Review: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

What's the vibe here?
At Condado Vanderbilt, a pink-marble, Art Deco lobby sweeps you into the heyday of Condado, the neighborhood where San Juan's elite once summered. The rosy-colored romance explains why the hotel is popular for weddings and galas. But even if you're not attending a special event, you can’t help but imagine being a socialite gliding down the grand, curved staircase, the centerpiece of the entrance.

Does it have a good backstory?
As its name hints, the property was owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt, who recruited Whitman and Whitmore, designers of Grand Central Station, as architects. Originally opened in 1919, the Vanderbilt was Puerto Rico’s first luxury hotel; in 1940, it also became the first on the island to have a casino (no longer). Over the years it has welcomed luminaries like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy, Jr. After changing hands and closing in 1997, the hotel was renovated and reopened in 2014, with two additional towers. Even after its 100th anniversary, it still reigns as San Juan’s premiere stay.

What are the rooms themselves like?
The Vanderbilt's 319 rooms are spread among the historic original building and the two towers that flank it. Heritage Rooms in the original building are elegant and den-like, with sepia-tones, while the tower rooms feel lighter and more modern. Most rooms (but not all) have views of the Atlantic Ocean. Suites are large enough to feel like the condo away from home, each with personal butler.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is included in the 20 percent resort fee, and the quality is very good.

How are the food options on-site, if we don't want to venture farther afield?
Executive chef Juan Jose Cuevas, an alum of Akelarre in San Sebastian, Spain and Blue Hill in New York City, runs 1919 Restaurant, a world-class dining destination. A champion of local ingredients, Cuevas works closely with Puerto Rican purveyors to present a seasonal menu of beautifully composed dishes such as chayote salad with goat cheese, cilantro, citrus, kale, and basil; and snapper with roasted noodles, shrimp, sepia, and shrimp-aji amarillo jus. Other dining options include the sunny, casual Ola Oceanfront Bistro, overlooking the Atlantic and serving dishes such as seafood rice stew; a branch of the club-staurant chain STK; and Tacos & Tequila, with Mexican inspired snacks and margaritas. Drinks go beyond the usual tropical cocktails, with three bars specializing in martinis, wine and cognac. The new Marabar by 1919 focuses on champagne, caviar and light bites such as crudo.

And the service? At-the-ready and always smiling, whether at the front door, at the pool, or in the restaurants.

What type of travelers will you find here?
Glamorous modern-day socialites and dashing robber barons to-be.

What else is nearby?
The hotel, in the middle of fashionable Condado, is a short walk to the high-end boutiques lining Ashford Avenue and a 10-minute cab ride to historic Old San Juan.

Is there anything you'd change?
If only mother nature would bring on reverse erosion to create a more expansive beach. No matter; the small size makes it all the more exclusive, and it's spacious enough to hold a few beach cabanas. And the four pools don't disappoint.

Any other features worth noting?
The hotel is home to the city's best spa, and the only on the island with a Turkish bath. Indoor and outdoor treatments span everything from basic massages to a complete Hammam ritual.