Boutique Hotel in Old San Juan May 05, 2008 In this month's Incentive magazine, Maureen Ashe looks at some of Puerto Rico's hottest hotels. The Cervantes certainly fits in that category, and here is an online exclusive report on it.
By Maureen Ashe
The Cervantes is a jewel box of a hotel tucked away on a side street in Old San Juan and the first of its kind in that historic district. Beautiful architecture, intimate scale, unsurpassed luxury and personalized service defines this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel. Housed in a 500-year-old townhouse, The Cervantes has an elegant façade with arched windows, French doors, iron balconies and a sidewalk café—all very European in style. Inside, there are 12 unique suites by esteemed island fashion designer Nono Maldonado, and including a penthouse duplex with a roof terrace. Interiors are modern—some tranquil and some with a splash of spicy color. All feature sumptuous bed linens and fabrics and original art.
The Cervantes' acclaimed restaurant, Panza, offers creative international cuisine and an extensive wine list in a modern, yet warm, setting. The adjacent patio can host up to 50 people outdoors. Though The Cervantes has no concierge per se, the staff’s high level of personalized service, availability and attention to detail make for a memorable hotel experience. Sightseeing tours, spa appointments and golf and fishing excursions are easily arranged from this "home base" in the heart of Old San Juan.