What it is

The unofficial jewel of San Juan: a 1919 Spanish Revival icon set above the frothing Atlantic.

What it isn't

On “Island Time.” Condado staff pride themselves on service; the butlers reportedly never forget a name.

What we think

Following the Condado Vanderbilt's recent $220 million renovation, guests must make the ultimate choice: stay in a “heritage” room in the original building, with their tufted headboards and French windows peering out on San Juan, or the “tower,” with its modernist lines and slightly larger floor plans. Spoiler alert: You can’t go wrong—and they all include Italian linens, C.O. Bigelow amenities, and French press coffee makers with locally grown coffee (proof positive you’re in warmer climes). We don’t expect you to spend too much time in your room anyway, when there are pool and beach butlers—not to mention a tanning and hydration specialist!—waiting to overindulge. If you’d rather play off-campus, complimentary shuttles will usher you to the 24/7 Casino del Mar and the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course at the Vanderbilt's sister property, Bahía Beach Resort in Rio Grande.

You're here because

You want a resort experience in an urban setting. Or you’re something of an architecture buff (the original building was designed by Warren and Wetmore, the masterminds behind New York City’s Grand Central Terminal).

The Moment

Any modicum of remaining stress fades away in the spa’s twinkling tile and marble hammam, the best possible place to await your warm bamboo-stalk massage and LED-light facial.

Restaurants & Bars

1919 - Fine Dining, Tasting menu & ala carte dining

Ola - Three meal a day restaurant, pool service, indoor and outdoor dining, fresh seafood, breakfast buffet, salads, sandwiches

Tacos & Tequila - A partnership with patron, seaside casual dining focus on tequila and variety of tacos and mexican flavors

Avo - Cigar Lounge

Vanderbilt Court

Mara Bar

Location

Fronting the ocean (of course) in the happening Condado neighborhood, yet just a 12-minute drive from the airport. Just nine minutes in the other direction: the Technicolor Colonial-era streets of Old San Juan.