Search hotels in San Juan

Nice little city to explore for a few days at the end of a two week trip to Puerto Rico. I always explore the capital last when visiting a country, gives me a chance to explore the culture before diving into the big smoke. Old San Juan is a charming architectural town, but is invaded by cruise ships daily. By the evening the ships clear off and the streets are quieter. A lot of restaurants close reasonably early which is something that takes some getting used to. So if you want the widest choice, be seated around 8pm. If you're looking for a good beer and empanada, visit Deshistoria: Birra & Empanadas. If you're looking for an excellent dive bar visit El Batey Bar. Don't be afraid to visit the old barrio of La Perla, on the northern old town waterfront. Some lively little bars on the seafront where music, dancing and ice cold beers flow. For a real flavour of local life in the capital you really need to explore around the Santurce area. Loads of local eateries and a vibrant nightlife scene. Santurce is also a great area to check out some of PR's best street art. San Juan isn't cheap, so don't expect a bargain stay. Old San Juan being the most expensive of the neighborhoods. Tipping 15% is also the norm at most establishments. If you're visiting PR, I highly recommend hiring a car and getting out of the city. Driving is safe and simple with 24/7 hire companies at the airport. Fuel is priced per litre and isn't that expensive given the small size of the island and decent road conditions. The best food can be found in many out of the way places along the road, not necessarily in town, so if it's busy when you pass by, stop, get yourself a table and tuck in to whatever everyone else is eating. You won't be disappointed.

Meals were fantastic at The Royal Sonesta Resort, but very large portions and pricey. Ruth Kris on site was a wonderful option to celebrate and we were able to make reservations with ease using opentable app. Loved the room, but the view of the ugly roof top could be improved with a little artistic imagination. Maybe paint the roof below those balcony ocean view rooms with a large wave mural camouflage replicating the blue turquoise ocean waves and white sands. Was distracting from the beautiful resort and ocean views. Old San Juan tour was beautiful and wonderful History. Manatee and Turtle excursion was cancelled with the bipolar weather of April - rain and too windy 'unusual according to the locals'. There were lots of beautiful adventures to explore but we didn't have enough time to see a lot of the fun stuff. Bioluminescent tour, rainforest, mountains, and hikes to the water falls, snorkeling with turtles, Bicardi Rum Factory. I didn't get to experience, but will definitely return to do so another time. Locals say to be leary of certain areas at night. We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel for $20 plus tip,and returned hotel to AP with an Uber XL for $16 plus tip. We disembarked from our cruise and took the old and new San Juan Excursion with the cruiseline, so all our luggage was transferred including the carryons and we didn't have to lug it around while waiting before Hotel check in time at 4pm. We arrived early at the hotel and enjoyed lunch then the pool and waited for a text to inform us later that day when the room was ready. We had just room service that first night, second night was at Ruth Kris.

I was in the Santurce arts district at a cheaper hotel, and I'm glad I did that. The beach scene is kind of trashy, but might be fine for some folks. The Old San Juan area is a tourist place, though some good restaurants. Definitely see the Colon and el Morro forts. If I were to do it again, I'd rent a car and get out of San Juan to have multiple days for el Yunque and other natural areas, and to just drive around the rest of the island. You can uber around, or rent scooters, and the busses go to the main places you'd want to visit.

The genuine warmth of the locals, the convenience of walking to almost any destination, the culinary delights, the reassuring safety for solo or family travelers, the plethora of breathtaking sights, the vibrant and familiar local culture, and the ever-present opportunity for enriching conversations combine to create an unforgettable experience.

North, south and east water fronts are walking distance. Walk the del Morro shore trail for beautiful views, iguanas and many outdoor cats. Shopping, restaurants and bars galore. We loved Kaffe Haus for breakfast, and La Taberna Lupulo has many craft beers and fabulous fish tacos. Warning: it is hot and very humid. Rains a lot!

Puerto Rico is an island, but we are conservative in our way of dressing, and walk with in our bathing suits only in the beach. Please be aware that not all the beaches are safe for swimming. San Juan faces the North Atlantic, with its strong currents. Please do not walk the streets with expensive jewelry. Park in paid parking, if possible.