SAN JUAN, P.R.
El San Juan Hotel, a landmark property in Puerto Rico, celebrated its reopening as part of the Curio – A Collection by Hilton. The 388-room hotel is the first Curio Collection property in Puerto Rico.
“With the reopening of El San Juan Hotel, we are proud to continue our growth throughout the Caribbean by welcoming it as the first Curio Collection property in this spectacular destination,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “As a hotel that honors its proud past ... the fully remodeled and upgraded property will provide guests visiting San Juan truly authentic and remarkable experiences.”
Originally opened in 1958 to much fanfare and as a favorite spot for celebrities, the oceanfront El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton property is located in the Isla Verde district of San Juan.
“In the 1960s, Puerto Rico became one of the most visited destinations in the United States, with El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, being at the center of its vibrant music and entertainment scene,” said Stefan Huber, managing director and general manager, El San Juan Hotel. “After a $60 million dollar restoration, we are thrilled to reopen a property that pays tribute to the history of Puerto Rico.”
Designed by Jeffery Beers International, the modern look and lavish feel of the property can be felt throughout. The front of the hotel has been completely transformed and upgraded. It also features a custom sculpture designed by acclaimed local artist, Luis Torruella. Torruella’s design of the eight-foot sphere that floats in a pool of water is inspired by the close relationship that Puerto Rico and the hotel share with music, dance and nature.
The hotel's expansive lobby features a hand-carved mahogany ceiling and chandelier while the rooms, suites and villas use warm-toned stone, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
El San Juan hotel features five award-winning restaurants overseen by Executive Chef Gonzalo Rivera who, prior to joining El San Juan Hotel, served as the Executive Chef at Boca Beach Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. A new restaurant will also open this spring, Caña by Juliana Gonzalez. Chef Juliana Gonzalez, a local islander born and raised in Puerto Rico, has worked in and led some of the finest restaurants in Spain and Miami for the last 15 years, and has now returned to San Juan to open her first restaurant in the city. The restaurant represents a new wave of socially and environmentally mindful ways of eating that includes working with local farmers, fishermen and small businesses to craft an original concept that bonds Puerto Ricans with their heritage.
In addition to its restaurants, El San Juan Hotel boasts an 11,000-square-foot grand ballroom—the second largest in San Juan—four pools, six bars and the vibrant El San Juan Beach Club. Throughout the coming year, the hotel will introduce, amongst other things, new innovative programming, spacious state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities and curated restaurant concepts in newly-designed venues.
