So, what are the best places to stay in San Juan Puerto Rico? Below, you have a list of the top neighborhoods and hotels you should consider! But first… here is a brief history of the area:
San Juan is a city with an incredible history, since it was founded in 1519 by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. He founded the original settlement in Cappara (now known as Pueblo Viejo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico), about five miles west of San Juan. After a year in Cappara, the settlement was relocated to what is now called Old San Juan to utilize the coastal inlet.
Since then, San Juan established its own identity, and now it’s not only a major port, but also a top rated place to vacation. Highly recommend taking a walking tour upon arrival to better understand the rich history of this area.
Isla Verde, San Juan Puerto Rico
Isla Verde is a great option for those who want more affordable hotels. It’s also suitable for anyone interested in Puerto Rican nightlife.
Additionally, it’s a top place for those who want to be close to the airport and the beach. And, as a bonus, you’re also very close to many of the major attractions and restaurants. You can go to Pine Grove Beach or Carolina Beach, and there’s also the Ritz Carlton Casino to try out as well.
A lot of couples and people who want to go on a honeymoon choose this option, and it’s incredibly affordable in most cases. That being said, you are still near top-of-the-line restaurants, plenty of shops for tourists, etc.
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel- Isla Verde
When it comes to hotels, we recommend the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. It’s a 4-star hotel that amazes you with its luxury, great amenities, and very impressive service. On top of that, you also have close to a dozen restaurants in its vicinity. It’s an excellent option if you want a great vacation with direct access to everything you need.
Old San Juan, San Juan Puerto Rico
Another one of the best places to stay in San Juan Puerto Rico, is the coastal inlet of Old San Juan. The historic part of the city is sought-after, and it’s easy to see why. You have a large number of attractions like El Morro, La Fortaleza, not to mention the San Juan Bautista cathedral. People like exploring the old city, but it can be difficult to do that if you stay too far from it.
And that’s why we think Old San Juan is one of the best places to stay in San Juan Puerto Rico. It has lots of bars and restaurants, gift shops, and great nightlife. The downside here is that it’s also one of the priciest places to stay, due to its location. And yes, nighttime can get very noisy.
Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan
If you want a great place to stay, the Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan can be a great pick. Not only does this place have a great vibe, but you also have access to all kinds of amenities. There are on-site shops and luggage storage solutions. Plus, you still get to be close to some of the top locations in the region.
Hotel El Convento- Old San Juan
If you want a more affordable yet still trendy and downright incredible place, this can be a solid pick. Hotel El Convento can be another great option as well, if you have a higher budget.
Ocean Park, San Juan Puerto Rico
While Old San Juan can be great for couples and older people, it can be very expensive. Ocean Park is an excellent solution for those who want affordable accommodation, along with great nightlife. On top of that, you have access to the other city districts very easily. The advantage here is that you are also extremely close to the beach.
If you need a great combination of excellent prices and being close to the beach, then Ocean Park comes as a great option. There are a few challenges… You will have very limited parking since this district is known for this particular issue. Some landmarks are also too far to walk, so you will need extra money for a ride in most situations.
DoubleTree by Hilton- Ocean Park
DoubleTree by Hilton is the ideal hotel here, because it’s near the beach, and the service is second to none. They excel when it comes to their food, wellness, and spa services, not to mention all the great amenities they provide. Moreover, prices are not as high as you might expect, which says a lot about them and the customer service, work quality, and other great value.
Condado, San Juan Puerto Rico
Condado is the go-to district if you are traveling with the entire family. Here, you can find some of the top, family-friendly hotels, and they are bringing in an excellent value for money. Plus, hotels in this district tend to have lots of amenities like terraces on the rooftops, spa centers, and so on. Since you are close to the beach, you do have scooters, water sports, and so on.
It’s one of the better options to consider if you want to stay in San Juan for a while. Try out the night kayak excursions or the private water bike adventures if possible.
San Juan Marriott Resort- Condado
If you want great accommodation in Condado, the San Juan Marriott Resort stands out as a solid option. They have a very welcoming allure, and the quality of their services is known to be exceptional. You’re close to a large variety of restaurants too, along with shopping centers. The advantage of San Juan Marriott Resort is that you’re extremely close to the beach, and they also have their own pool.
Tips to consider for your upcoming San Juan Puerto Rico trip
- It’s a good idea to travel off-season if you’re looking to save money. Traveling between August and November can be a great idea, since that’s the time when prices tend to be much lower.
- Renting a vehicle is easier and better than getting a taxi every time you need to go somewhere. What you will notice is that vehicle rentals are quite affordable, and that further adds to their value and appeal.
- Booking your accommodation early on can be great since many of these hotels tend to fill up.
Conclusion
These are some of the best places to stay in San Juan Puerto Rico, and we highly recommend giving them a try. Visiting San Juan, even for a long weekend, can be very exciting, but it can get quite expensive as well. That’s why it’s important to book your hotel beforehand according to your budget.
Take your time, prevent any rush, and remember, getting a great hotel can truly enhance your experience. It also comes down to staying in the right district, so we hope that now you have a better idea of what option to consider for your next San Juan vacation.