San Juan accommodations are generally split into two sections, those in Old San Juan, and those outside. Old San Juan features hotels that are smaller, unhurried, moving at a pace befitting the older part of town. Though the historic district is the city’s greatest tourist attraction, rich with cafes, shops and live music, the hotels are less visible, often times flourishing in converted buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The best of the Old San Juan hotels is the El Convento.
It is, as you might be able to tell from its name, an
old convent constructed in 1650, which has been reconfigured
with modern amenities and luxury to provide a unique experience
for the Caribbean traveler.
San Juan accommodations don’t get much better than
this, as much of the convent’s original architecture
has been preserved – painting art deco swathes over
the building’s colonial beginnings, El Convento
combines the old and the new, a lovingly captured ode
to the golden years of Old San Juan. Its prime location
across from the San Juan Cathedral also makes it one of
the top destinations for Puerto
Rico weddings, as the reception hall in El Convento
is often booked up months in advance.
If you just need a quiet place to stay in the best part of Old San Juan, hit up the Gallery Inn. Full of charm and grace, these San Juan accommodations cater to a more bohemian traveler – filled with idiosyncrasies like stilted staircases, a music room and a garden full of friendly cockatoos, the Gallery Inn will also save you some cash with its surprisingly reasonable prices.
There are plenty of San Juan hotels outside of the old
town, too. Here you’ll find more steamy resorts,
luxury accommodations and hotel casinos. If you want high
end San Juan accommodations, head directly to the Ritz
Carlton Hotel, Spa and Casino. Everything you could want
in a Caribbean vacation, all inside one place. It is also
extremely close to the beach and airport, making it a
good choice for business travelers as well.
The region between the airport and Old San Juan is known as Isla Verde. Here you’ll find the shimmering high rise towers, elegant luxury hotels and all the sandy San Juan beach resorts you could ask for. You could head to the unique Water Club, which has a fantastic bar and lounge, along with a setup that is beyond trendy.
The Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort is another outstanding choice. One of the best values you’ll find when it comes to San Juan beach resorts, the oceanfront pool, low prices and excellent location on one of San Juan’s most prized beaches makes the Courtyard a great choice for any traveler.
If you want the best in exclusive San Juan beach resorts, look no further than the Caribe Hilton. Just to prove how upscale it really is, the Caribe is the only resort in San Juan with a private beach. And it’s one of the best stretches of sand in the vicinity. With ocean or lagoon views, the Caribe is perfect for both couples and families, business travelers who will appreciate its convenient location or singles looking to have some fun.
