by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:42 PM ET, Wed October 24, 2018
The El San Juan Hotel, located on Puerto Rico's Isla Verde Beach, is preparing for its grand reopening in December.
The 388-room property, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has undergone an extensive renovation that encompassed guest rooms, pools, oceanfront villas, public spaces, cabanas, and landscaping.
"We're thrilled to be a part of this milestone moment in Puerto Rico's recovery, and for the destination's hospitality industry, as El San Juan Hotel marks a premier luxury destination within the Caribbean," Martin Smith, managing director of El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, said in a statement. "Both rich in history and contemporary in style, the hotel has served as the beating heart of Puerto Rico since it debuted in 1958. We are experience-ready with a rejuvenated look, incomparable amenities and authentic, island hospitality."
The hotel's ownership has maintained El San Juan Hotel's original look and feel, returning the resort to its former sophistication.
Property highlights include an iconic chandelier in the lobby surrounded by hand-carved Mahogany that adorns the ceiling. In addition, all grand tower guest rooms, poolside and oceanfront villas and suites have been restored to the El San Juan Hotel's classic aesthetic, while also being enhanced to accommodate the needs of today's guests.
The property's amenities, meanwhile, include four pools, multiple food, and beverage offerings (including the island's top nightclub, BRAVA) and a new state-of-the-art tri-level Well & Being Fitness Center.
"The reopening of El San Juan Hotel comes at a perfect time during Puerto Rico's holiday season-which happens to be one of the longest in the world," says Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer for Discover Puerto Rico. "Luxury offerings like El San Juan appeal strongly to leisure and business travelers who seek impeccable service, rich amenities and reimagined accommodations. Discover Puerto Rico is thrilled to welcome this property back to the market for travelers to book, experience and enjoy."
Guest Rooms
Re-opening with newly refreshed guest rooms and suites designed by Jeffrey Beers, El San Juan Hotel's accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sensor-activated air conditioning, a large HDTV and complimentary Wi-Fi.
There are 11 room categories, spanning ocean, city, and pool facing guestrooms, suites, pool and ocean villas, and two specialty suites.
Restaurant and Bar Experiences
Chandelier Bar: Located beneath the hotel's main feature chandelier, Chandelier Bar is a staple of El San Juan Hotel's nightlife and is the lobby's centerpiece. It offers perennial favorites along with signature cocktails.
1958: El San Juan's rum bar, situated in the main lobby, pays homage to the hotel's inaugural year and Puerto Rico's national spirit, rum. The bar's extensive rum collection of vintage spirits and elixirs can be enjoyed in specialty craft cocktails or neat.
Wine Bar: Located beneath the seductive glow of an exceptional modern lighting sculpture in the lobby, Wine Bar offers a selection of wines by the glass, including excellent vintages from the most renowned vineyards along with more specialized varietals from artisan wineries.
El Cafecito: Located in the lobby, El Cafecito features locally-roasted Alto Grande coffee, a daily offering of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch fare-from delicious baked breads to fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits, to sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Cana by Juliana Gonzalez: A local islander born and raised in Puerto Rico, who for the last 15 years has worked in and led some of the finest restaurants in Spain and Miami, Juliana Gonzalez's restaurant offers a new wave of socially and environmentally mindful ways of eating.
Sourcing ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and small businesses, Cana by Juliana Gonzalez is an original concept that bonds island tourists with Puerto Rico's refined culinary heritage. The restaurant features a lively indoor space and an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. Outdoor bar and pool service will also be available.
Meat Market: As a truly contemporary steakhouse boasting a sophisticated ambiance and sizzling with Miami and New York City style energy, Meat Market is a happening bar scene and features a pioneering menu with a variety of prime cuts of meat, exceptional seafood, and other cutting-edge gastronomy. Meat Market also offers a variety of amazing sides, appetizers, and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.
Wellness
Guests can find active, energetic experiences at the pool or at the state of the art tri-level Well & Being Fitness Center. Well & Being provides expanded fitness services with robust offerings, including Pilates, vertical wall yoga, TRX and CrossFit, group cycle, and more. The center is surrounded by lush landscaping and pool views and features an open-air rooftop with punching bags and training equipment for workouts alfresco.
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