El San Juan Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property in Puerto Rico's Isla Verde Beach, is scheduled to reopen on December 14, in time for the holiday season and winter travel. The hotel—which first opened in 1958—has been shuttered since Hurricane Maria, and was originally slated to make its return in October.
In line with last year's $65 million renovation, and coupled with an appreciation for the art and craftsmanship found throughout the property, the hotel's ownership wanted to maintain El San Juan Hotel's original look and feel in the redesign. As such, this renovation will return the resort to its former sophistication, featuring its iconic chandelier, hand-carved Mahogany that adorns the ceiling, and columns and vaulted arches throughout the lobby and the registration area.
All grand tower guestrooms, poolside and oceanfront villas and suites, will also retain the hotel's classic aesthetic, though these will be added with technology. Designed by Jeffrey Beers International, El San Juan Hotel's accommodations will have floor-to-ceiling windows, sensor-activated air conditioning, HDTV and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. There will be 11 room categories, spanning ocean, city and pool facing guestrooms, suites, pool and ocean villas.
For dining, the property will have the Chandelier Bar, which retains the crystal Czechoslovakian chandelier centerpiece (thus its name) that is also the third largest oval chandelier of its kind in the world. The chandelier weighs 4,000 pounds and has 185 lightbulbs and 7,000 pieces of glass. Other dining venues will include: 1958 rum bar, Wine Bar, El Cafecito, Caña by Juliana Gonzales and Meat Market.
Read more about the rebuilding of El San Juan Hotel here.
The property will similarly have the BRAVA Nightclub, redesigned by Mark Lehmkul, and spanning two floors to combine elegant décor evoking a luxurious chandeliered library with cutting-edge lighting, sound and projection systems.
For events, the property will have nearly 40,000 square feet of space, including a newly redesigned 11,000 square-foot grand ballroom.
Other amenities will include: a pool and the tri-level Well & Being Fitness Center.