cruise port HOTELs IN
central america
SAN JUAN
“How you cruise to Central America depends on the itinerary you choose. Some go there as part of Caribbean cruises, during which you may visit ports in Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Other Central America cruises sail there during Panama Canal cruises; those itineraries visit ports of call in Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.”
When developer Laurans S. Rockefeller opened his resort in the 1950s, he took care to preserve what made the former plantation, and Puerto Rico, special. Buildings were no taller than palm trees. Nature was left to unfurl beautifully. Access to the ocean remained unobstructed. over the years, the 50-acre retreat has carried on Rockefeller’s legacy of catering of those who value discretion, human connection, and tailored luxury.
Suites and Residences feature signatures tied to Puerto Rico: the ocean just outside your door; the personal attention of an Embajador; outdoor living space; an open-air shower and artwork capturing the colours of nature. The newly transformed Su Casa, built in the 1920s, offers a two-story, five-bedroom villa along the coastline.
Food creates a connection among people and with places, an appreciation for what is familiar and new. At Dorado Beach, dining is a culmination of elements, an exploration of flavours and techniques from Puerto Rico and around the world. From every table, the ocean is a constant reminder that there is always more to experience.
Nature plays a recurring role in the spa experience. An infinity pool overlooks a pineapple garden. Treatments are performed amid the treetops or in pavilions hidden off meandering paths. Body scrubs and poultices are crafted from indigenous ingredients. And apothecary-inspired interiors feature handmade illustrations of native plants.
‘They’ve created the ambience to facilitate happiness, peace, and love. Those things, in the end, are the reason for life.’
In Puerto Rico, a legend has been reborn and a brilliant future shines anew for Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – the hotel where luxury, elegance, and style began in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Stepping into the luxurious hotel lobby is like walking into an opulent past, where luxury, service, and “old-world” attention to detail are evident at every turn.
Its luxe roots were established in 1919 when Condado Vanderbilt Hotel opened its doors to European and Hollywood royalty, captains of industry, and bluebloods, all of whom crossed paths in its hallowed halls.
Today, luggage porters still whisk away bags at check-in, clothing is carefully laundered and meticulously folded, butlers never forget a name, and no guest’s needs go unfilled. “Extras” are not extra at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, where service is the stuff of legend.
Located in the magnificent Spanish Revival Building of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and with 350 square feet (32.52 square meters) of space, French windows open to scenic views of San Juan and the Condado area. All Heritage Two Queen rooms feature two queen-sized beds, natural lighting in bathrooms, and custom-made rich wood dressing areas.
Choose from luxurious lounges and fabulous bars to elegant San Juan restaurants and spacious and breezy, casual outdoor dining options. Accessible ramps and elevator to all the restaurants.
‘A five-star luxury hotel overlooking the sun-kissed Atlantic Ocean, located in the exclusive Condado District of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Relax in a historic, gracious oceanfront hideaway. Stunning views, spacious accommodations, and more. Step back in time to a modern, luxurious, and unique experience.’
Standing out from the massive resorts, this adults-only design-forward boutique hotel is located right between the Condado Lagoon and steps from the beach. Loads of city swagger, O:LV Fifty Five is a sophisticated city tower styled from the ground up by design powerhouse responsible for winning The Best Design Hotel of the World and Best New Boutique Hotel by London’s Boutique Hotel Awards.
It’s ultra-chic design, film noir art, and black and white marble floors define the luxuriously contemporary interiors. So yes this place feels like an interior designer’s dream home.
But first things first, their Design Suite has no windows but lots of details to see. It’s more spacious than a standard room and its design is above traditional. King size bed with leather and brass wall and custom furniture. Bespoke marble bathroom with his and her sink and ultra-spacious rainfall shower with jets.
The Portrait Studio has no view but lots of details to see as well. It’s more spacious than a standard room and its design is above traditional. King size bed with leather and brass wall and custom furniture. Bespoke marble bathroom with his and her sink, ultra-spacious walkable shower, a luxurious bathtub, and a selection of rooms even have an insiders lounge & relaxation area.
The Panorama Suite has been designed to blend into the panorama with floor to ceiling lagoon, city and sky views at every angle. King size bed with leather and brass wall, custom cabinets, and a sofa. Bespoke marble bathroom with his and her sink, ultra-spacious shower…
So beware of what room you book.
The strikingly designed Caribbean Asian restaurant brings the spirit of Asia to the heart of Puerto Rico. It takes you into a vibrant world of fresh fusion food created by the locally famous chef, Mario Pagan. Avocado chili drops, spiced adobo kurobuta ribs, wasabi grilled cheese, and beet matcha ice cream cookies are some of the recipes inspired by the flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, Korea & Japan. Experience the passion of the chef in a lively atmosphere and a dramatic setting furnished with marble patterned floors on the first floor..
‘When you look for high fashion design and modern trendy atmosphere you are in the right place here!’
San Juan’s only vegetarian hotel is located in the pristine neighborhood of Ocean Park, only 200 steps from the beach. From here it is a 10-minute walk to the highly touristic area of Condado and a short 10-minute ride to the Old City or the airport.
The number one hotel in Puerto Rico features 9 rooms and 3 suites; all decorated within the unique style of its own.
The famous breakfast & brunch is served daily and sourced mostly locally. They are committed to using organic produce with a low carbon footprint and offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You may also choose between juice blends, homemade hemp milk, and kombucha elixirs made with all-natural ingredients. The Dreamcatcher is proud to be supporting this type of experience in which guests enjoy healthy foods as they spend some time away from home.
Dreamcatcher is the only vegetarian hotel in San Juan. You may sign up for yoga and meditation classes, take part in sightseeing tours, do paddle boarding, or opt for nature-adventure tours outside of the typical touristy options. You may also rent a bicycle and go for a ride around the neighborhood beaches or the popular Loíza Street.
Everything about this inn suggests relaxation. It smells of incense, as one can listen to the meditation music in the background and hear the flow of water from the fountain. At almost every corner of this captivating place, from guest rooms to common areas, there are dreamcatchers. These artifacts can be traced back to the native people of North America who used to make them by hand, as symbols of protection from nightmares and enablers of only beautiful dreams. And these happen to be the same positive vibes The Dreamcatcher team wants to send its guests as they walk in the main door.
There are beaches a short walk away in both directions when you leave the front gate. There are two vegetarian kitchens on the property that are available for use – they supply pots, pans, dishes, utensils. You just supply the food and prepare it yourself. There’s an herb garden that you can help yourself to. There are chairs all over the gardens so you can sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds that make Puerto Rico so exotic and beautiful.
In 2017 The Dreamcatcher was awarded Top 10 International Bed&Breakfast and it has been rated #1 hotel in Puerto Rico for four years in a row.
‘An Oasis in Paradise for travelers seeking peace. This place is unlike anywhere I’ve ever stayed. If you’re seeking an experience and something completely different that is tranquil and makes you feel in touch with nature, this is it.’
Sometimes you find a hidden treasure. And in this case a 3-star hidden gem in old town San Juan.
The Gallery Inn is a stunning twenty-three room boutique hotel that sits high aloft the Old San Juan City’s North Wall, commanding sensuous Atlantic Ocean breezes and gorgeous 360º views over the San Juan Bay and mountainous central regions of Puerto Rico.
Brick patios, antique arches, ausubo beams, and a multitude of sculptured fountains are among the Inn’s many charming architectural details. Nineteen glorious gardens and five active art studios are tucked away between twenty-seven beautifully appointed guest rooms, all with Tempur-Pedic mattresses.
Rooms are artistically scattered through seven juxtaposed levels resembling more of a historic museum than a hotel. You are encouraged to explore the 17th-century mansion to find your own nook of tranquility.
Certainly not-to-be-missed, meandering through the Sunken Garden is the two-waterfall swimming pool constructed around original ancient walls and doorways that wind through its center.
The Inn’s proximity to Old San Juan’s historic monuments, museums, and famous eateries, combined with its North-Wall, fresh sea-breeze location, make this one of Puerto Rico’s best!
There are delightfully unique four-star rooms. The scale according to your needs: from the comfortable Artisan Rooms with full beds to the masterfully appointed Suites which includes among many amenities a sweepingly commanding balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
They make every effort to ensure that your stay will exceed your expectations and as a part of that, all of the rooms are furnished with pressure-relieving Tempur-Pedic Swedish design mattresses and pillows.
Rooms are also gallery spaces. You’ll find silk screens, watercolors, sculptures, and paintings all created by your hostess, Jan D’Esopo.
The Venetian-style Music Room is home to regularly scheduled world-class Chamber Music Concerts. The lofty wine deck offers a breath-taking panorama; the highest views of Old San Juan. Alamanda Gardens with its many fruit trees and night-blooming fragrant flowers offers the perfect place for quiet reflection and relaxation.
‘Explore the Inn and make it up to the top of the building that overlooks the city and the ocean view because it is breathtaking. Every time you think you have found the perfect place to sit and relax you will see you something else I want to explore.’
A Historic Hotel in the Heart of Old San Juan.
Imagine a destination as grand and storied as the “Isle of Enchantment” itself, nestled just steps away from historic landmarks and nightlife. Old world charm and elegance meet contemporary comfort and luxury at Hotel El Convento. Built in 1646, it was the first Small Luxury Hotel of the World member in Puerto Rico and is the oldest member of the Historic Hotels of America.
You will enjoy a range of comforts and amenities, including access to the Beach Club, fitness center, pool, and a nightly complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres reception.
As one of the most historic luxury hotels in San Juan, this hotel offers San Juan accommodations unlike any other. Relax and unwind in any of the timeless 58 hotel rooms that feature ornate handcrafted furniture, marble bathrooms, and Andalusian tile floors. Sit back and take in a gorgeous “vista” of the bay. From the exposed rich mahogany beams to every modern comfort, the loving and refined restoration of the Spanish Colonial hotel is reflected in the design of this architectural gem in the heart of Old San Juan.
Just outside the lobby, you can wander the streets of colorful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, to experience the finest museums and attractions, including stunning cathedrals and world-renowned historic forts. Nearby attractions include the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, San Felipe del Morro Fortress, and the Pablo Casals Museum.
All the room and suites types are refined and spacious accommodations have beautiful Spanish Furniture and some have Louver doors that open to a Juliet balcony with a colorful view of the San Juan Cathedral, and the bustling town square.
In Hotel El Convento you can enjoy a delightful dining experience without leaving the hotel. From sumptuous breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to convenient in-room dining, they have the ideal option for any taste and occasion. Enjoy the signature restaurant Patio del Níspero, and the recently added Santísimo. Cocktail and art impresario, Pablo Rodríguez, has teamed up with Chef Antonio Pérez to launch Santísimo, a souvenir experience perched within the courtyard oasis at El Convento.
Chef Antonio blends contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine with world techniques, while Pablo Rodríguez injects his renowned beverage industry passion to yield the perfect balance of foodie haven and Puerto Rican lifestyle. Always looking for optimal freshness in produce which translates into un unpretentious, delicious, and fun dining experience.
“The true San Juan feeling on a perfect location.’
A luxury hotel with San Juan at your feet with the coolest rooftop bar. A sweet transitional where it is. Exquisite and luxury design. A beautiful oasis.
O:live Boutique Hotel presents a unique style of relaxed luxury and laid back intimacy. Romance is their thing! It’s prime location by the Condado Lagoon and artistic atmosphere makes this charming boutique hotel part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Behind every detail in O:live lies a story of traveling to Morocco, Spagna, Italia, and France. Details that draw inspiration from each country are evident throughout. The artwork in the hallways is from the own private collection of the owners’ photographs taken during their travels. They put together a timeless look using Old Provençal and Tuscan style furniture. All wood furniture is made with over 100-year-old restored woods, purchased from curators of the finest historical design the world has to offer.
Guest rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and air conditioning, and Olive Boutique Hotel offers easy access to free Wi-Fi. All beautifully designed.
The ultrachic new Sage restaurant, located in the first level, is already proving to be one of San Juan’s finest new restaurants. Chef Mario Pagán brings creativity and flair and energy transforming classic steakhouse fare into playful relevant dishes.
In addition, you can use a swimming pool and lounge during their visit.
Local attractions such as Ocean Park (2.9 km) and The Capitol of Puerto Rico (3.3 km) make Olive Boutique Hotel a great accommodation for visiting San Juan.
We recommend that you try shrimp at one of the restaurants nearby, such as Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar, Punto de Vista Rooftop Restaurant or Oceano, during your visit to San Juan.
Make sure to visit La Placita de Santurce (1.0 km) during your visit. This is a popular attraction within walking distance of the hotel.
‘Olive Boutique Hotel is the ideal place to stay and the perfect base from which to discover San Juan. You will feel at home from the minute you enter. Sunset at the rooftop bar with one of the specialty drinks is a must.’