Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s capital city reverberates with history, abuzz with a burgeoning food scene, picture-perfect beaches and exuberant nightlife. Whether you are looking for old-school luxury, ocean views, a gastronomic experience or a sense of community, San Juan has a hotel for every traveler. Here are the best places to stay – book today with Culture Trip.
1. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Chain Hotel, Luxury
An old Hollywood favorite, the historic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is the epitome of glamor. From the lobby’s hand-carved cherry-mahogany ceiling to the stunning hand-blown chandelier to the hibiscus scent wafting through rooms, no detail is left unattended to at this luxury resort. Sneak away from the bright, crisp rooms and beachfront pool club to neck a cocktail at the hotel’s speakeasy, Chico Cabaret.
2. The Dreamcatcher
Boutique Hotel
In stark contrast to the busy streets of Ocean Park, the Dreamcatcher is a pool of Zen calm, as you might expect of San Juan’s first and only vegetarian hotel. The hacienda-style, incense-scented hotel is decked out with in-room hammocks, crystals, outdoor showers, bubbling fountains and of course, handmade artisanal dreamcatchers. Settle in for the locally sourced breakfast each morning before heading out to explore, armed with owner Sylvia de Marco’s colorful hand-drawn area map with her recommendations.
3. El Convento Hotel
Hotel
5. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Independent Hotel, Luxury
Step back into a bygone era of opulence and elegance at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – known for its long list of high-profile guests (which includes Franklin D Roosevelt, John F Kennedy, Jr and, more recently, Ricky Martin). The hotel welcomes you into a striking pink-marble-adorned Art Deco lobby, and soon you’ll be in the cabana-lined ocean-view pool or luxurious Hammam spa. Grab a bite at the hotel’s famed 1919 Restaurant, which turns locally sourced ingredients into dishes with Spanish and Italian flair, paired with an extensive wine menu.
6. O:live Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
7. Casa Wilson Inn
Inn, Guesthouse
In the heart of Condado, Casa Wilson Inn is an urban getaway mere steps away from the city’s best beaches and restaurants. Built in the 1920s, the bungalow-style guesthouse is set amid masses of lush foliage. Cozy rooms are decorated with vibrant art, evocative of the city’s vibrant culture. Casa Wilson Inn can also sort you out with adventure-gear rental, from digital cameras and snorkel equipment to bikes.
8. Nomada Urban Beach Hostel
Hostel, Apartment
Located on the famed Calle Loíza, the head-turning blue Nomada Urban Beach Hostel delivers the unique experience of rooftop camping. Catch the sunrise and sunset over Ocean Park and stay under the stars in a two-person tent atop the standout building. If you’re not feeling the camping vibe, Nomada Urban Beach Hostel also has shared dorms and private rooms. Not to mention a sweet little bring-your-own bar.
For more excellent stays in the Puerto Rican capital, see the best hotels in San Juan. Book your stay now through Culture Trip.
Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best all-inclusive hotels or best beach hotels in San Juan. If you’re on a budget make sure to check out the most budget-friendly hotels in San Juan, bookable through Culture Trip. To inspire your itinerary, we’ve compiled the must-visit attractions to see in the city while you’re here; if you’re planning day trips don’t miss our guide to the most beautiful destinations in Puerto Rico. And for the best start to your day, savor one of the top breakfast and brunch spots in San Juan.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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