From bumps in the night, to restless nuns and mysterious figures dressed in white, the city of San Jaun, Puerto Rico is known for more that its pristine beaches and active nightlife. In addition to the ghostly soldiers of El Morro Fort and the Edwardian women of Tapia Theater, there are several San Juan hotels rumored to be haunted.
According to legend, this hotel was once the private residence of Ana de Lansos Menendez de Valdez and her beloved husband. After losing her husband to war, Ana donated their home to the church. Later inaugurated as the Carmelite Convent, Ana herself was the order's first Mother Superior. Now a hotel in Old San Juan, it is said that Ana's order can still be heard moving about the halls and whispering daily devotional prayers. El Covento guest rooms feature beds with goose-down pillows, spacious bathrooms and bathrobes, high-speed Internet access, satellite TV, CD player, direct-dial telephones with data ports, in-room safes, refrigerators, coffee makers and complimentary regional coffee. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi tub with bay views, fully-stocked library, four restaurants and access to the El Covento Beach Club. Named the only "Small Luxury Hotel" in Puerto Rico, El Covento is the oldest member of Historic Hotels of America.
Hotel El Covento
100 Cristo Street
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
787-723-9020
elcovento.com
Built at the turn of the nineteenth century and now closed, Old Condado Beach Hotel and Casino was said to be haunted on the sixth floor, particularly around the service elevator, where a mysterious "Lady in White" was often seen by hotel staff. The story behind the Lady in White is that she lost a loved one in the Dupont Plaza fire and, unable to take the pain of this loss, threw herself down the service elevator shaft of the Old Condado. While the building has since been demolished, the Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino was later erected in its place. Located just five minutes from Old San Juan on the famous Condado Strip, overlooking Condado Lagoon, the new Condado Plaza Hotel features fresh and salt water pools, two Spa Jacuzzis, tennis courts, beach access, fine dining and unlimited gaming at the Casino. Spacious guest rooms feature large private balconies, ergonomic chairs and work stations, cable TV, in-room movies, high-speed Internet access, voice mail and data ports, refrigerators, coffee makers, cordless dual-line telephones and in-room safes.
Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino
999 Ashford Ave.
San Jaun, Puerto Rico 00907
787-721-1000
condadoplaza.com
While no particular story of haunting has yet been connected with El San Juan Hotel and Casino, hotel staff and even a few guests have reported feelings of being watched, unexplained noises and a general air of unease within this luxury hotel and casino. Amenities and services at El San Juan are extensive, to include a gift shop, beauty salon, valet and dry cleaning services, spa and fitness center, tennis courts, three pools, eight restaurants, one night club, smoker's suite, casino gaming and shopping arcade. With all this activity, guests would expect a few unexplained noises. Nevertheless, in a city known for a haunted history, paranormal activity can hardly be ruled out.
El San Juan Hotel and Casino
6063 Isla Verde Ave.
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00979
787-791-1000
elsanjuanhotel.com
