Best Hotels in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Are you looking for the best hotels in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico? You’re in the right place!
San Juan is the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island that is a territory of the United States. Although it’s technically part of the US, Puerto Rico feels very distinct, with its own unique culture. It is very much a Caribbean island, and Spanish is the primary language spoken here.
But because it’s a US territory, it’s very easy to get here from the mainland United States. There are tons of nonstop flights to San Juan, and it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway.
In San Juan, you have easy access to beaches and nature (El Yunque, a tropical rainforest, is a popular day trip), as well as history and culture. Old San Juan is one of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in for your trip, because it’s filled with colorful old buildings and quaint, cobblestone streets. It’s an area very popular with tourists, and you’ll find lots of lively restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as plenty of shopping.
Old San Juan is also where you’ll find tourist attractions like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, an impressive colonial fort, and San Cristóbal Castle, another fortified historical building from the Spanish.
Staying in the historic center is perfect for a trip to San Juan. Everything is very walkable, and it’s also quite safe. There are no beaches in Old San Juan, but great beaches are just a 15-minute drive away.
Where to Stay in Old San Juan
Why stay in Old San Juan? You should stay in Old San Juan if you favor historic, character-filled hotels rather than large beach resorts. You should also stay in Old San Juan if you enjoy museums, culture, dining out, and shopping, and don’t mind being a little further away from the beach.
So where exactly should you stay in Old San Juan? Below, I’m rounding up the best hotels in the historic part of San Juan, including options for every budget, from luxury to mid-range to affordable.
All of these hotels are located within easy walking distance to the tourist attractions of Old San Juan, including the historic forts, churches, museums and more. You can also get to plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars on foot. Simply put, these are the most central and convenient hotels for your stay!
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Old San Juan:
- Best historic charm: Hotel El Convento
- Best modern luxury: Hotel Rumbao
- Best adults-only: Palacio Provincial San Juan
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Old San Juan.
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Hotel El Convento
Hotel El Convento is one of the best historic hotels in Old San Juan. As the name suggests, this hotel was once a convent dating back to the 17th century. Today, it’s a gorgeous, character-filled luxury hotel.
The rooms are modern and comfortable, while still retaining historic details. There’s a great rooftop pool and hot tub, and you’re literally right in the heart of San Juan, with the city at your doorstep. Guests staying here also get beach club access at a sister property at Isla Verde, located 30 minutes away.
Hotel Rumbao
Hotel Rumbao is another one of my top picks for where to stay in Old San Juan. This hotel, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, offers sleek and modern rooms and all the conveniences of home. It’s located right on the waterfront in Old San Juan, and there’s a lovely rooftop swimming pool with great views.
One thing to note is that this hotel is right by the cruise port, so on days when there are multiple ships in port, there can be a lot of foot traffic in the area. However, this also makes Hotel Rumbao is a really convenient option if you are looking for a place to stay before taking a cruise out of San Juan.
Palacio Provincial San Juan
Palacio Provincial San Juan, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is another excellent option for where to stay in Old San Juan. This stylish luxury hotel is adults only, making it an ideal place to stay for couples.
The hotel offers lots of historic charm, while still providing modern comforts and amenities. One of the highlights of this hotel is the rooftop pool and hot tub. The location of this hotel also cannot be beat, with easy access to all of Old San Juan’s top tourist attractions, dining, and shopping just minutes away.
Decanter Hotel
Decanter Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel in a colonial-style residence in Old San Juan. While unassuming from the outside, there’s a beautiful interior courtyard within, as well as a rooftop terrace.
This is a great mid-range hotel in Old San Juan, offering comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. Some rooms also feature private balconies and terraces. The location is excellent in the heart of the Old San Juan.
La Terraza de San Juan
Another hotel in Old San Juan that is dripping with historic character is La Terraza de San Juan. Decorated in the colonial style, this mid-range hotel makes a great base in the heart of the city.
Many of the rooms here feature private balconies with views of Old San Juan. There is also a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool where you can relax and enjoy watching the sunset over the city.
Alma San Juan
Alma San Juan is a great luxury boutique hotel in the historic part of the city, just around the corner from the San Cristóbal Castle and other popular attractions. If you are looking for a chic, comfortable stay in Old San Juan, you can’t go wrong with this hotel, which offers all the comforts of home.
Guests staying at this hotel will enjoy the convenient location, with all that San Juan has to offer just outside your door. There is also a nice rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, where you can cool off.
Villa Herencia Hotel
I love the colorful, eclectic style of Villa Herencia Hotel. This boutique hotel is situated in the historic district of San Juan in a building that was once a convent filled with centuries of history.
The hotel is filled with vibrant artwork and charming decor, creating a special environment. Although there isn’t a pool, the rooftop terrace does have two claw-footed bathtubs where you can have a relaxing soak (interesting concept!), as well as hammocks and shaded seating areas perfect for chilling out.
Hotel Milano
Finally, one of the best hotels in Old San Juan is Hotel Milano. This hotel doesn’t offer anything very fancy, but it does have clean, comfortable, bright, and modern guest rooms at a good price.
Although there aren’t any amenities like a rooftop swimming pool or hot tub, some of the rooms do come with private terraces. And the location is also great, right in the heart of Old San Juan.
Top Hotels in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
This guide showed you where to stay in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best historic charm: Hotel El Convento
- Best modern luxury: Hotel Rumbao
- Best adults-only: Palacio Provincial San Juan
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in San Juan!
