One of Puerto Rico’s most iconic beachfront hotels has a stylish new shine and partnered with a new brand. This summer, La Concha Resort underwent an $80.2 million renovation that touched nearly every part of the property, switching from its previous affiliation with Marriott Renaissance Hotels and joining the brand’s Autograph Collection Hotels.
After visiting a few years ago, La Concha quickly became one of my favorite hotels in the San Juan metro area. So during my recent stay, I was pleased to find that upgrades and rebranding have further enhanced what was already a very attractive hotel.
First opened in 1958 and now known as Puerto Rico’s La Concha Resort, the Autograph Collection is a stunning example of tropical modern architecture by architects Osvaldo Toro and Miguel Ferrer. With innovative design elements and a prime beachfront location in the popular Condado neighborhood, La Concha is the perfect base for pampering on the beach, relaxing, and exploring the many restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.
Our recent renovation offers a striking update to our tropical modern aesthetic, with beautifully reimagined spaces including renovated guest rooms and a sleek new restaurant concept, as well as a variety of new features, including a brand new spa and a convenient wristband that acts as your room key.
fresh look
From the moment my husband Angel and I arrived, we felt the hotel’s rejuvenating blend of mid-century charm and modern luxury. I am always amazed by the spacious lobby. Today, it’s a glittering vision of cream and white, seamlessly incorporating a lobby bar as a social hub, clearly relaxing during the day, and with a hip lounge feel after dark. A new daily cocktail experience debuts at the bar, allowing guests to choose from five infusions and choose drinks designed to suit different moods: social, adventurous, introverted, passionate, life of the party, and more.
Credit: 2025 Marriott International
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As I checked into my room in the renovated suite tower, I was reminded of another thing I love about this hotel. It has gorgeous beach and ocean views. The tower’s 238 redesigned rooms and suites boast a tranquil, modern style that evokes the color palette of the ocean in a classy and understated way.
Our suite was equipped with a comfortable living room with a large TV, a large couch that converts into a pull-out bed, and a polished stainless steel bar cart stocked with local rum. I thought the bathroom was particularly beautiful. The custom marble floors and oversized shower were both forward-thinking and supremely inviting. The spacious bedrooms open onto balconies overlooking the wide beach and Atlantic Ocean.
New culinary and wellness options
La Concha is a hotel that always encourages relaxation and leisurely exploration. We lounged at the hotel’s multiple outdoor pools and also took advantage of the hotel’s direct beach access. Private beach lounge chairs and attentive service make your day on the sand extra luxurious.
One of La Concha’s most significant additions is the brand new Eremara Spa & Salon, which debuted this year. We really appreciated the outdoor relaxation space overlooking the beach. My treatment was exactly the pampering I needed after a few days of traveling and work. My therapist was professional, personalized and attentive, and even gave me ideas for stress relief that I could take home.
A fully equipped fitness center further enhances the hotel’s wellness-oriented facilities. Also high on the list of changes is La Concha’s impressive array of new food and beverage offerings. The resort’s nine restaurants and bars offer an elevated and diverse dining environment.
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A culinary makeover has breathed exciting new life into one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic restaurants. The striking, giant shell-shaped building on the beach, formerly known as Perla, has reopened as Levant by Chef Michael White, with eponymous Michelin-starred chef Michael White at the helm.
Levanto’s unique and upscale atmosphere is a major attraction. During the memorable dinner, soft amber lighting illuminated the dramatically curved walls and ceiling, gradually transitioning to cooler tones as the sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu progressed, with dishes designed to be shared. The casarecce pasta and rack of lamb were particular standouts during our visit. The service was similar, the staff were very attentive and friendly, and very knowledgeable about the venue’s gourmet cuisine.
Credit: 2025 Marriott International
We also had a beautiful dinner at another new venue, AQA Oceanfront. AQA Oceanfront is a casual yet stylish restaurant open for brunch and dinner. We found the pork belly to be crispy and flavorful, and the juicy chowder to be a great introduction to the blue crab. Angell, on the other hand, declared the Patio Martini, made with vodka, vegetable brine, dry vermouth, and a drop of olive oil, to be one of the best he’s ever had.
Important culinary note: La Concha is connected to the broader Condado Collection, so if you visit the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and Condado Ocean Club, which are within walking distance, you can also pay for your meals to your room. This is a welcome plus for clients looking to conveniently expand their dining options.
What struck me throughout my stay at La Concha was how well the renovations have preserved the hotel’s original architecture and mid-century chic identity. From the details of the Brise Soleil façade to the fashionable La Concha inscription on the signage, this hotel is a shining example of how to enhance and refresh the resort experience while maintaining and reinforcing the cool atmosphere that is forever appealing.
