Is El Convento Hotel a Good Choice for Teens?
When it comes to combining history, charm, and all-out luxury, few places compare to El Convento Hotel in Old San Juan. Staying here with my teens wasn’t just a getaway; it was the fulfillment of a dream decades in the making. Walking into this 17th-century convent-turned-boutique-hotel with my family felt like stepping into a timeless experience—a perfect mix of elegance, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
A Key to the Past
The first thing that wowed my teens? Actual keys. Not a card, not a digital code—a real, old-school key. My daughter held it up like she was a treasure hunter discovering an ancient artifact, while my son declared, “This place is fancy.” Fancy, yes. But it’s also so much more. They were about to unlock not just the door to our room, but a love for El Convento and the timeless charm of Old San Juan.
My First Stay at El Convento
Just as my teens were about to unlock a love for El Convento and Old San Juan, I was reminded of the moment I first fell for this one-of-a-kind hotel.
Flashback to my early 20s, when I worked at a sailing and scuba camp in the British Virgin Islands. I often flew through San Juan, staying in moderate hotels a drive away from Old San Juan. But one fateful summer, a flight delay changed everything.
The airline was putting stranded passengers up in hotels, and when my turn came, they handed me a voucher to El Convento. I could hardly believe it—I’d spent all summer dreaming about this hotel, walking by its grand facade and daydreaming about being inside. The moment I opened the door to my room, I jumped on the bed and screamed like I’d won the lottery. It was the most luxurious experience of my life, and I promised myself I’d return one day with my family.
Living the Dream with My Teens
Fast forward to today, and there I was, walking back into Hotel El Convento—this time with my teens. From the moment we stepped inside, they were captivated by the grand courtyard, lush greenery, and stunning Spanish colonial architecture.
The rooftop pool quickly became our favorite spot. As my teens splashed and swam, I couldn’t help but marvel at how surreal it felt to be back, this time sharing the experience with them. Then came the much-anticipated wine and cheese hour. My daughter, a self-proclaimed cheese connoisseur, was in her element sampling every option, while I savored a cold bottle of water and the elegant ambiance. Even as a vegan and non-drinker, I appreciated the sophisticated yet relaxed vibe—and watching my daughter pile her plate with gouda was a highlight all on its own.
El Convento Hotel: The perfect Hotel for Exploring Old San Juan with Teens
One of the best things about staying at El Convento with teens is its location in the heart of Old San Juan. Everything is walkable, making it easy to step right into history and culture.
We strolled the cobblestone streets, taking in the vibrant, colorful buildings, and soaking in the rich history of the area. Just a short walk brought us to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the iconic fort perched on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. My teens loved exploring the garitas (lookout towers), pretending to defend the island from imaginary invaders, and even I couldn’t resist joining in. There’s something about standing in a centuries-old fort that makes history come alive.
Around the corner from the hotel, we discovered The Coffee.JP, where my teens declared they had the best lattes ever. The coffee was so good we made a last-minute detour on our final morning just to savor it one more time. For dinner, we leaned into the Spanish colonial vibe with tapas at El Champi Spanish Tapas Restaurant, where the patatas bravas earned a unanimous “next level” verdict from my kids.
Why El Convento Is a Must-Stay with Teens
El Convento isn’t just a hotel—it’s a luxurious, timeless experience. As a small luxury hotel, it offers an intimate, boutique atmosphere that feels both unique and welcoming—perfect for families looking for something truly special.
Here are a few highlights my teens and I can’t stop talking about:
- Central Location: Everything in Old San Juan is walkable, making it easy to explore history, culture, and some of the best coffee shops around.
- Rooftop Pool: A quiet and charming retreat where teens can unwind. My daughter loved listening to music on the rooftop before bed, and we all soaked in the stunning sunset views over the city.
- Rich History: From its beginnings as a 17th-century convent to its boutique transformation, staying at El Convento feels like stepping back in time.
- Wine & Cheese Hour: Whether your teens dive into the cheese selection or sip cold water in style, it’s a fun and elegant way to wind down the day.
- Personal Connections: Even though our stay was short, the small, intimate nature of the hotel made it easy to connect with other visitors. Sharing stories over coffee in the courtyard or exchanging tips during wine hour added an unexpected sense of community to our experience.
Insider’s Tip
Make time to wander the streets of Old San Juan at night. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, live music, and the occasional stray cat lounging in the moonlight. If you’re up for dessert, look for a café serving locally made ice cream or fresh pastries to end the evening on a sweet note.
A Family Memory for the Books
Staying at El Convento with teens was everything I dreamed it would be—elegant, relaxing, and packed with unforgettable moments. Sharing it with my teens added a layer of magic, watching their eyes light up as they discovered the charm of this incredible hotel and the vibrant streets of Old San Juan.
Planning your trip? Our stay at El Convento was just one part of our amazing 5 days in Puerto Rico. From kayaking in the glowing waters of the bioluminescent bay in Vieques to hiking through El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico is packed with family-friendly adventures you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re traveling with teens, younger kids, or even planning a solo trip, El Convento is a must for your Puerto Rico bucket list.
