Which are the best luxury hotels in Puerto Rico, the city of San Juan? The best hotels include Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, Caribe Hilton, Dorado Beach a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Four Seasons Cayo Largo, Hotel El Convento, InterContinental, La Concha Renaissance, Marriott Resorts.
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island packed full of nature. Explore rainforests, coral reefs, and beautiful bays. San Juan is renowned for its historic walled center, museums, and casinos, but once you leave the city, you can hike through tropical rainforests and dive among coral reefs off Mona Island, home of sunken Spanish galleons. On a moonless night, tour the phosphorescent bays at Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve or Vieques’ Mosquito Bay, where tiny organisms illuminate the waters.
As a major hub for small planes to the rest of the islands, many travelers know more about the San Juan airport than the adventures awaiting on this beautiful island a thousand miles southeast of Miami, FL. Puerto Rico is almost the 51st state, as it is under the U.S. customs jurisdiction but retains local government and populace proud of its autonomy. Puerto Rico runs on the U.S. dollar and English is widely spoken, plus many U.S. mobile phone carriers offer service without extra fees, so a vacation here can be a home away from home.
1. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, San Juan
Definitely one of the best luxury hotels in San Juan and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is the exclusive Condado District of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This hotel is the perfect destination for exploring the many sights and attractions of this vibrant city. The hotel is located a short four-and-a-half miles from the San Juan International Airport (SJU).
The Condado Vanderbilt elegantly sits at the heart of the Condado district of San Juan. This oceanfront neighborhood features some of the most beautiful historic and luxurious homes in San Juan and is also known for its high-end shopping during the day and the epicenter of nightlife after dark.
Take a breezy walk down Ashford Avenue, where you can shop in luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Cartier. Be sure to visit La Ventana al Mar, a popular open square facing the ocean, where you can enjoy a wonderful cocktail while gazing at Condado beach. If you crave more adventure, visit the historic Spanish forts and castles of Old San Juan.
There’s a storied history behind the Spanish Revival facade of the classic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Built in 1919 by Frederick William Vanderbilt as a high-toned tropical retreat, the 319-room hotel soon became the center of island society, welcoming everyone from Errol Flynn to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Its graceful archways and sweeping staircases harken back to those bygone days, while a meticulous renovation brings 21st-century elegance. Native son Chef Juan José Cuevas returned from the Big Apple to create a tantalizing, island-sourced menu. Couples of all kinds bond over the spa’s Time for Two journeys.
2. Hotel El Convento
Another excellent candidate for the best luxury hotel in San Juan is Hotel El Convento, which was created from a Carmelite convent built 360 years ago. Today, it enjoys an acclaimed reputation as San Juan’s grande dame hotel, offering every conceivable amenity to lucky guests.
Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, El Convento, the cruise ship piers of Old San Juan are just steps away, as are the district’s museums, landmarks, nightlife, and restaurants. The hotel is also just 25 miles to El Yunque Rain Forest.
Inside, the hotel showcases handcrafted furniture, mahogany beams, and Andalusian-tile floors in the 58 guestrooms, which have a distinctive character and convey the spirit of the Old World with elegant marble bathrooms and vistas of Old San Juan and its bay.
The Garden Terrace, overlooking the Plaza de las Monjas and historic San Juan Cathedral, offers a serene atmosphere with which to enjoy late afternoon cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available on the Garden Terrace. When quiet contemplation is in order, visit the Library directly off the Garden Terrace and revel in a favorite book or magazine.
Luxuriate under the warm tropical sun, enjoy the beautiful sunsets over San Juan Bay, take a dip in the plunge pool or soothe tired feet in the Jacuzzi on the flower-bedecked rooftop Pool Terrace, with its spectacular panoramic views of Old San Juan. Guests can work out at the hotel’s Fitness Center, complete with a treadmill, stair-climber, and free weights. For the ultimate in relaxation, experience a soothing massage.
Guests who want a beach experience can take advantage of the El Convento Beach Club and enjoy a day of sand and surf on the most beautiful beach in San Juan, Isla Verde beach. The hotel is happy to provide guests with an “Introduction Card” to the Isla Verde Beach Resort, where they will have all beach and pool privileges for the day.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, is another great choice and a Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Category 7 Marriott hotel which is located on a two-mile stretch of golden-sand beach in Isla Verde, minutes from historic Old San Juan. This pristine beachfront property in Isla Verde is caressed by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and has the best executive club lounge on Puerto Rico.
The resort features 416 rooms and suites, including The Ritz-Carlton Club Level with exclusive culinary and beverage offerings throughout the day; five restaurants, including BLT Steak and Il Mulino New York, as well as the recently unveiled speakeasy; a world-class spa and fitness center; 24-hour in-room dining; a swimming pool overlooking the beach; a vibrant casino; and a Ritz-Kids program. Puerto Rico’s most popular attractions are also easily accessible in the cosmopolitan culture and nightlife of San Juan.
A highlight is The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level which is their version of a club lounge and is perfectly located on the ninth floor with azure views of the Atlantic Ocean and lush gardens of the hotel. A “hotel within a hotel,” the Club Level combines privacy, comfort, and exclusivity with the personalized service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, making it the ideal place to conduct business, plan a family outing or simply unwind.
The welcoming lounge offers complimentary food and beverage presentations, including continental breakfast, light lunch, hors d’oeuvres, cordials, and sweets, which may be enjoyed on the exclusive balcony with spectacular views of the ocean.
4. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is located between downtown San Juan and the award-winning Isla Verde Beach of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Venture inside and find an ode to traditions, old and new. This hotel has history. In the 1960s society headliners crooned in the nightclub, and generations of locals celebrated life’s greatest milestones in its ballrooms.
At every turn, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel will captivate you with its island hospitality, storied décor, innovative cuisine, proximity to the best things to do in San Juan, and exciting nightlife inspired by life’s greatest moments. It is worth noting that there’s no executive club lounge or Gold Club Level at this hotel.
5. Caribe Hilton
Admire ocean and tropical garden views from Caribe Hilton, one of the most famous hotels in Puerto Rico.
Set on a secluded peninsula with 17 acres of lush foliage, this San Juan resort is situated between historic Old San Juan and the culturally rich Condado area of San Juan. With no passport required for U.S. citizens, Caribe Hilton is an easy Caribbean getaway.
Celebrating 70 years and extensive restoration after a 15-month closure, you can enjoy a secluded beach, pools, tennis courts, spa & hammock garden, nine restaurants, and bars, including Caribar and Morton’s The Steakhouse, and there’s a Conference Center. Usefully, the hotel is also located adjacent to Paseo Caribe with dining, shopping & entertainment.
This is a complete resort hotel in Puerto Rico’s historic capital, with beautiful pools, a private beach, tennis courts, tropical gardens, the Zen Spa Oceano, and a swim-up bar, among others.
6. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a Rewards Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy hotel. ideal for visiting Condado beach. Escape in rooms and suites boasting balconies with scenic views along with plush beds, high-speed Wi-Fi and large flat-panel TVs.
Enjoy the restaurants, the sunshine by the scenic pool surrounded by swaying palm trees, and the waterslide. At night you can live it up at the pool bar, on-site casino, or one of the on-site bars. This hotel doesn’t have an executive lounge but if you are looking for a Marriott with an executive club lounge, you can try the Sheraton Hotel & Casino.
7. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort is a Rewards Category 6 is a beachfront Rewards Category 6 hotel that provides a luxury stay just steps from Condado Beach. Explore the vibrant architecture of Old San Juan and pristine beaches in the popular district of Isla Verde.
When you’re ready to unwind from adventure, rest in chic rooms and suites with plush bedding, room service, and stylish décor. Many rooms and accommodations feature outdoor balconies with ocean views. You can also soak in gorgeous beach views at one of three outdoor pools. Before your stay reaches its end, place your bets at the on-site Casino de Mar.
8. Four Seasons Cayo Largo, Puerto Rico
My final two hotels in this selection are not in San Juan at all. They are on the island of Puerto Rico but outside of town. I include them because they truly are the best luxury hotels in Puerto Rico and a stay on this island would not be complete without a night or two at either of these wonderful hotels.
San Four Seasons Cayo Largo, Puerto Rico is set to Open in Late 2020 and is Four Seasons’ 4th Caribbean resort, joining the best Four Seasons in the Caribbean which we have reviewed previously.
Four Seasons Cayo Largo will be one of the best luxury hotels in Puerto Rico and will be located in Fajardo on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, about a 45-minute drive from the airport (SJU). There are nonstop flights to SJU from many U.S., Caribbean, and other cities.
This Four Seasons hotel has a low-density villa-style design, with more than half of the rooms and suites containing private plunge pools. This expansive beachfront resort will also include an 18-hole Reese Jones golf course, outdoor pools, multiple restaurants, a spa, and fitness center, Kids for All Seasons Kids’ Club, and a teen hangout, among other amenities.
Wherever you are in the world, Four Seasons hotels are consistently one of the best hotels or resorts in the area. They don’t have a Four Seasons loyalty program, so you will never be able to book a free stay by racking up and redeeming points, or by collecting points on your credit card and spending them at a Four Seasons hotel. It can’t be done. But you can get discounts at Four Seasons hotels and benefit from special rewards at Four Seasons hotels for no extra cost by booking your next stay via our luxury travel concierge.
9. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a Reserve sanctuary which is the first of its kind in the Americas, with its secluded location, intimate accommodations, exclusive amenities, and personalized Embajador service.
With 115 oceanfront guestrooms spread across 50 acres and one mile of beach, this luxurious island sanctuary is encircled by coral reefs, blue Caribbean waters, and a lush tropical forest. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve was ‘grandfathered’ to be built on the footprint of the former Laurance Rockefeller estate, allowing for every guestroom and restaurant to rest directly on the beach, only steps from the sea.
For green credentials, Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve pursued and achieved a LEED Silver Certification, which is awarded to properties that achieve a particular level of sustainability. This level has only been given to less than 50 hotels worldwide, none comparable to Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in terms of luxury.
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