Where To Stay in Old San Juan (& Why You Should Visit Now)

Four years ago, my friend Van and I traveled to Old San Juan separately with our boyfriends before  knowing each other outside of Instagram. We recently had the chance to return to this colorful Puerto Rican city, which now more than ever is worth the visit for anyone looking to plan a new trip. Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria, tourism is extremely important to Puerto Rico's ongoing recovery efforts. 

Old San Juan especially is ready to welcome visitors, with streets as vibrant as ever and cultural experiences to remember. We spent just a weekend in the city this time around, but will no doubt be making another trip soon. It is a place that continues to hold some of our best memories, and one that continues to create more. I highly encourage any travelers to pay a visit to Puerto Rico soon, as your tourist dollars help rebuild and restore the island. 

I will be sharing our Old San Juan itinerary in a separate post soon, but in the meantime scroll on to find out our suggestion for the best accommodations in town:

Van and I enjoyed a stay at the historic Hotel El Convento, a landmark that began as a convent over three centuries ago. Now standing as a luxury hotel with over 50 rooms, it is a fantastic choice for travelers looking for some of the best accommodations in Old San Juan. The photos cannot do the hotel justice, with its vibrant yellow exterior and airy verandas all around. Its location is ideal for food, drinks, and almost everything else - there isn't much more you can ask for.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Hotel El Convento has recovered beautifully and continues to offer unforgettable accommodations and amenities to its guests. Start your vacation with an al fresco breakfast at Patio del Nispero, the hotel's centrally-located courtyard restaurant. Complete the leisurely morning with a dip in the rooftop pool, which is accompanied by stunning views over the old town. We spent both mornings lounging on this terrace and enjoying the warm Puerto Rican sunshine before heading out to town.

The rooms at Hotel El Convento are both uniquely designed and extra cozy, proven by the fact that we basically forgot to take photos while lounging around in our robes. As much as I love a productive day of travel, it is never a bad idea to take breaks for planning and rejuvenating. The room's amenities provided everything we could think of and more. We were so comfortable that we ended up ordering Sunday's breakfast to the room (tip: ask for the cappuccino)!

Each evening the hotel hosts happy hour with complimentary wine, cheese, and fruit. With the sunset gleaming in the background, it is the perfect time to unwind from a day of exploring and prepare for the San Juan nightlife.

Thank you so much to Hotel El Convento for hosting such a wonderful stay in Old San Juan. Our love for Puerto Rico remains strong, and we hope our experience encourages you to add this destination to your travel list. Stay tuned for more trip highlights!