SAN JUAN, PR—The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel here is slated to reopen December 1 following major renovations.
The second stage of the hotel’s revamp included guestrooms and suits, a spa featuring Puerto Rico’s first hammam, two pool lounges with butler service and a second international restaurant helmed by Chef Juan Jose Cuevas.
Built in 1919 by Frederick William Vanderbilt, the historic hotel once known as the social epicenter of San Juan is in the final stage of completing a $200-million revitalization. Originally designed by leading architectural firm Warren and Wetmore, whose work includes the New York Biltmore Hotel and Grand Central Station, the Vanderbilt was once an exclusive tropical vacation destination for royalty, heads of state, industry icons and Hollywood stars.
“The prestige that the Vanderbilt represents for Puerto Rico is unsurpassed. The reopening of the hotel, which was once a home-away-from-home for royalty and celebrities, not only signifies a renaissance of an iconic period, but it holds a much larger implication for Puerto Rico’s resurging economy,” stated José M. Suárez, president of International Hospitality Enterprises.
The reimagined 319 guestrooms, including 108 suites, will take inspiration from the hotel’s oceanfront setting and history. Designed by Wilson Associates, the rooms will mix elements of nostalgic luxury with modern-day amenities. The walls and surfaces will feature neutral hues and textures, shown through carpeting inspired by “ocean tides,” light terra-cotta-colored walls and dark wood-toned furniture with brass accents. Many rooms will provide views of the Atlantic, with balconies and terraces.
The 63 Commodore and 42 Biltmore Suites, situated in the hotel’s two newly constructed Suite Towers, will resemble private residences, many with ocean views. The one- and two-bedroom suites will range from 750 to 1,500 sq. ft. All suites will consist of living areas with nine-foot ceilings, European-style kitchens with granite counter tops, African mahogany wood detailing and custom-designed lighting elements. White Carrera marble floors, dove-gray walls and neutral-toned furniture are accented with locally sourced artwork and touches of turquoise and yellow. Bathrooms are configured with five-fixture marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs and separate rain showers, wash basins and C.O. Bigelow bath amenities.
Each Suite Tower will feature a 3,000-sq.-ft. Vanderbilt Suite on the penthouse level. Named after Cornelius and his son, William Henry, the suites will consist of three bedrooms, a living area and terrace with panoramic views of the city and ocean. All suites will include butler service available 24 hours a day.
The hotel’s terrace, spanning the oceanfront, will provide a pathway to the two new pool lounge areas on either side of the Suite Towers. Envisioned by designer Jorge Rossello, the West Tower pool area will feature a 200-sq.ft. mirrored pool with a waterfall, surrounded by private cabanas. The East Tower pool lounge will feature three smaller-size pools. Guests will have access to a larger beach area adjacent to the hotel, outfitted with beach loungers and towels, with cocktail service provided by beach butlers.
A 10,000-sq.-ft. luxury spa and fitness facility, designed by Rossello, will lie directly in front of the hotel’s West Tower pool, and feature a sauna, steam room, robe room and boutique. The Vanderbilt spa also will offer a private hammam, the only one in Puerto Rico. The hammam will feature a marble-slab heated massage bed, marble benches and walls of mosaic marble.