In 1919, Frederick William Vanderbilt, heir to one of America’s wealthiest families, acquired a prime stretch of oceanfront land in San Juan’s exclusive Condado district. Determined to create an opulent Caribbean retreat, he commissioned renowned architects Warren and Whitmore—the firm behind New York’s Grand Central Terminal and the Biltmore, Commodore, and Ambassador Hotels—to design what would become the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
Vanderbilt himself proposed the Spanish Revival style, which took full advantage of the setting overlooking the Atlantic. Whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, lofty ceilings, and French windows framed sweeping ocean views, while graceful archways and grand staircases completed the elegant interiors that still endure today. From its debut, the Condado Vanderbilt embodied luxury, attracting celebrated guests including Charles Lindbergh, Errol Flynn, Bob Hope, Arthur Rubinstein, and President Franklin and Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt.
As Puerto Rico’s first true luxury hotel, it quickly became the social center of San Juan. Distinguished events were held within its ballrooms and terraces: from carnival coronations and society teas to evenings of live music and dancing. During the 1930s, its Beer Garden offered a Caribbean twist on Oktoberfest, further cementing the hotel’s reputation for innovation and glamour. Over the decades, expansions and renovations added rooms and new spaces, though by the 1970s its grandeur had begun to fade. Nearly lost to demolition, the property was preserved as a cultural treasure by Governor Luis A. Ferré. After closing in the 1990s, the hotel underwent a meticulous restoration, reviving its historic character while reintroducing contemporary luxury.
These days, stepping into the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, with its marbled lobby and sweeping wrought iron staircase, feels like entering a world where heritage and modern coastal luxury converge. Guests can dine at numerous acclaimed restaurants, including two oceanfront restaurants, an elevated steakhouse, and chic cocktail lounges.
The Spa at the resort offers an exclusive sanctuary for relaxation and renewal in San Juan. Begin your journey in the steam room, Rainforest Showers, or Stillness Lounge before indulging in treatments that blend tradition and innovation. Unique to Puerto Rico, the Hammam Ritual combines ancient purification with modern technique for deep restoration. Other offerings include the Vanderbilt Signature Facial, Oxygen Infusion Facial, After Sun Remedy Wrap, couples’ treatments, indoor/outdoor therapies, and warm-to-cool experiences. Guided by skilled therapists, every detail ensures a restorative escape.
The hotel offers 317 rooms, including 100 suites, each designed with 300-thread-count Rivolta Carmignani linens, plush bedding, and spa-inspired marble baths. Along with four pools, a private beach club, and proximity to Old San Juan’s historic charm, the Condado Vanderbilt delivers an unforgettable escape infused with timeless sophistication.
