You may not be able to check into its guest rooms until 2013, but the luxurious bars, restaurants and event space just opened this month at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a landmark structure that was one of Puerto Rico‘s first luxury hotels when it first debuted in 1919. This property will likely start popping up on lists of Puerto Rico travel tips very soon.
Last week, we stopped by for cocktails at the Marabar Lounge, a sumptuous lobby bar with live DJ and lots of room to relax, including an outdoor terrace where, by night, dramatic lighting highlights the churning Atlantic waters. We also peeked into 1919, the pricey new restaurant (named after the year the hotel first opened) and the extensive event space on the second floor.
Anyone looking for interesting and upscale San Juan restaurants, tasty tropical cocktails and proximity to beautiful Puerto Rico beaches might want to make a note to check this place out. (And if you’re undecided about which San Juan neighborhood is better for your Puerto Rico vacation or business trip, check out my article, Condado vs. Isla Verde: Which is Best for San Juan, Puerto Rico Vacation?)
I snapped these photos to showcase the ambiance of this Puerto Rico hotel’s public spaces — and hope to stay there for a few nights next year.