From its quaint cobblestone streets to its beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean, the entire city deserves exploration. You can easily stay for a couple weeks and never experience all it has to offer. Make time for a game of beach volleyball with the locals and a SCUBA adventure with manatees just off the coast.
The Old San Juan district is perfect for people who enjoy the historical aspects of a city, while New San Juan offers all the creature comforts you might expect from a modern city. Make time for both so you get the full San Juan experience. Additionally, you can use the hotel suggestions below to pick a suitable home base for your vacation or business trip to this historic city.
When to Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico
The late spring and early summer months between April and June often serve as the most popular time to visit San Juan. The temperatures peak around 90 degrees, which makes the days warm but not unbearable. Additionally, the rainy season begins in July, so if you book your tickets before then, a sudden storm is less likely to spoil your plans for outdoor adventures. However, summer is the most popular time to visit San Juan, which means more crowds and, in many cases, higher hotel prices.
The winter months bring lower temperatures, but you're still likely to encounter crowds. Since temperatures rarely rise out of the mid-80s, you have the perfect combination between comfortable weather and enduring sunshine. Travel to San Juan tends to decline a bit in December, however, so you might consider planning a holiday-season vacation to enjoy less congestion and beautiful Christmas decorations.
You'll find the least expensive hotel rates in the fall. San Juan still offers beautiful weather during these months, but you might see a little less sun and slightly more rain. You won't see any autumn color, but you'll keep more money in your pocket for entertainment. You can score even lower hotel rates if you choose a venue that doesn't feature ocean views. Regardless, San Juan's tropical climate proves gorgeous all year long.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in San Juan, Puerto Rico:
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Browse these illustrations to calculate the least expensive time to make a reservation in San Juan for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in San Juan, Puerto Rico
4 Star Average Prices: $181.08
If you're interested in planning a luxury vacation in San Juan, you'll want to stay at an upscale hotel or inn with all the amenities you expect from high-end establishments. Fortunately, this city doesn't disappoint on the luxury front, offering several hotel options that fit the bill.
The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers one of the most luxurious venues in San Juan. It features spacious suites with furnishings that elegantly marry traditional aesthetics with modern design. The bathrooms feature marble- or granite-topped vanities, and some rooms and suites come with mini fridges and other conveniences to help you feel at home.
You might also enjoy staying at the Monastery Art Suites, a hotel that celebrates art in every facet of its design, from the custom headboards in the guest rooms to the artwork showcased on common-area walls. It's located in historic Old San Juan, which lends it an authentic vibe, and since it has fewer rooms than most venues on the island, you'll enjoy peace and quiet when you want to relax after all your sightseeing adventures.
The Caribe Hilton is another luxury offering in San Juan. From the expansive tennis courts to the gorgeous pools and fountains, you might never want to leave the hotel. Rooms feature exquisitely modern furnishings and decor, all designed to invoke a spa-like experience. You'll get sweeping views of the ocean from most rooms and upscale linens and fixtures. Plus, you can rent pool cabanas for an extra charge or take advantage of the on-site fitness center if you want to keep up with your exercise routine.
Affordable Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico
3 Star Average Prices: $168.70
A visit to San Juan doesn't have to break the bank. While hotel prices might seem expensive when compared to the American Midwest, they're reasonable when compared to other tropical destinations.
For instance, the Quality Inn El Portal offers nightly rates starting at just $80 for one double bed and one single bed. It's not far from the beach, which means you can get in the water soon after you check in, and free coffee and tea service are available in the lobby at all times. Guest rooms feature simple but clean furnishings. Some come with work surfaces, and all feature large windows so you can welcome the San Juan sunlight into your room.
The Hotel San Jorge & Hostel offers another affordable option. Room rates start at around $90 per night, and guests rave about this hotel's knowledgeable, friendly staff. It's light on amenities, but you'll get a clean, comfortable place to spend your nights. Rooms come with window air conditioners, flat-screen televisions, and spacious bathrooms.
Alternatively, check out the Comfort Inn Tanama Princess on Clemenceau Street. It's a larger venue with balconies attached to guest rooms and a free continental breakfast every morning. You'll spend around $109 per night for this hotel, but you'll gain a few extra amenities like interior corridors and computers with Internet service. Plus, it's just a few blocks from Old San Juan, the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, and the beautiful Condado Beach.
2 Star Average Prices: $103.66
Best Hotel Discounts in San Juan, Puerto Rico
When booking a hotel in San Juan, look for ways to reduce your final bill so you can spend more money on local attractions, shopping, and dining. Many local hotels offer discounts for specific groups or organizations.
For instance, if you're a AAA member, you'll enjoy discounts of up to 20 percent at hotels like the Comfort Inn San Juan and the Comfort Inn & Suites. You might also find discounts for senior citizens and military and government personnel, depending on the venue.
Best Value Options in San Juan, Puerto Rico
You don't have to sacrifice luxury for affordability in San Juan. If you're looking for a hotel with upscale amenities and affordable nightly rates, several venues can accommodate your needs.
Start with the S.J. Suites Hotel. This facility's central location makes it convenient to several local attractions, so you can spend less time in transit and more time enjoying yourself. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast, wireless Internet throughout the venue, and flat-screen televisions. The high-end linens and furnishings will help you feel right at home when you return to your room at the end of the day. While it's not the most stylish facility in San Juan, it's suitably comfortable and convenient.
If you're looking for a condo-like experience, book your stay at the El Canario By The Lagoon. The guest rooms at this hotel embrace neutral colors and simple furnishings, which can help create an island-like mood when you retire to your room. Each guest room features a balcony that overlooks the water, and you can fill up on a free breakfast every morning before you start your sightseeing for the day. It boasts a relaxing, slow-paced vibe that will help you get on island time from the moment you arrive.
The Atlantic Beach Hotel is another high-value choice. Situated on Condado Beach, this hotel features small rooms, but makes up for the lack of space with high-end furnishings and fixtures as well as excellent amenities. The 310-count sheets, pillowtop mattresses, and modern bed frames will enable you to get a good night's sleep. You'll enjoy air conditioning, cable television, in-room microwaves and refrigerators, an on-site laundry service, and a private balcony or terrace, among other perks.
Must-See Tourist Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico
You'll never experience a dull moment in San Juan. Whether you stick to the city or venture to other parts of the island, there are attractions for every visitor type here.
Start in Old San Juan if you're a fan of beautiful architecture, good food, and historical significance. Tour some of the oldest buildings in the city, such as the La Fortaleza mansion, and spend an afternoon at the impressive San Juan National Historic Site. The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is also a can't-miss attraction, and you'll find that this neighborhood has a vibrant nightlife.
If you enjoy confronting your fears (or if you don't have any fears at all), consider booking a zipline experience in San Juan. Several adventure outfitters offer this type of experience. You'll cascade through the tropical forest just outside the city and perhaps catch a glimpse of San Juan's beautiful waterfalls.
Of course, you can't leave San Juan without visiting the Bacardi Factory. There's a restaurant at the distillery as well as tours and other attractions to keep you busy.
Travel overview of San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the major hub of Caribbean shipping and second biggest seaport next only to New York. The 490-year old city takes pride in its heritage and its culture aside from its white fine sand beaches; no wonder why the Puerto Rico capital has been one of the most visited cities. A day will certainly be insufficient for you to explore the magnificent town. Start your journey in the Old San Juan which houses several plazas, monuments and historic buildings including Casa Blanca or the White House which gives shelter to a museum that holds numerous artifact collections ranging from 16th to 18th century. The town has been called La Ciudad Amurallada or Walled City and with all the forts built around it, the name is indeed apt. San Juan has the largest fort in the Caribbean, the 16th century El Morro which walls fell only once. The 17th century towering 150-foot Castillo de San Cristobal is another fort that protected the city during wartime. There are more attractions in San Juan including its museums, nightclubs and casinos in the beach town; giving more options to everyone.
'For me, I'd rather have an intense experience than not, is an intense quote that comes from Joaquin Phoenix; Hollywood superstar born in San Juan, the intense capital of Puerto Rican state.
Apart from being one of the most crucial seaports, it is also the most populated municipality of the area. Being influenced heavily by Spanish settlement, it now features and flaunts the core elements of the culture in the Latin American region and also attracts millions of tourists each year from all parts of the world. Possessing a tropical monsoon climate, San Juan has a rich cultural and historical background which is still very much visible in its landmarks and way of life. The place is home to some of the world's finest historical buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and beaches not to mention.
Which Budget Hotels in San Juan Can Travelers Go for?
Backpackers can opt from many cheap hotels in San Juan which are readily available for accessing within a desired budget. Dreamcatcher Guest House is a budget hotel that provides a personal touch to its rooms and services. Another hotel in San Juan that is greatly favored for coming under a budget includes Sandy Beach Hotel. It has been on location for quite some time and offers magnificent views of the ocean and beach from its rooms. Another plus point of it is that it has very friendly staff always ready at service. Comfort Inn San Juan and Quality Inn El Portal also fall under budget hotel categories but are high on service with going as far as providing free breakfasts and buffet dinners to visitors.
Which Luxury Hotels in San Juan Can Travelers Go for?
As far as luxury hotels in San Juan go, the area has some of the top hotels in the world. El San Juan Hotel & Casino is one of the highest rated luxury hotels in San Juan. The classic luxury hotel truly offers an exhilarating experience for clients who don't mind shelling out big bucks for all this place has to offer. Built on a property spanning 15 acres of land, it is nothing short of a dreamland for its guests. Another famed San Juan hotel goes by the name of Dorado Beach, which is owned by the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. A hit with celebrities, this is the perfect place if visitors are looking to get soaked in absolute luxury along with privacy. The Condado Plaza Hilton and Renaissance La Concha San Juan are two other best rated hotels which offer its guests the finest services there is in the industry. A feature that stands out in the latter is its marvelous architectural design.
Which Boutique/Independent Hotels in San Juan Can Travelers Go for?
Of the boutique hotels in San Juan, travelers can check into Acacia Boutique Hotel for making their trips a memorable and worthwhile. A restored Spanish villa, it offers great service with cozy yet clean rooms. Very close to the beach, guests can spend time shopping and checking out popular places nearby. At Wind Chimes Boutique Hotel, The Gallery Inn and La Terraza De San Juan are few other hotels that fit right in into the category.
FAQs about hotels in San Juan
What did travelers think of the city of San Juan?
Below are reviews of the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Awesome City!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The whole city is awesome!
Nelson G., from 08-Aug-2024
"Awesome!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The whole city is awesome!
Nelson G., from 08-Aug-2024
"European Atmosphere"
Score
4.0 / 5
It's European atmosphere
Nelson G., from 07-Aug-2024
"Beautiful city full of historic places!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The capital city is beautiful and full of historic places!
Jose G., from 30-Jul-2024
"Beaches, Food, History!"
Score
5.0 / 5
So much to do and see, beaches, food, history!
Chaye S N., from 10-Jun-2024
"Restaurant by The Bay & Ferry Rides"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurant by the bay, little pink building. Ferry ride.
Joe P., from 21-Mar-2024
"Safe Area to Walk About"
Score
4.0 / 5
A safe area to walk about!
Elizabeth H., from 18-Mar-2024
"Wonderful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
San Juan and the people are wonderful!
Lisa G., from 19-Feb-2024
"Quaint Historic Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
I loved the quaint and historic feel of the narrow brick streets and Spanish architecture.
Kristin H., from 15-Feb-2024
"Numerous Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Numerous restaurants.
Monique A., from 08-Jan-2024
"Perfect!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city and all the sightseeing is perfect!
Hansa M., from 08-Jan-2024
"Great Food & Culture!"
Score
5.0 / 5
San Juan has great food and culture. Everyone had nothing but good vibes! The locals made amazing recommendations on places to eat or drink. Perfect birthday celebration.
Davina W., from 18-Sep-2023
"Great Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
I liked that there were lots of things to do that weren't very far.
John G., from 02-Jul-2023
"Vintage Historical & Contemporary"
Score
4.0 / 5
Vintage historical contrasted with contemporary.
Stacian I., from 02-Apr-2023
"Great people, great food and drinks."
Score
5.0 / 5
Great people, great food and drinks.
Jane P., from 10-Dec-2022
"Staff professional, Hotel beautiful, Room comfortable."
Score
4.0 / 5
Staff professional, Hotel beautiful, Room comfortable. Great people, great food and drinks.
Jane P., from 07-Dec-2022
"SO Much to do!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Distrito T Mobile across the street, full of fun, entertainment, awesome restaurants, zipline, convention center, movie theater, casino, yacht club.
Barbara C., from 27-Feb-2022
"It has everything you need."
Score
5.0 / 5
The area; the hotel has everything needed.
Keila P., from 27-Nov-2021
"Beautiful"
Score
4.0 / 5
San Juan has one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world
Juan C., from 12-Dec-2019
"Love the area"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love San Juan
Cheryl W., from 26-Oct-2019
"Trip"
Score
4.0 / 5
Incredible history here in San Juan and very walkable city!
Shawna B., from 17-Aug-2019
"I love San Juan! "
Score
4.0 / 5
The weather is amazing, wonderful variety of restaurants, beautiful beaches, lively music and the people are so inviting. You can choose to go the modern, luxury route to visit the beach and casinos in Condado, hang with the locals in Santurce or take a lovely stroll, shop and eat in Old San Juan.
Darlene T., from 24-Jan-2019
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Best views, blue and green, despite the hurricane. People are happy and cheerful.
Laura T., from 18-Dec-2017
"Very Convenient"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of restaurant choices within walking distance of the hotel - recommend Osaka, two breakfast options, Papa John's. There is also a grocery.
Francie A., from 08-May-2017
"Would Recommened"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food is amazing. Take time to go to lots of different restaurants. Totally worth it.
Jeff R. L., from 25-Apr-2016
"Loved The Island Life"
Score
5.0 / 5
The island life is amazing! The beaches, the food and the people's hospitality makes you feel at home.
Alexandra T., from 21-Dec-2015
"Meetings in San Juan"
Score
5.0 / 5
Is the greatest blend of old and new, its modern restaurants within the old city transport you to another time, perfect for any kind of group, is the perfect balance of romantic and business.
Lina G., from 29-Jun-2015
"Great Place To Visit No Matter Which Part You Stay In."
Score
5.0 / 5
The people, such as servers in restaurants, are all very pleasant. I like the slower atmosphere as opposed to the busy lifestyle most of us are accustomed to. The Condado beach area is beautiful as well. The whole area was very clean with no garbage or graffiti. I've been to Old San Juan before and loved the cobblestone streets and all the history with the 2 forts there.
Lynn L., from 05-Feb-2015
"Interesting History"
Score
4.0 / 5
San Juan itself had some interesting history. I loved the rum factory and old San Juan had a lot to offer!
Debbie R., from 06-Oct-2014
"Port"
Score
4.0 / 5
Getting the Cruise form this Port was outstanding.
David L., from 11-Feb-2014
"Too many people approaching"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city was just like the other islands I visited, too many people approaching you for money for trinkets.
Sharon J., from 05-Nov-2013
The average traveler rating of the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews