San Juan Hotels and Accommodation

(San Juan, Puerto Rico)

The city of San Juan divides into distinct districts, with Old San Juan, upscale Condado, Isla Verde and the Atlantic coast beaches the centres for most visitors. A wide choice of accommodation is available, from luxury five-star resort hotels through numerous mid-range offerings, to quaint bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and guest houses. Another lodging option, found mainly along the beaches or in Condado and the Old Quarter, is a range of comfortable holiday-let apartments with fully-equipped kitchens.

If you are looking for luxury, accommodation in Condado varies from chic resorts to hotels with every possible facility, including casinos. Settings vary from ultra-modern to expertly remodelled colonial mansions, and all have spectacular views across San Juan's cityscape.

Where to Stay

Ocean Park is the most popular beachside location for lodging and comes with a range of boutique and resort-style hotels, as well as a good selection of self-catering accommodation, including suites and more basic apartments. These can also be found in the heart of Old San Juan, along with colonial-style hotels. Low season discounts are the norm here, but budget accommodation is in short supply, with just a handful of cheap guest houses being available.

If you are seeking top-of-the-range, you won't be disappointed in San Juan. For luxury combined with history, the small El Convento Hotel, true to its name, was a convent until 100 years ago. Set around a four-storey courtyard in the heart of Old San Juan, it boasts a fine restaurant and magnificent views from its rooftop pool. For nightlife and modern chic, La Concha, a Renaissance Resort in Condado, is worthy of consideration, and the Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino boasts glorious views of the ocean and the Condado Lagoon.

If you prefer a little more peace and quiet, the El Conquistador Resort lies 6 km / 4 miles from the city and near to the El Yunque rainforest. The Hilton and Marriott chains are also well represented in this part of Puerto Rico. For mid-range accommodation, Ocean Park is the most popular choice, while Isla Verde is a close second. Boutique hotels are a good bet here, with Marriott's Courtyard and Tu Casa Boutique Hotel typical examples.

The Gallery Inn in Old San Juan is a complex of 18th-century houses owned by an artist and is a unique visitor experience. Although San Juan is safe in the main, a district to avoid is La Perla, outside the city walls between upper Old San Juan and the sea. This slum area has a bad reputation for drugs and violence, particularly at night.