best hotels in st john – Sun-kissed beaches and beautiful 16th- and 17th-century sites are the main attractions in San Juan, but some area hotels are destinations in their own rights Sun-kissed beaches and beautiful 16th- and 17th-century sites are the main attractions in San Juan, but some area hotels are destinations in their own rights. These ten hotels are our top picks for luxury accommodations in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
County Vanderbilt Hotel
Advantage
Elegant rooms with dramatic decoration and Smart TV with air conditioning.
It is located in the San Juan County district, close to shopping and nightlife.
Easy access to Condado Beach, which is located next to the hotel
Two picturesque pools, one with an infinity edge and ocean views
Suites include kitchens and 24-hour butler service; some have balconies
The hotel’s six restaurants and bars feature a mix of casual and fine dining.
Spa offering unusual treatments like LED facials
Modern gym with ocean views
Beach butlers provide towel and cocktail service
Meeting spaces accommodate between 12 and 600 guests.
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
Lower category rooms are small.
Breakfast not included
The direct access beach is small and not suitable for swimming.
Parking is valet only and requires an additional fee.
Summary
The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a four-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in the vibrant Condado district of San Juan, with direct access to the beach. The hotel’s 319 guest rooms are timelessly attractive, with dark wood furnishings and stone-topped bathroom vanities. Turn-of-the-century antiques are ubiquitous, and the hotel offers a historic setting with beautiful restaurants and lounges that exude a turn-of-the-century vibe. At the same time, an infinity pool, innovative spa, and state-of-the-art guest rooms and meeting spaces infuse the hotel with a contemporary and refreshing element. Those interested in historic properties might also consider Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan, but the Vanderbilt offers easier access to the beach.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
Advantage
Nice beach setting near San Juan airport
Fun pool with cushioned loungers and loungers
Friendly and attentive staff and service (especially at the beach and pool)
Five bars and dining options with exclusive options
Rooms have quality bedding and marble bathrooms
Free in-room tea, coffee (with cups to go), and bottled water
Stocked minibar with Robert Mondavi wines
Spacious and bright spa and gym
Two tennis courts and access to a tennis pro
Large facilities for meetings and events
Nightly casino and live music on weekends
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
Food and drink prices add up quickly
Automatic resort fee added to utility bill
The room decor is a bit bland
Most rooms don’t have balconies or windows that open
Noise can be heard from the neighboring room and hallway
Check-in is not until 4 pm; Check-out is at 11 a.m.
Summary
This property was significantly impacted by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed through April 8, 2018. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. Marriott’s top-tier hotel in the capital of San Juan offers 416 rooms and suites and is just a five-minute drive from the airport along Isla Verde Beach. Rooms are contemporary and upscale if a bit generic, and most don’t have balconies. Most guests spend their time on the sand or by the lively outdoor pool, where attentive service is a focus. Just watch out for super-expensive cocktails. The Lobby Bar is the place to be for small plates and pre-dinner cocktails in the evenings before guests (and a few locals) head to their reserved tables at BLT Steak and Il Mulino restaurants. The hotel attracts a mix of post-cruise attendees, conference attendees, and leisure guests on long weekend getaways. Wi-Fi, tennis, and a gym are free unless you have the 18% luxury resort fee added to your bill.
Hotel The Convent
Advantage
Romantic boutique hotel in charming Old San Juan
Within walking distance of historic sights, shopping, and nightlife
Extraordinary architecture and authentic Spanish decoration
Three distinct restaurants with bars on-site
Outdoor pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the bay
All rooms have Bose sound systems, small refrigerators, and coffeemakers
Bathrobes, slippers, Aveda products, and turndown service
Wine and cheese reception every evening (included!)
Business center, library, and beautiful event spaces
Gym and coin laundry
24-hour valet parking and guest services
Free Wi-Fi all over the place
Cons
Food and drink prices are high.
Not located on the beach (you can drive to their recommended options)
The outdoor pool is small
Summary
Virtually nothing compares to the European El Convento in the medieval city of Old San Juan. It was a convent for 252 years, and today it is the main and exclusive hotel in the neighborhood, with 58 elegant rooms and suites full of ancient Spanish treasures and modern services. Its history is everywhere, from the exposed wooden beams to the 359-year-old loquat tree that towers over the romantic courtyard. A wine and cheese reception is held on the terrace each night, allowing guests (mainly couples) to mingle while taking in the sights of San Juan Bay. The main restaurant offers fine dining outdoors on the patio; other features include a beautiful terrace and a small outdoor pool. Service here is a priority, and it shows.
Caribbean Hilton
Advantage
Private peninsula location with great ocean views and private beach
Ten-minute drive to posh Condado or charming Old San Juan
Large oceanfront pools with a convenient swim-up bar
Contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges
Many rooms have balconies with spectacular sea views
Bright, modern gym with great views, plus tennis courts and spa
Multiple dining and drinking options include Morton’s Steakhouse and Starbucks
Gorgeous tropical gardens with exotic birds (and iguana sightings!)
Kids’ club, summer kids’ camp, and kids’ wading pool area
Bar with live entertainment
Extensive breakfast buffet with egg station
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
It can be crowded and busy depending on the season
Breakfast is not included in most room rates
There isn’t much within walking distance; you need to drive or take a taxi
Daily fee for on-site parking
Summary
This property was affected by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed for repairs until April 1, 2018. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. The exclusive 910-room Caribe Hilton is a bustling mega-resort with stunning views of Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast, between Old San Juan and Condado. Yes, it can be crowded and busy, but the cruisers, business travelers, honeymooners, and families who flock here don’t seem to mind. The hotel’s 17 acres include bird-filled tropical gardens, multiple restaurants, a lively bar, and gorgeous pools. The man-made beach isn’t the best, and you can pack it in, but rooms are modern and comfortable, with great Hilton beds, and many have furnished balconies with ocean views. Guests looking for a more historic and intimate stay should consider Hotel El Convento, a boutique hotel once a convent in Old San Juan.
InterContinental San Juan
Advantage
Full-service luxury resort with an excellent location in Isla Verde
Located on a two-mile-wide beach, one of the best in San Juan
Within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops
Modern rooms have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary coffee/tea
Lagoon-style outdoor pool with waterfall and swim-up bar.
Several restaurants offer a variety of international cuisine.
A stylish lobby bar and wine bar with grab-and-go items
Nice spa with sauna, jacuzzi, and steam room.
24-hour gym with ocean views.
24-hour business center and 16 meeting rooms.
Kids’ club with an outdoor playground.
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
Quite generic decoration in all rooms and facilities.
Daily resort fee and fee for on-site parking
Room balconies are small, and most are unfurnished.
Breakfast is not included in most rates.
Summary
The InterContinental San Juan is an elegant four-pearl resort on the beachfront in Isla Verde. While the hotel’s 398 rooms aren’t particularly luxurious, they are elegant and attractive. All are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs, complimentary coffee/tea, and high-end bath products, but many small balconies are unfurnished. The property gets top marks for its inviting pool and easy access to a desirable stretch of Isla Verde beach. Features include six fine restaurants, a luxurious 24-hour spa and fitness center, a small kids’ club, and ample meeting space, but there’s a daily resort fee. Travelers may want to compare rates and services with the nearby Hotel El San Juan and the Curio Collection by Hilton.
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
Advantage
Stylish, clean, modern business hotel
Across the street from the Puerto Rico Convention Center
Plus, massive ballroom and event space on site
Large terrace with pool and jacuzzi
Decent (if somewhat limited) eating and drinking options
Rooms come with complimentary bottled water and Starbucks coffee
Floor-to-ceiling windows with city, pool, and/or bay views
Excellent 24-hour business center and fitness center
Zen Spa quality with excellent products
Casino with nearly 500 slots
Free WIFI
Cons
Inland location and some notable attractions nearby
No mini-fridges or microwaves in rooms
Parking, food, and drinks can add up quickly
Lines are common during check-in
Noise from nearby construction (or convention center activity) could be disturbing.
Summary
This big, reliable (and yes, predictable) Sheraton hotel across from the Puerto Rico Convention Center opened in 2009 as the prototype for the revitalized Starwood brand, offering 503 modern rooms. Rooms have tub/shower combos, modern amenities, well-lit work desks, and extensive event space, including the largest ballroom in San Juan. A handful of restaurants and bars are available, and there are even fewer notable options within walking distance — though it doesn’t take long by taxi to get to Old San Juan or Condado for more options (or the beach). It’s geared toward business travelers, but those with time on their hands can hit the fourth-floor infinity pool and terrace with views of the bay. Guests in Sheraton Club rooms have complimentary breakfast and appetizers in the Club Lounge. Wi-Fi is free, but parking comes with a daily fee.
Olive Boutique Hotel
Advantage
A renowned romantic boutique hotel in Condado
Mediterranean influences and sophisticated rustic decor
Within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants
Complimentary continental breakfast and espresso drinks each morning
Rooms have modern bathrooms, bathrobes, and L’Occitane toiletries
A rooftop bar, plunge pool, and elegant lounge (not to be missed!)
The restaurant serves dinner with impressive cuisine and wine
Some suites have lovely lagoon views
Spa services are available
Free WIFI
Cons
not on the beach
Most rooms don’t have great views
Petite Chambre rooms are small and don’t have work desks
Is valet parking an extra charge
Most cabinets are freestanding cabinets (although additional accessories have been added)
Summary
This 15-room boutique hotel in San Juan was opened by newlyweds in 2012 and inspired by their travels through Italy, Spain, France, and Morocco. It’s already making a name for itself. The owners have made improvements based on initial feedback from guests (like closing off the originally open-plan bathrooms for more privacy and adding terraces). For better views, guests can head to the cool rooftop terrace with a pool where pre-and post-dinner drinks are served. During the day, most prefer to go to the beach two blocks away. Hotel Olive Boutique’s appeal is primarily romantic, but business travelers can impress guests here and benefit from free Wi-Fi and easy access to Condado. Free breakfast daily.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Advantage
Direct access to a scenic stretch of Condado Beach
Central location in Condado, surrounded by shops and restaurants
Beautiful pool complex with swim-up bar and waterslide
Stylish rooms have mini-fridges and furnished balconies
Five dining options, including an open-air bar with beach views
Some higher-level rooms have sofa beds and separate living rooms
Spa with sauna and practical gym.
13 event spaces, with the largest holding 800 guests
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
Extra resort fee not included in room price
Pools can be overcrowded
The bathrooms are a bit small.
Valet service and self-parking are available for a fee.
Check-in can be slow at peak times.
Summary
The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a luxurious four-pearl resort located in the posh Condado neighborhood of San Juan. The resort’s 525 rooms are tasteful if a bit chain-like, and all offer private balconies with city, pool, or ocean views. There are plenty of on-site amenities, including a couple of gorgeous pools, five dining options, ample meeting space, and a solid spa and fitness center. However, restaurants are pricey, and pools can feel crowded when the resort is at capacity. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, a similar luxury property in the same area.
El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Advantage
A legendary property that earned $60 million in 2016.
Sleek interiors and contemporary grounds leading up to Isla Verde Beach
The beach is clean and uncrowded – no fighting over sunbeds
Four fabulous pools with loungers and cabanas with butler service available.
The ever so elegant Old World lobby with three bars.
Huge, elegant rooms, many with beach views.
Five top-notch restaurants, seven bars, and a nightclub.
Stunning state-of-the-art fitness center
Great live nightly entertainment
Luxury spas offer a range of treatments.
Free WIFI
Cons
Eating on-site can be expensive
Tower rooms lack balconies.
Summary
With a storied past showcasing performances by Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, the luxury, 1950s-built El San Juan is considered a local icon. And thanks to a $60 million renovation in 2016, the legend lives on. But, of course, the old exists with the new, so the grand chandeliered lobby remains, but everything else is sleek and contemporary; with four pools, five restaurants, seven bars, a nightclub, and a modern three-story fitness center, this spot rivals an all-inclusive in the area. Quality is high across the board, but restaurant prices are too. Its 388 rooms, suites, and villas are sophisticated with coastal elements, and most guests — a mix of families, couples, singles, and business travelers — are impressed. Evening entertainment is also a big hit. Those looking for luxury with an on-site casino can try the nearby Ritz-Carlton San Juan.
The Gallery Inn
Advantage
Charming inn housed in a historic, art-filled colonial mansion
Well located for sightseeing, shopping, and dining
Relaxed atmosphere and decor with old-world charm
Rooms have air conditioning and Tempur-Pedic mattresses
Some rooms offer kitchenettes and balconies
Complimentary continental breakfast included in rates.
Roof terrace with sea and city views
Spectacular pool surrounded by sculptures
Access to beachfront cottage separate from owners
Free Wi-Fi in common areas
Frequent chamber music performances on site
Cons
The property is not located on the beach.
Noticeable wear in dark rooms, some without windows
Some guest rooms are noisy, messy, and lack enough hot water
Units don’t have TVs or mini-fridges, and not all have Wi-Fi
No full restaurant or on-site parking
The property is not suitable for people with mobility problems.
Summary
The Gallery Inn tends to elicit polarized reactions from travelers: people either love it or hate it. The three-pearl bed and breakfast in Old San Juan is housed in a 19th-century colonial mansion. Its name is appropriate, as the inn’s owners are artists, and their works can be found throughout the property and in its 22 rooms. All are ornately dressed and equipped with air-conditioning and quality mattresses, but they lack mini-fridges and TVs, and some lack windows. Travelers should be prepared to deal with the quirks of staying in an older home, such as a lack of hot water or noise issues. Top features include an inviting plunge pool and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. Those interested in unique accommodations might also consider Hotel El Convento, which occupies a former convent, though rates here can be higher.
