The Monasterio del Señor San José de la Orden de nuestra Señora del Carmen, a Carmelite convent, was constructed 1646-1651. The building was expanded between 1854 and 1861. The convent was closed in 1903. The building was completely remodeled starting in 1959 and opened in 1962 as Hotel El Convento. It is considered the most elegant hotel in San Juan.
The steps on the right belong to the cathedral. The plaza in front of this is the Plazuela de las Monjas, a.k.a. Plaza de la Catedral.