Victoria Lupascu 
Hi there! Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in San Juan, I’ve got you covered. This vibrant city has it all—stunning architecture, gorgeous beaches, and mouthwatering food!
I’ve narrowed it down to 3 top areas in San Juan that are perfect for tourists, along with highly rated hotels to suit every budget in each area. This guide is packed with everything you need to know about where to stay in San Juan.
If it’s your first visit, Old San Juan is the place to be, right in the heart of all the action. But keep an eye out for the two other neighborhoods I’ll mention—they might just be a better fit for you!
One last tip: book your stay as soon as possible! The best hotels in San Juan fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
These are the best hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico:
Contents
Here’s a map to help you visualize all the areas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that I will be talking about in this post:
- Old San Juan: for first-timers
- Condado: for luxury
- Isla Verde: for families
1. Old San Juan – where to stay for the first time
The ocean breeze, the colorful buildings, and the Puerto Rican cuisine make this dreamy Caribbean island a beautiful place to visit! The historic Old San Juan is a neighborhood that serves as the city’s center of culture and has won the hearts of many tourists over the years!
This area is located just a 10-minute drive from the airport and is one of the best places if you’re visiting for the first time! Old San Juan’s rich history and architecture will allow you to travel back in time as you walk its cobblestone streets and explore the famous 5th-century forts!
This neighborhood is one of the most walkable places in the Caribbean, so you better pack some comfy shoes when you visit!
NOTE: Don’t confuse San Juan with Old San Juan! Old San Juan is just one part of the city of San Juan, and the Metro refers to all the areas that make up the city as a whole.
Although Old San Juan will feel like paradise for those who love history, if you’re not a history buff, don’t worry! The nightlife, cafés, and boutique shops here will keep you busy all day long!
TIP: Wondering where to stay in San Juan before your cruise? Any hotel in the area will be more than happy to keep your bags for you before you have to check in for the adventure!
P.S. definitely book your hotel in advance to avoid the high prices, this is the most popular area to stay!
Fancy staying in a restored 350-year-old building? Now it’s your chance! This luxurious boutique hotel has a central location and a Spanish design with arched doorways and bold colors. Enjoy the Puerto Rican sun by the outdoor pool and cool off with a swim! Hotel guests can relax with a massage or hit the fitness center at any time!
Other accommodation options in Old San Juan
This boutique hotel has the coolest design, and it features local artwork, a library, and a hot tub
Mingle with the guests at the bar of this cool hostel that has an on-site restaurant, and free WiFi
Such a cool apartment in Puerto Rico that has a spacious room, a kitchen, and a TV
Things to do in Old San Juan
- Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro (map) and Castillo de San Cristóbal (map), 2 main forts
- See the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, San Juan Bautista (map)
- Take a picture for memories at Puerta de San Juan (map)
- Admire the architecture of the Casa Blanca San Juan Museum
- Check out the cafes in Plaza de Armas or Plaza Colón
- Go on a food tour and try all the delicious dishes
2. Condado – the best place to stay in San Juan for luxury
If you’re looking to treat yourself during your holiday to San Juan then go to Condado. This upscale area is one of the city’s most luxurious districts and is located just 3 miles (5 km) from Old San Juan.
Expect many beachfront hotels, high-end boutique stores, and fine-dining restaurants in Condado. Here, everyone comes to relax, do yoga, eat delicious food, and enjoy the good life!
Ashford Avenue, also known as the Puerto Rican “Fifth Avenue,” is where you’ll find la creme de la creme! Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier are some of the big brands that have stores here. What better way to end a full day of shopping than with dinner and drinks? Ashford Avenue is also home to a few high-end restaurants.
Condado offers its visitors the full package! Shopping, food, and one of my favorite parts: the beach! Condado Beach is super popular among tourists, and the Sailing Dreams Sunset & Cruises offers some amazing sailing trips. And let’s not forget about the beautiful Condado Lagoon, which is perfect for anyone who likes kayaking!
TIP: For a more secluded beach experience, I recommend going to Punta Piedrita, it has a much longer beach stretch!
Now let’s see the best hotels in Condado. If you want more luxury options, you can find a few more nice luxury hotels in the Isla Grande area by the convention center (like Sheraton).
Enjoy swimming all day long in the outdoor pool of this luxury hotel that boasts amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean! When you’re not out shopping, you can relax in the spa or work out in the fitness center. The beachfront accommodation also has a restaurant on-site and a bar.
Other accommodation options in Condado
Sunbathe on the loungers by the outdoor pool of this hotel which has a restaurant and family rooms
Enjoy your stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in this budget hotel that has a lounge area and a kitchenette
A lovely private rental on the main avenue just steps from the beach
BONUS: San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino in Condado is another excellent option for couples! It even has a casino on-site, plus a beachfront location, 2 restaurants, and 2 swimming pools.
Things to do in Condado
- Treat yourself by shopping at the luxury stores on Ashford Avenue
- Sunbathe and relax on Condado Beach
- Meet fellow travelers at the favorite La Placita (map) bar
- Enjoy a romantic sailing cruise with Sailing Dreams Sunset & Cruises
- Have fun kayaking in Condado Lagoon
- Take a stroll around the Plaza Antonia Quiñones (map)
- Walk along the Puente Dos Hermanos (map) bridge at night to enjoy the city lights
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3. Isla Verde – best place to stay for families
Located some 7 km (4.5 mi) East of Old San Juan, this area is known for sandy beaches, watersports, and exclusive oceanfront hotels. If you’re traveling with the family and looking for a fun place to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then this is the spot for you!
Isla Verde is also a great option if you want to stay near the airport.
Here, you can have all the beach fun that you want with the kids! Whether you prefer to lay low and relax on the sandy beach and swim in the ocean, or you’re an adventurous spirit who wants to try all the different kinds of sports like surfing or parasailing, you’ll find everything you need here.
Some of the best beaches here are Isla Verde Beach, El Alambique Beach, and Carolina Beach.
TIP: Feel free to walk to the nearby Ocean Park area and hang out at the Playa Ocean Park just to change the atmosphere after 1 or 2 days of Isla Verde beach hopping! Also, there are tons of fun day trips you can take from San Juan, especially to El Yunque National Forest!
This amazing 4-star resort offers exceptional breakfast, beautiful rooms, 6 restaurants, and all the spa and fitness amenities you could imagine. It’s ideal for families with kids but also for couples as it’s oh so romantic!
Other accommodation options in Isla Verde
Lovely 3-star hotel just 2 blocks from the beach with 2 swimming pools
Enjoy your stay in San Juan in this great apartment that has a terrace, a garden, and a kitchenette
I love the design of this apartment that offers beach access, and has a backyard and kitchen
Things to do in Isla Verde
- Go sunbathing and swimming with the kids on the sandy beach of El Alambique
- Try surfing on Pine Grove Beach (map)
- Have fun parasailing with Watersports 4U (map)
- Check out the Reserva Marina Arrecife de la Isla Verde (map) with the family
- Relax in the iconic Lifeguards of the Reef Café (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$300 |
| 🧳 Mid-range: | US$120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$70 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old San Juan |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel El Convento |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Villa Herencia Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Fortel Hostel |
FAQs about best neighborhoods to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
🇵🇷 What is the best area to stay in Puerto Rico?
Old San Juan is the best area to stay in Puerto Rico, as it has the biggest attractions in town, amazing restaurants, and some of the best hotels in the city, like Hotel El Convento.
⚠️ Where should you not stay in Puerto Rico?
You should avoid walking alone at night in the La Perla area, which is located near San Juan’s Old Town.
👪 Which hotels in San Juan are good for families?
Embassy Suites by Hilton and Condado 2 amazing hotels that offer great service for families with kids of all ages.
🌅 What hotels in San Juan have nice views?
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and Numero Uno Beach House offer some great views of the beach even from your rooms!
🏨 What are the best hotels in San Juan near Casa Blanca?
Hotel El Convento is located less than a mile away from the Casa Blanca Museum, and it’s one of the best places to stay near the museum.
✅ What are the safest places to stay in San Juan?
The north side of Highway 26 is considered safe. Especially The Condado and Isla Verde areas!
Final words
San Juan is indeed a fantastic spot! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in San Juan and which beach to hit first!
I know there are so many amazing hotel options in this post, but here are my top 2 favorite ones, both located in Old San Juan:
- Hotel El Convento – A stunning hotel set in a 350-year-old building
- Villa Herencia Hotel – A cool boutique hotel that features local artwork
Remember that San Juan is one of the most popular places in the Caribbean, and thousands of tourists come here every year, so I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance!
Finally, don’t forget to leave me a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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