Places to stay in san juan: 10 Best San Juan Hotels, Puerto Rico (From € 55)

Posted by alexxlab
January 18, 2023
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Best Hotels in San Juan

Whatever your preferences in accommodations — a beachfront resort or a place in historic Old San Juan, sumptuous luxury or an inexpensive base from which to see the sights — you can find a perfect fit in San Juan.

In addition to checking the recommendations listed, you might want to contact a travel agent; there are package deals galore, which can save you money and match you with an establishment that meets your requirements.

Before talking to a travel agent, however, you should refer to our comments about how to select a room in Puerto Rico.

Not all hotels here have air-conditioned rooms. We’ve pointed them out in the recommendations. If air-conditioning is important to you, make sure “A/C” appears in the listing.

If you prefer shopping and historic sights to the beach, then Old San Juan might be your preferred nest. The high-rise resort hotels lie primarily along the Condado beach strip and the equally good sands of Isla Verde. The hotels along Condado and Isla Verde attract the cruise-ship and casino crowds. The hotels away from the beach in San Juan, in such sections as Santurce, are primarily for business clients.

The guesthouses of Ocean Park, free from the high rises elsewhere but with an equally beautiful beach, attract a young urban crowd and those looking for a more low-key ambience.

Taxes & Service Charges

All hotel rooms in Puerto Rico are subject to a tax that is not included in the rates given in this book. At casino hotels, the tax is 11 percent; at noncasino hotels, it’s 9 percent. At government-sponsored country inns, called paradores puertorriqueños, you pay a 7 percent tax. Some hotels add a 10 percent service charge; if not, you’re expected to tip for services rendered. Once confined to the larger properties, a growing number of hotels (including high-end guesthouses) are also applying a resort fee or hotel fee, which can range from 10 to 20 percent of the cost of your room per night. The fees are ostensibly to offset the costs of facilities, such as a pool or health club, but it is also a way of hoteliers trying to keep their listed prices as low as possible. We’ve listed the specific fees for each property here because of the prevalence of this practice, and the hefty rates some properties are charging. When you’re booking a room, it’s a good idea to ask about these charges anyway.

Room with a Local’s View: Apartment Rentals

Despite the explosion of Old City hotel and guesthouse rooms over the past few years, one of the best ways to experience the city remains getting a furnished apartment for a short-term rental. Many are restored, historic quarters with beautiful rooftop terraces or verdant interior courtyards, or both. You’ll get a great sense during your vacation of what it feels like to live in this enchanted city, and you’ll normally save money (especially if you’re a large group).

Prices range from $500 weekly for a basic studio to $2,500 weekly for a three-bedroom, restored colonial beauty with rooftop terrace and ocean views. Short-term rentals are assessed a 7% tax, and many require a minimum 3-day or 4-day stay. Cleaning fees are also assessed, which can range from $50 to $75.

The expert in Old City short-term rentals is Vida Urbana, Calle Cruz 255, Old San Juan, PR 00901 (tel. 787/587-3031; www.vidaurbanapr.com), a spinoff of Caleta Realty, a veteran in this field. Years ago, I found a three-bedroom apartment through Caleta, a place near Catedral de San Juan with huge adjoining living and dining rooms and a rooftop terrace running the length of the apartment. We loved it. We had a reception there, and a group of about eight friends stayed there for the week. A comparable apartment would cost around $1,500 for the week today. There are two lovely apartments for rent above the gallery and gift shop Bóveda, Calle Cristo 209, Old San Juan, PR 00901 (tel. 787/725-0263; www.boveda.info), with artful, bright decor in a restored colonial building, complete with interior garden courtyard and balconies with double-door entrances. A cool tropical vibe flows through the duplex ($1,000 weekly) and studio suite ($500 weekly). The Caleta Guesthouse, Caleta de las Monjas 11, Old San Juan, PR 00901 (tel. 787/725-5347; www.thecaleta.com), has affordable studios and one-bedroom furnished apartments. It’s located on one of Old San Juan’s most charming streets, across from a lookout over San Juan Bay, but the accommodations are fairly basic.

In Condado and Isla Verde rates range from $525 a week for a studio to $2,250 a week for a deluxe, modern, three-bedroom condo. San Juan Vacations, Cond. Marbella del Caribe, Ste. S-5, Isla Verde 00979 (tel. 800/266-3639 or 787/727-1591; www.sanjuanvacations.com), is the biggest name in the business. We’ve also worked through Ronnie’s Properties, Calle Marseilles 14, Ritz Condominium, Ste. 11-F, San Juan, PR 00907 (www.ronniesproperties.com).

Neighborhoods

Old San Juan — Old San Juan is 1 1/2 miles (2. 4km) from the beach. You should choose a hotel here if you’re more interested in shopping and attractions than you are in watersports. The closest beach is Escambrón public beach in Puerta de Tierra, about a half-hour walk from the center of Old San Juan. For most visitors, a cab ride (15 min.) or bus ride (45 min.) to Condado, Ocean Park, or Isla Verde is a better option.

Puerta De Tierra — Stay in Puerta de Tierra only if you have a desire to be at the Caribe Hilton. When you stay in Puerta de Tierra, you’re sandwiched halfway between Old San Juan and the Condado, but you’re not getting the advantages of staying right in the heart of either. At night, you must travel by taxi or stay in your hotel. The area is not safe to walk around at night, largely because there is nowhere to walk to except the mammoth Luis Muñoz Rivera Park and the Third Millennium Park, which are beautiful places during the day but mostly deserted at night.

Condado — The Condado has undergone a revitalization in recent years. Right at its heart, the Windows to the Sea Park has risen from the ashes of an old convention center, and La Concha, a landmark of the island’s Tropical Modernism movement, has been beautifully redeveloped. Designer boutiques and trendy restaurants have been mounted on the ruins of tacky souvenir shops and cheap eateries. From one end of Ashford Avenue to the other, there are great dining options for every budget, all sorts of stores from book shops to upscale jewelers, plus spas, watersports outfitters, and anything else you might think of. The area around Magdalena Avenue has an extraordinary number of boutiques. There are good bus connections into Old San Juan, and taxis are plentiful.

Miramar — Miramar, a residential neighborhood, is very much a part of metropolitan San Juan, and a brisk 30-minute walk will take you where the action is. Regrettably, the beach is at least half a mile (.8km) away. The new Convention Center District and a part of the city’s waterfront, and a commuter airport are also located in Miramar.

Santurce & Ocean Park — Santurce is the traditional downtown area of San Juan, and Ocean Park is a beautiful oceanfront neighborhood wedged in between the Condado and Isla Verde tourism districts. Santurce has been undergoing a revival, with Art Deco theaters and beautiful apartments being renovated; it’s now the home to the city’s best museums, performing arts center and increasingly, among its best clubs and pubs. Ocean Park is a beautiful neighborhood, filled with palm trees and gorgeous homes.

Isla Verde — Beach-bordered Isla Verde is closer to the airport than the Condado and Old San Juan. The hotels here are farther from Old San Juan than those in Miramar, Condado, and Ocean Park. The fat golden beach is mighty fine, and El San Juan and Co. make the area a nightlife spot in its own right, plus the numerous stand-alone restaurants, pubs, and clubs of top quality.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

The Best Places to Stay in San Juan 2022

ViaHero

Updated January 20, 2022

What are the best places to stay in San Juan? It depends on your travel style. Here’s what Puerto Rican locals said about the pros and cons of each neighborhood, including budgeting, nightlife, and specific recs on things to do.

Benefit from local knowledge by working with a Puerto Rico local to plan your trip. They’ll design a custom guidebook based on your interests and their insider knowledge. With their help, you’ll see a side of San Juan that most tourists miss. Learn more.

“Linelly helped us beyond anything we could’ve planned ourselves. Everything she suggested for us was spot-on, and I feel we got the best experience by following a local’s guidance.”

—Kate, Recent Traveler

Table Of Contents

Old San Juan
Condado
Santurce
Hato Rey
Ocean Park
Rio Piedras
Miramar

Old San Juan

Old San Juan | Nikita Castro/Unsplash

Locals tell us that Old San Juan is one place you have to visit in Puerto Rico. Beautiful and romantic, this area is packed with colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, Spanish forts, and legendary restaurants. Well-traveled by tourists, it’s a place where some local insights can come in handy. Here’s what our trip planners say are the advantages and disadvantages of staying in Old San Juan:

Advantages

Proximity to some of Puerto Rico’s most popular attractions, like the del Morro and San Cristobal forts, La Fortaleza, and Paseo de la Princesa.
The area is beautiful, charming, and safe.
You’ll find lots of incredible restaurants—locals tell us Cafe El Punto is great for traditional Puerto Rican food.
There are plenty of lodging options, for any kind of travel package.
English is widely spoken.
The area is walkable.

Disadvantages

Old San Juan is full of tourist attractions, which means it can be hard to discover the soul of the neighborhood. Don’t get stuck in a tourist trap. Our trip planners can steer you towards locally beloved shops and restaurants.
The hotels can be on the pricer side (average $175–$300 per night).
The roads are narrow (they were made for horses!).

Local Tip:

No need to to stay in big-name hotels to be comfortable—Old San Juan is packed with phenomenal Airbnb and little boutique hotels, like The Gallery Inn, The Dream Catcher, and Hotel El Convento.

Condado

Condado | Cristian Escobar/Unsplash

Locals tell us that Condado has a reputation as San Juan’s glitziest neighborhood (think Miami Beach). And since the whole neighborhood/beach stretch is one of Puerto Rico’s major attractions, you’ll be sure to find popping nightlife and daytime beach parties no matter what time of year you visit.

Advantages

Centrally located. It’s only a 15-minute walk to historic San Juan and a 10-minute walk to La Placita de Santurce (one of the city’s most popular places to visit).
Condado is full of beachfront hotels and 4- and 5-star restaurants.
There are countless boutiques and great luxury shopping on Avenida Ashford.
The neighborhood one of the safer neighborhoods in the city.

Disadvantages

There’s less flexibility in meal and outing choices if you want to stay in the neighborhood.
Condado accommodations can run $290–$500 a night for the high-end hotels.
You’ll probably end up taking a lot of Ubers to go elsewhere—unless you want to spend your whole vacation on the beach.
Some of Condado’s hotels were damaged in the hurricane, but almost everything is back to normal. See this Puerto Rico tourism update for more info. Or, better yet, get updates from people on the ground. Our local trip planners can tell you exactly what to expect.

Local Tip:

Hotel prices in Condado peak on Saturdays and Mondays, when most travelers check-in and out of rooms. Make reservations on Sundays or Fridays.

What kind of traveler are you?

Let’s face it. People want different things when they travel. Rather than spending hours sifting through blogs and top 10 lists written by people who may have totally different interests than you, why not start by sharing a little about what’s important to you when exploring a new destination?

Select your travel preferences below and let a local take it from there. Your personalized guidebook to Puerto Rico is just a few clicks away.

Santurce

Santurce street art | Juan Cristobal Zulueta/Flickr

Get personalized recommendations as you plan your Puerto Rico adventure. Our trip planners tell us that Santruce is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico if you want to soak up the island’s hipster culture—here you’ll find great nightlife, colorful street art, and plenty of hip restaurants.

Advantages

The hotels and Airbnbs (average $70–$90 a night) are considerably cheaper than in Old San Juan.
The neighborhood is less touristy than Old San Juan
You’ll find tons of beautiful murals, galleries, shops, and super-trendy bars.
La Placita de Santurce is an excellent nightlife hub.
It’s a popular area for food trucks, street food, and cheap beer.

Disadvantages

Santurce can get sketchy at night—you should use taxis or Uber to get around.
Santurce’s location can make it difficult to walk to other areas of the city—especially at night.
You’ll find fewer accommodation options.
The neighborhood can get really loud on the weekends.

Local Tip:

If you stay in an Airbnb or hostel with a kitchen, take advantage of Santurce’s farmers’ markets on the weekends. Cooking a meal is a great way to support the local economy, keep your trip under budget, and to travel in a sustainable way.

Hato Rey

A financial and urban hub, locals say that Hato Rey is known for its baseball games, concert scenes, and gorgeous parks. It’s an ideal place to visit in Puerto Rico if you’re looking to enjoy the island like the locals do. Our trip planners can give customized advice on what to do here.

Advantages

There are great spots for indoor, rainy-day activities like Plaza Las Americas and the Milla de Oro, the island’s largest shopping center.
It’s home to the Hiram Bithorn Stadium (the place to catch a baseball game) and plenty of concerts at Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
The neighborhood hosts the Heineken Beer Festival and similar events year-round.

Disadvantages

It’s mainly a business district—there are plenty of skyscrapers, but few accommodations.
The hotels are oriented to brief business travel, not week-long vacations.
It’s located pretty far south, so you’ll have to Uber everywhere.
While Hato Rey itself is safe, it’s easy to accidentally wander into areas that are a little more sketchy.

Local Tip:

Hato Rey’s most happening area is Roosevelt Avenue, the go-to street for shopping and dining out.

Work with a local to plan your trip.

See a side most people miss.

Ocean Park

Ocean Park | Alan Kotok/Flickr

Just as its name implies, Ocean Park has sublime views of the Caribbean, tropical breezes, and clean beaches. Since it’s mostly upscale housing, Ocean Park is one of the safest places to travel right now—perfect for mingling with locals worry-free. Benefit from an insider’s perspective—here’s what our local trip planners say are the advantages and disadvantages of staying in Ocean Park.

Advantages

You can find Airbnbs at only $35 per night, and great hotels on the beach.
The beaches are fantastic—big, clean, and beautiful.
The beaches are less crowded than those in Condado.

Disadvantages

Ocean Park is a more residential area, so there are fewer restaurants and nightlife options.
Less entertainment-oriented than Condado or Old San Juan, the neighborhood is really centered around hotels.
You need to take Uber to most other parts of the city.

Local Tip:

If you’re doing Puerto Rico on a budget, private lodging rentals are the name of the game in Ocean Park. Residents post accommodations on Airbnb and VRBO, which go for $35–$120 a night.

Rio Piedras

Brimming with tropical gardens and coffee shops, Rio Piedras is home base for the University of San Juan. If you’re looking to get off-the-beaten-path in Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a good choice, but it’s definitely a place where you’ll want to get some local recommendations. Our trip planners can give suggestions on how to explore this area.

Advantages

Low-key college town vibes.
Safe and residential area.
Rio Piedras is home to Jardin Botanico, some of Puerto Rico’s most extensive botanical gardens.
You’ll find some great farmers markets in this area.

Disadvantages

It’s a 30-minute drive to Old San Juan.
The restaurants are just ok—you’ll find better options closer to the city center.
Rio Piedras is located in the southern area of San Juan, so you aren’t going to want to walk far out of the neighborhood.

Local Tip:

Public transportation in Puerto Rico can be spotty, but you can easily drive to the Old San Juan ferry.

Miramar

Right on the sea, locals say that Miramar is a great place to visit for those looking for a little adventure. Miramar is one of San Juan’s smaller barrios, but with kayak tours, sailing, and deep-sea fishing, you could easily add a few days in Miramar to a Puerto Rico itinerary.

Advantages

Location—it’s right on the sea, so it’s perfect for spending time on the waves.
Locals say Miramar is full of hidden gems like the haunted Teatro Tapia and classy Casita Miramar.
You can easily walk to Condado and Old San Juan if you know what routes to avoid—one of our trip planners can help with that.
Aside from being kitty-corner to some of Puerto Rico’s best beaches, it’s also got great views of the Condado Lagoon and San Juan Bay.

Disadvantages

It’s mostly residential—there are only a few restaurants and hotels to choose from.
There’s not much to do in the neighborhood itself as far as nightlife goes.
You might end up most of your time outside of the neighborhood.

Local Tip:

Looking to set up a tour in Miramar? Tropical Eco Tours or Aqua Adventure are good choices.

Still have questions about travel to Puerto Rico?

Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.

You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.

Looking for more info?

The 10 Best Apartments in Playa de San Juan, Spain

Review score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

Apartamentos Jose

Playa de San Juan

Apartamentos Jose in Playa de San Juan offers accommodation with free WiFi, 300 meters from San Juan Beach, 500 meters from Playa de San Juan and 700 meters from Rosalía Beach.
Great apartment! It’s new, beautifully furnished, comfortable bed and pillows, kitchen has everything you need incl. washing machine. A welcome present was awaiting us when we arrived – we felt immediately very welcomed and greatful 🙂 there are enough parking spots near by and you are 5min walk away from the sea. We totally recommend this place and will come back.

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Excellent

12 reviews

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Agua marina

Playa de San Juan

Situated 1 km from Barrera Beach, Agua marina features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, overlooking the garden. The windows offer views of the sea and the city.
Everything else than the narrower bed

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Excellent

5 reviews

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Casa Massimo

Playa de San Juan

Casa Massimo is located in Playa San Juan, 200 meters from San Juan Beach, 300 meters from Playa San Juan and 550 meters from Rosalia Beach.
Our family was really pleased with the view that we had from our balcony. The property was very clean, not just inside but also the whole building, including the elevator. The neighbors were very friendly and everyone was following the rule of keeping low voice and a good behaviour.

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Excellent

35 reviews

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Mi Posadita

Playa de San Juan

Offering a terrace, Mi Posadita – Mochima is located in Playa de San Juan, less than 1 km from Barrera Beach.
Absolutely spotlessly clean. Such attention to detail……. everything you could possibly need for self catering and a lovely roof terrace. Extremely comfortable beds. Great location with lots of bars and restaurants close by. highly recommended!

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9.1

Excellent

71 reviews

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Mi Posadita – Isla de Margarita

Playa de San Juan

Offering a terrace, Mi Posadita – Isla de Margarita is located in Playa de San Juan, less than 1 km from Barrera Beach.
Self catering but within easy walking distance to shops, supermarkets etc.The neighbors looking after the property were extremely supportive and couldn’t do anymore to make our stay a pleasure.

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9.1

Excellent

45 reviews

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Mi Posadita

Playa de San Juan

Offering a terrace, Mi Posadita – Los Roques is set in Playa de San Juan, less than 1 km from Barrera Beach. It offers a balcony, free private parking and free Wi-Fi.
Location was great, self catering everything was provided to cook for ourselves.

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9.3

Excellent

33 reviews

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Casa del Mar

Playa de San Juan

Offering free WiFi and sea views, Casa del Mar is located in Playa de San Juan, less than 1 km from Barrera Beach.
Very nice location (3-4 minutes distance from playa de San Juan and to the city center & restaurants). The neighborhood is clean, quiet and safe, great for a late night walk.
We loved the appartment, it was clean and cozy and fit to our needs. It doesn’t have an AC, but it has some fans that really help with the heat (the weather was quite hot during our stay there).
The hosts were super nice and helpful and I totally reccomand the accommodation for a relaxing get away.

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9.2

Excellent

21 reviews

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Live Pleamar Playa san juan

Playa de San Juan

Offering free WiFi and sea views, Live Pleamar Playa san juan is an accommodation set in Playa de San Juan, just 500 meters from Rosalía Beach and 700 meters from San Juan Beach.

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8.1

Very good

13 reviews

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Playa San Juan 5 seconds beach

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Playa de San Juan

Playa San Juan 5 seconds beach apartment is located in Playa de San Juan. It features a fully equipped kitchen. The 2-bedroom apartment is fitted with a flat-screen TV.
Everything was very good, from check-in, meeting, settlement. Accommodation and departure! Will come back again and recommend to everyone we know! Grateful!

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8.8

Fantastic

12 reviews

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Casa del Sol – with Home Office space

Playa de San Juan

Casa del Sol – with Home Office space is a beachfront property located in Playa de San Juan, 300 meters from Rosalia Beach and 550 meters from Playa de San Juan.
Perfect location for work/leisure in Tenerife! Wifi exceptionally good and table for work is great.

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8.6

Fantastic

11 reviews

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All apartments in Playa de San Juan Looking for an apartment?

Looking for an apartment/apartment?

An apartment or an apartment is an excellent choice for guests who value privacy. It has furniture, a kitchen and bedrooms, so if you are traveling with a group or family, you can cook dinner together, and everyone can relax in their own room. Apartments or flats are rented for both short and long term.