The oldest hotel in AMERICA has a lot of Spanish charm.
Built in 1651, the 372-year-old building Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, has four floors with 58 guest rooms, designated meeting rooms and dedicated dining levels.
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Originally a Carmelite monastery, the hotel retains much of the convent’s original Spanish-style interior design following a $15 million restoration project funded by millionaire Robert Woolworth.
The two lower levels feature restaurants, meeting rooms and ten new suites joined by elegant black and white tiled lounges.
Design fans will also appreciate the attention to detail in its rooms.
“The luxurious rooms and suites are individually decorated with Andalusian tile floors, mahogany beams, rugs and farmhouse-style furniture,” said the said the hotel website.
For rest and relaxation, travelers simply need to venture up to the rooftop pool.
El Convento also offers a jacuzzi, a garden terrace with panoramic views of San Juan Cathedral and even alcoholic drinks and food on the house.
“Join us at La Veranda Terrace for the daily Manager’s Reception, where our guests can indulge in a variety of international wines and cheeses – complimentary,” the website said.
From casual to refined, El Convento offers guests a variety of menus to choose from.
Patio del Nispero, located in the hotel lobby, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner on an outdoor patio.
Guests can enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine overlooking a 300-year-old Spanish nispero fruit tree.
Pizza e Birra, overlooking the hotel’s courtyard, offers traditional Italian and American fusion dishes.
Be sure to order their signature thin crust pizza and a pint or two of their selection of over 20 craft beers from around the world.
Those who prefer to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their bed can request in-room dining.
Here on a business trip? Busy bees can utilize one of the five meeting rooms, which can accommodate intimate sessions of ten up to large conferences of 170 people.
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A 24-hour fitness center is also available for those looking to work out.
El Convento’s European-style interiors and high reputation helped it stand out from competitors on the avenue, attracting an upscale clientele.
Famous former guests included the likes of actress Rita Hayworth, novelist Truman Capote, writer Ernest Hemingway and fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt, who popularized denim.
The hotel also dedicated a master suite to the Vanderbilt, which includes a king-size bed, a marble bathroom with a built-in jacuzzi and a Juliet balcony.
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The Pablo Casals Suite, named after the famous Spanish cellist and conductor, includes a king-size bed and a large sofa to accommodate up to three people.
Although the room sleeps three, it’s the hotel’s designated “honeymoon” suite, with romantic Spanish doors that open to views of the cathedral.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
