I led a group of 24 university students studying the Caribbean on a tall ship. At the conclusion of the class, we spent 2 nights experiencing Viejo San Juan by staying at El Convento. Few boutique hotels could accomodate such a group in the professional manner that El Convento showed us. Nothing could have been better: a room for our meeting, special attention, great food and personized treatment at every turn. Its an easy thing for a hotel to blow off a group of traveling college students. But not these people - they are true professionals. I'll take my classes back here any time.

Oh, and I know you are wondering: did my group disturb the other guests? Certainly not - we follow the Italian rule of "fare una bella figura" at all times, something traveling Americans should also do at all times. The students discovered the joys of salsa and paella and la isla encantada outside the walls of this special place on the cobble stone streets of Old San Juan ( did you know that they were laid down by the early colonists, using ballast from the incoming Spanish treasure ships?)

Recommendation: watch those monster cruise ships come and go from the pool deck at the hotel. And then go have a mojito under the ancient branches of the nespero tree (read: lowquat tree) in the hotel's atrium.

Prof. Joe

This place deserves its number 1 rating.
True, it is very expensive at $450 per night. However, paying a little extra for a few days is worth it.
The location in Old San Juan, gets you a five minute walk from El Morro and the crashing breakers of the north coast.
You are centrally located in the coolest walking, observing, and shopping area I have ever visited. There are restaurants galore within a 5 minute walk.
The hotel is built like a classic beautiful Spanish hacienda, with a large, open court in the center, replete with birds, tropical vegetation, and open sky above. Breakfast in the court is a memorable experience, to be sure. Rooms rise for 5 stories above the open court.
Rooms are comfortable, with great towels, robes, and a very comfortable shower. They have marble floors as do the bathrooms.
Spend time lounging on the top floor hot tub/pool, and make sure not to miss the daily 6pm complimentary wine, cheese, and crackerfest!
They are very attentive to your every need, from the sumptuous towels at the hot tub, to their answering each call to the front desk by addressing you by name.
Do yourself a favor. Spend your money and allow yourself to be enveloped by the relaxing ambiance.

My husband and I stayed at this hotel Dec. 27th and 28th, 2012, prior to embarking on a cruise. We arrived at the hotel at approx. 2:30 from the airport and we were told that we could not check in until 4:00 p.m. as the room was not ready. The only place to change was a bathroom stall (which was a little awkward at best). They did take our luggage and secure it, which helped as we passed the time walking around the area. The hotel itself is lovely and there are positives and negatives. The positive is the wine and cheese reception in the evening (6:00 p.m.) is lovely - we really enjoyed that. The negative is in the restaurant. When we were waiting for check in we went to the bar and ordered drinks - $10.00 for a cocktail and $9.00 for a beer was a little steep. We had reservations for that evening in the restaurant and the service was terrible. We stood at the entrance for at least 10 - 15 minutes and no one even came to greet us. I finally had to go the the front desk and ask to speak to a manager. She, in turn, accompanied us back to the dining room and then she disappeared for another 5 minutes before she returned with the Food and Beverage Manager. He informed us that he was short staffed and he was in the back "doing paperwork". Maybe it's just me, but I would think that if you are short staffed and you are in charge of the restaurant that just maybe you should assume some duties and pitch in(?) Anyway, the food was fine and the rest of the stay was good. The really nice thing about this hotel is the location - right in the heart of old San Juan. A little tip - while out walking we discovered the best Mexican Restaurant I have ever eaten at - it was fabulous!! It is called Restaurante La Madre and it is located at 351 Call San Francisco (within walking distance to the hotel). Best crab cakes ever and everything (food and drinks) are so fresh. It was delightful!

Hotel El Convento is located in the heart of all the action in old San Juan. Walking distance to Historic sites,shopping and great restaurants. If taking a cruise ship a 5 minute Taxi ride.
The rooms are spacious with an old world charm. Great free wine and cheese at 6pm every evening.