great too but be prepared to spend about $20 per cocktail.
We had breakfast at Ocean Ola one day and it was very good. We ordered ala carte as the buffet is $50 per and honestly, neither of us could eat that much food.
We had mother's day brunch at 1919 and although it was quite pricey it was an amazing experience (except for a couple of whiney women who complained that their table wasn't offering them a good enough view of the ocean). The Vanderbilt staff handled the situation with perfect care and resolved things very quickly. The buffet was amazing! Everything from a lovely raw bar with king crab legs and shrimp to oysters. Plenty of salads, breads, fruits, pancakes, desserts and so much more. On top of all that each person can order one ala carte entree (think lamb chops, steaks, pastas and on and on). The food, the service, the view, and the ambiance were all on point. Well done!
We will definitely be back. Don't hesitate, just book it! :-)
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Date of stay: May 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan is the epitome of hotel elegance, and it was the ideal romantic location for our birthday trip to Puerto Rico in January. We stayed in a King Suite room in the West Tower, which was large and tastefully decorated with a living room, separate bedroom, marble bathroom and a spacious balcony overlooking the pool and with beautiful views of the sea. The hotel’s location is in the heart of the Condado Beach area. Be aware that the sea waves are too rough for swimming by the hotel, but there are beautiful pool decks at the hotel and beach chair access for hotel guests at small park adjacent to the hotel. There are several restaurant options within the hotel (Ola, Tacos & Tequila, main lobby lounge, and 1919) and also several more restaurants within a short walking distance in the surrounding neighborhood. The hotel spa is luxurious (special recognition to Bernard, Raquel, and massage therapist Luz), and I had a wonderful massage as a birthday gift booked in advance as a surprise. We also had great service by Victoria at check-in, who explained the wristband/room key combo which made everything so convenient throughout our stay. Paulo, another senior staff member, surprised me with a complimentary birthday dessert at dinner! We enjoyed lounging at the adult pool, and we loved the daily tradition of an afternoon gelato treat at the family pool. Our wonderful server, Miotosys, at Ola gave us a great tasting flight of fruit juices in the mornings (passion fruit, cherry, and soursop). Our server at Tacos & Tequilas, Javier, was fantastic and never rushed us as we enjoyed our lunches at our table with a sea view. All of the food options were delicious and fantastic! We highly recommend the historic Condado Vanderbilt hotel for a special occasion or celebration, and we would definitely stay there again.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gorgeous hotel! We stayed in the ocean view suite, which had gorgeous views and was very clean. The pools were awesome. Loved having an infinity pool as well as one for swimming. They have a row of deck chairs that are positioned out over the ocean. My favorite spot. Staff brought out fresh pool chair covers and towels, no fee but we tip. Being in a suite, we received turn down service, including bottles of water and a full ice bucket every night. Since we were celebrating an event, they brought comp goodies too. We liked the amenities but you will spend some $ tipping though. If they bring you ice or set you up by the pool, etc. Other hotels there will just up charge you for everything so we didn't mind tipping. Front desk staff were barely courteous friendly and the concierge was never around. Staff at the door didn't always open it for us either. Conveniently located & there were several cute restaurants within walking distance. Food and drink inside the hotel were on the expensive side so recommend that you venture out for most meals. We went in October so less crowded, no rowdy guests. Hotel was beautiful, but if you go during the summer, you will encounter wait times at the front desk & likely a crowded pool. Will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Expect a wait at check-in. Join the rewards program online. They have good deals especially in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just spent 4 fabulous nights at the Condado Vanderbilt. Going to the Caribbean in Sept is risky due to hurricane season so we weren’t surprised to find the property a little quiet and we LOVED it. We had such a comfortable, restful, stay! Our stay began by arriving on Wednesday around noon and were told we were receiving a complimentary room upgrade!!! AND we were able to check in early! We stayed in room 572 in the East tower. We walked in and couldn’t believe our eyes! It was a 1 bedroom suite. It had beautiful marble floors, a living area with huge smart tv, a dining area and a great pantry area with ice maker (huge plus) refrigerator, coffee and tea pots. The bedroom had a comfy king sized and another big smart tv. The bathroom was huge with a jacuzzi tub and beautiful, tiled shower. Even better we had a huge balcony with a view of Condado beach and another with a city/west view. We just felt so lucky to be upgraded - what a treat! The hotel is beautiful. The lobby is luxurious, the outside spaces loaded with sun beds and umbrellas, the spectacular ocean splashing up on the sea wall. The Ola restaurant has an incredible view - best breakfast I’ve had maybe ever! The pool bar also so fabulous. The staff were all amazing. Our housekeeping had incredible attention to detail. Our room was sparkling clean. Turn down service was another luxury! The fitness room was awesome. The beach is a short walk away but has attendants who could set you up with chairs and umbrellas and the beach was just perfect. The La concha hotel honors Vanderbilt guests so you can charge food and drinks to your room! Also a lovely touch was free sunblock and aloe gel at the towel stations. Very classy! The pools at this hotel are not huge and I agree with other reviews that it’s maybe not the best place for older children if your looking for lots of kid diversions.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As seasoned travelers of over 40 years we were beyond disappointed with our recent experience at this property. Billed as a 5 star resort, it garnished much less stars from our visit. Our room was in the east tower and was mildew ridden, dated, with broken shades, filthy windows negating any ocean view that we would have appreciated, cracked safe and a mold filled shower. Housekeeping was abysmal and we were lucky to have a daily service after calling or visiting the front desk multiple times each day. Two of the days we were there we finally received housekeeping by night time, but were left with no towels. On none of our days was our refrigerator or snacks restocked. Our sheets were never cleaned although bed was remade. Management was well versed in apologies, but no action, follow up or remedies. We spent far too much time waiting to talk with management each day about the myriad of problems that we encountered. We were consoled by the fact that other couples that we met were experiencing similar problems. The grounds were beautiful as was the pool, but our time spent here was not one of relaxation, but rather, frustration and energies served on problems encountered daily. Meant to be a relaxing, stress free 5 night 40th anniversary getaway, it was anything but. Until they get their housekeeping, communications and renovations in order, I would dissuade a visit to this property.
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Date of stay: February 2025
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â We had heard that the west tower had been more recently renovated, so perhaps that would make a...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved our stay here. The service is top notch, and we had a much better experience here than at a different hotel we stayed in when we first arrived in San Juan. We stayed in a Tower King, City View .... Ocean View was not available. The hotel felt classic and historical but never stuffy. Our room was modern and spacious. I wish there were an option to select for a balcony, as I understand some of them have. We did not get a balcony. I would pay extra for that. But that said, it was a lovely room, great bed, his and her closets, and a wonderful shower, nicely sized. Very comfortable, well appointed, very relaxing.
It's true that the pools are not large, but there are four of them, all excellent in their own way, and despite it being a fairly full hotel, none were ever crowded. We were also always able to get a lounge chair. The beach is not swimmable, but you can dip your feet in ... beaches that are swimmable in San Juan are a bit heavy with sargassum, so we preferred the pools after all anyway. It is only a few minutes from an area in the city where you can go diving and snorkeling.
The cleaning staff made sure our room was fixed up several times a day, and left treats and turn down service at night. I only wish we could have spared them the trouble occasionally by putting a "do-not-disturb" indicator on the door in the morning. However, I did really enjoy the nightly turn-down service, and I appreciated that they came by often enough that if I refused cleaning in the morning, it still was done later in the day. The poolside staff was also very responsive and helpful, and the valet parking staff were friendly and extra helpful as well.
Breakfast at Ola was very good. 1919 was a bit of a disappointment ... not the service, the staff were superior. Wine choices were excellent. But an unusually high percentage of the tasting menu was marked with extra surcharges, driving the total up, and I can't say we were blown away by the meal compared to other (cheaper) tasting menus, including others in San Juan.
This is a resort in a city, so it's going to be a bit tighter than a resort in a less urban setting, but if you want the best of both worlds you can't do much better than Condado Vanderbilt. We felt so relaxed here. The location was ideal for seeing all of San Juan. It was easy to get to Old San Juan, but also easy to explore other neighborhoods, and the area of Condado itself is beautiful. I'd return to San Juan just to stay here, and hope to come back here again.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The ocean front suite was amazing. Balcony facing the ocean the other facing the city. Staff was accommodating and there was even a butler service. Wrist bands make access to your room easy versus fumbling around with a card. Room was spacious. Complimentary waters provided throughout the day. Make sure your package includes the breakfast buffet otherwise it’s $59 per person.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Make sure your package includes the breakfast buffet otherwise it costs $59 per person per day....
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Disappointing stay at a supposed 5-star restaurant despite a wonderful experience otherwise in Puerto Rico last week. The Spa and the Staff are the best things about this hotel - but even the staff had its share of bad apples. We actually saw our waiter roll his eyes and scowl when our breakfast table with 6 seats around it went from serving 1 couple who arrived at 9 AM… to 2 couples (next one arrived at 9:15 AM) … to 3 couples in our party (the final couple in our group showed up at 9:30 AM. Really? How hard is it to have 3 separate checks for 1 large table?).
Anyway, the “Heritage King” room we got was undersized, overly expensive, unclean, and had outrageous mini bar prices on alcohol. No room upgrade was available despite asking - yet our 2 other couples that checked in 4 hours later both received upgrades. Our room WAS available for early checkin - which we appreciated. But that same room and the hallway from the elevator to our room had debris all over it (sand, coconut “hair” was my guess). The bed was extremely comfortable - but only one sleeping pillow on each side? Come on. No hangers in our room at checkin. Hair on the bathroom floors and near our bed suggests minimal cleaning between guests. 5-star hotel? NOT in my book.
At checkin, we were 3rd in line but still waited almost 15 minutes to get to speaking with a human being. No Concierge staff was even at their station to speak with to get recommendations. Every time I went by the front desk the first 2 days - still no Concierge to speak with. Front desk staff were very friendly and helpful, giving tips on where to go in Old San Juan and the local area.
Meals were just Ok. Food and beverages were middle of the road - but pricey and small portions. Coffee at breakfast was plain awful. Note - All the meals we had outside the hotel (and even the coffee at nearby cafes) was spectacular - so we are not hard to please.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the San Juan area.
PRICE RANGE
C$667 - C$915 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CaribbeanPuerto RicoSan Juan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
317
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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