Introduction:
Just over the bridge from Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra, Condado is a fashionable place to call home. Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo are among the names you'll see on the storefronts here. Sophisticated bistros and restaurants draw lively crowds at night. And the beach is always popular. Interestingly, Condado's hotels don't follow the high-end trend; you can find great deals that put you in the heart of San Juan's ritziest neighborhood.Where to Stay:
Condado has a mix of mid-range hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts.Budget
- Casa Del Caribe, a homey B&B in the heart of Condado, is one of the best budget hotels in San Juan.
- Hotel El Portal is removed from the beach, but half the price of some comparable properties.
- At Wind Chimes Inn headlines this list, my favorite hotel in Condado and one of its best bargains.
- Acacia Seaside Inn is a pleasant boutique hotel steps away from the beach.
- The Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino is a well-known, large hotel with a great casino.
- The Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino is a family-friendly place with a great casino.
Where to Eat:
Fine local dining, eclectic fusion cuisine, international flavors ... you'll find it all in Condado.
Puerto Rican and Fusion
- Ajili Mójili offers up some of the best local fine-dining you'll find in Puerto Rico.
- Sanjuaneros swear by Ramiro's, an expensive, excellent institution.
- Urdin is a small bistro packed with inventive cuisine and delicious flavors that offer a departure from the typical (787-724-0420).
- Bangkok Bombay has, surprisingly, equally good Indian and Thai menus, and wicked lychee martinis.
- Yerba Buena is a lively place that brings Cuba to Condado.
- East, at the El Portal, has excellent sushi.
What to See and Do:
Condado's entertainment is centered on three main activities: shopping (see below), the justly popular Condado Beach, and the casinos. Two of my favorite casino hotels in San Juan are here. The neighborhood is also home to several small parks, urban oases that make for a pleasant break when you're out shopping.Where to Shop:
This is where Condado shines. Check out some of the brand names you'll find on Ashford Avenue, the Puerto Rican equivalent of Fifth Avenue:
- Cartier
- Louis Vuitton
- Ferragamo
- Furla
- Hellmuth
- Nono Maldonado is one of the island's best designers of menswear and women's clothing.
- David Antonio is another well-known and internationally respected local designer.
- Cristobal stocks Versace and other high-end luggage and accessories (787-721-8393).
- Monsieur specializes in sophisticated menswear (787-722-0918).
- Mademoiselle carries well-known European labels (787-728-7440).
Where to Go Out at Night:
Beyond the casinos and restaurants that stay open late into the night, you have few nightlife options in this neighborhood:
- Divas International is one of the only gentlemen's clubs in San Juan.
- Kali, an Eastern-themed lounge and restaurant, doesn't get going until 2 am (787-721-5104).
