In celebration of the 65th anniversary of La Concha Resort, the hotel announced today, Friday, December 8, that it will gradually implement innovative projects with an investment of $45 million aimed at positioning the iconic Puerto Rican hotel in the sophisticated tourism market.
According to Rolando Padua, president of Paulson Puerto Rico, La Concha Resort is in the process of transitioning to become the first Autograph Collection Resort on the Island under Marriott International.
“The Autograph Collection is part of Marriott’s Premium Distinctive Hotels level, which includes over 270 independent hotels and resorts located in some of the world’s most desirable destinations across more than 45 countries and territories. This transition to the Autograph Collection is undoubtedly part of the unblemished legacy of one of the main hotels in the Condado Collection, which continues its evolution with determination. This reaffirms the contribution of Paulson Group to the economic development of the Island,” Padua stated.
“We want to attract new tourism to the Island and create cutting-edge facilities. We have been working for months to make this year historic. It will be challenging because, along with the renovation, a significant investment injection is needed, which will also affect operations. So, while we celebrate the anniversary, we will also be dealing with a lot of construction, but we will try to do it with care and effort,” he added.
With 473 rooms and a diverse selection of dining options, the hotel will debut a new “handroll sushi” establishment, receiving the Tekka Hand Roll & Sake Bar at the end of December. This bar is recognized in other locations, such as Las Vegas, for its Monta Ramen, Kabuto, and Sushi Mon creations, inspired by an ancient gambling destination in Japan over 100 years ago.
Now in Puerto Rico, the concept will be developed by Puerto Rican chef Carlos Ríos, who hopes to captivate both locals and tourists, particularly by offering a non-traditional experience on “how to eat hand roll sushi.”
“Tekka translates to ‘ancient gaming venue,’ and with this concept, we create a creative culinary offering that includes delights such as exclusive Tekka tuna rolls, accompanied by the restaurant’s signature spicy sauce, along with an eclectic sake program. The rolls are prepared at the counter and made to order for guests, highlighting the freshest seafood, including blue crab, mackerel, salmon, and more,” said Mike Rivera, general manager of La Concha.
During this new chapter of La Concha in the tourism sector, Rivera revealed that the hotel will soon launch another dining concept with a new seafood restaurant that will take over the iconic Perla space, which will be part of a group including STK San Juan and Serafina.
“Next year, we have already signed with Perla, which used to be the nightclub; we will open a seafood restaurant that combines Mediterranean influences, and the chef is Michael White, who has several two-Michelin-star restaurants in the United States. Right now, there’s no good place to eat good fish in Condado, so this will be on another level,” Rivera expressed.
The general manager emphasized that they will also have a new spa & salon experience that combines luxury and wellness through the natural elements of air, water, fire, and earth to provide healing treatments and a relaxing experience in their oceanfront location.
Alliance with the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts and Design
To engage with the community, La Concha Resort maintains several collaborations, including with the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts and Design (EAPD), to support the institution that has contributed to the artistic heritage of the Country for years.
The partnership has already begun with the creation of a T-shirt designed by student Jehiel Franco Torres, who is in his final year in the Painting Department. The EAPD will sell this shirt during the San Sebastián Street Festival to raise funds for the public higher education institution.
“It includes the official anniversary logo of La Concha, and all hotel employees will wear it during the festivities, which will also be available for sale at the hotel,” Rivera indicated.
“This collaboration of art, creativity, and visual culture will be one of the protagonists of various events throughout 2024. Supporting students in their educational development and amplifying their talents and achievements with hotel guests and visitors fills us with pride,” he added.
La Concha Resort is part of The Condado Collection, a conglomerate of hotels owned and operated by Paulson Puerto Rico, which employs over 3,000 people directly.
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