HotelChatter

The individual designs reflect their worldly experiences with tons of personal photographs and 100-year old European wooden furniture. Plus there's the luxe factor of all-glass “spa showers” (gulp) and L’Occitane bath products. Guests’ modern day needs have been kept at the forefront so rooms have Grandstream GXV3175 video-phone tablets programmed with Pandora, YouTube and Google, and the requisite plasma TVs.

But, if you want to stay in the 19th century for a spell you can borrow a foreign film DVD, a classic opera, or a historical book. Rooms range from “petite chambres” for solo travelers to 247-square foot “Mediterranean Lagoon View Suites”. Come fall, there will be a rooftop lap pool, Jacuzzi, and bar.

In the meantime, guests can get get beach time in at the popular Condado Beach which is a short walk away, or take advantage of the hotel's free shuttle to the quieter Hosteria del Mar, in nearby Ocean Park.

The free WiFi makes us smile, the complimentary afternoon tea gives us the impression the hotel wants to appear a bit refined. Sure, sipping some Earl Grey with a pinkie up in the air may take the edge off all the rum guests will surely consume during their P.R. stay (there’s a Bacardi factory just 30 minutes away).

Naturally, with a name like Olive, you’ll find plenty of olive oil, bread, and wine served in the lobby’s Oliva Dieta Mediterranea restaurant.

We’ll be keeping an eye out on this little gem and hope to get some pics of our own, and maybe see if that no-privacy seeming “spa shower” isn’t as blush-inducing as it sounds.

Rates begin at $279 per night, including breakfast.

[Photos: Olive Hotel]