A Review of El Colonial Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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The combination of a late arrival and an early flight departure on a recent trip to Puerto Rico meant that Michael and I needed to spend our first and final nights in San Juan.

Rather than staying put the full five nights we were in Puerto Rico, we saw it as an opportunity to bookend our time in the rainforest and beaches by staying at not one, but two distinct San Juan hotels.

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I was probably more excited than most would be by this prospect, because it meant having the chance to stay in two different neighborhoods as well, promising a more comprehensive understanding of San Juan’s unique character. Calling multiple areas “home” during our stay allowed us to experience the multifaceted nature of the city, from the historic charm of Old San Juan to the modern energy of Santurce.

Old San Juan, with its compact layout and historic buildings, naturally commands higher nightly room rates compared to other areas in the sprawling capital city. Given our budget considerations, it made sense to limit our stay in this charming yet pricier part of the city. By spending only one night in Old San Juan, we could enjoy its unique atmosphere without significantly increasing our overall trip expenses.

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After carefully searching to find the best hotel for our hard-earned travel funds, we landed on one property that met all of our needs and more without breaking the bank: El Colonial. This hotel offered the perfect blend of affordability, comfort, and historic charm, making it an ideal choice for our stay in Old San Juan.

ABOUT EL COLONIAL HOTEL

The lobby at El Colonial — A chic, comfortable lobby beckons weary travelers to relax

El Colonial is part of the impressive collection of over twenty-five buildings managed by the San Juan 901 hospitality group, whose portfolio spans Viejo San Juan and Puerta de Tierra. This thirty-three-bedroom boutique hotel is housed in a historic building that dates back to the 19th century and is just a short walk from many of the city’s top sights and most iconic views.

The property’s seamless blend of old and new offers guests a truly local and immersive experience in Puerto Rico’s capital. But before this post goes any further, there are two key things guests should know before booking their stay:

The hotel has no elevator, and there are no rooms on the ground floor.
Though the drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, the hotel only welcomes guests aged 23 or older (i.e., children are not permitted).

If both of those terms are agreeable to you and your party, then you’re in for a treat!

But which room to choose? I’d have loved nothing more than the chance to experience every room style at El Colonial, but with only one night at my disposal, I could only experience one of the four room style options: The Juliette Balconet room.

ABOUT THE JULIETTE BALCONET ROOM

Alyssa looks out the balcony in the Juliette Balconet room. — The Juliette Balconet room is true to its name, with a balconet that overlooks Callejón de la Capilla

Bed and closet in the room at El Colonial — All rooms at El Colonial feature a Queen bed

When staying anywhere for just one night, I typically choose the base-level room to save money, so it was a pleasant surprise to be upgraded from the Queen Standard room to the Juliette Balconet room. The focal point in this room, of course, is the charming balconet, which beckons visitors to throw open the doors and soak in the sights and sounds of Old San Juan.

Inside, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This room features a plush Queen bed, soaring ceilings, a smart TV, a tidy workstation, ample clothing storage, a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water, and a private ensuite bathroom. The minimalist furniture and decor highlight the room’s architectural features, allowing the ornate tile floors and dark wood balconet doors to shine.

EL COLONIAL HOTEL AMENITIES

The bar at El Colonial — El Colonial offers a highly unique amenity: an open bar

View of Old San Juan from El Colonial — Take in the view from the rooftop deck of El Colonial

Three bathtubs on the roof — Unwind from the day with a soak in the hotel’s tinas de baño

To me, the most interesting parts of a hotel stay happen outside of the room, and that’s where El Colonial’s best amenities are found. The hotel bar is completely free for registered guests and is staffed with a bartender ready to serve up spirits, wine, local beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and fresh juices. Guests must wear a provided wristband in order to be served at the open bar (just don’t forget to tip!).

After grabbing a drink from the bar, you should head up the stairs to enjoy my other favorite hotel feature: El Colonial’s rooftop deck. Here you can take in the view of the vibrant city and its port while relaxing in a lounge chair or soaking in one of the tinas de baño.

Don’t worry – El Colonial’s amenities also include the ones you’ve probably already come to expect (air-conditioning, free WiFi, a 24/7 front desk), plus the addition of beach towels for your time in the sun.

MY EXPERIENCE AT EL COLONIAL HOTEL

The hotel bar and two passionfruit drinks — There’s no standing and waiting to check in – instead, guests are encouraged to relax on the sofa with a welcome cocktail

El Colonial effortlessly combines old-world allure with contemporary comforts, creating an environment that feels suspended in time. In a world that is so fast-paced, it was a welcome relief to slow down and savor each moment of our stay – starting the very second we walked through the front door.

At most hotels, check-in typically involves minimal interaction – guests simply hand over their credit card and receive a key in return.

But the experience at El Colonial was refreshingly different: Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a delightful rum and passion fruit cocktail and invited to relax on a lobby sofa while we reviewed the property’s features and amenities. I could feel the stress of navigating the busy city melting away with each sip, and then it completely vanished with the generous offer to carry our bags up the stairs to our room.

Stairs at El Colonial — Yes, there are stairs – but there are also cheeky signs at every landing to encourage you on your way up

Reflection of the Juliette Balconet Room — The rooms are simply furnished, but fully functional (bonus points for a long mirror!)

Alyssa is visible behind the bathroom door — One little gripe: Frosted glass on the bathroom door (meaning, you should be quite comfortable with your roommate!)

The room’s furnishings were a mix of older solid wood pieces and newer ones from IKEA, thoughtfully arranged for ease of movement throughout the room. To tell the truth, we spent far more time outside of our room than inside it (well, if you don’t count time spent sleeping). After a quick refresh in the well-appointed bathroom, we eagerly returned to the lobby for another round of drinks before venturing up to the rooftop.

Although open access to the hotel bar wasn’t my primary reason for booking El Colonial, it was the factor that nudged it ahead of the competition. It offered the chance to unwind without extra expenses, toasting to one final night in the Puerto Rican capital (and what a beautiful place to do so!).

A little seating area in the hallway — On our way to the rooftop, we spotted a few of the hotel’s tucked-away seating areas, perfect for reading or working (sorry if you’re having to work on your vacation!)

Alyssa sits with a drink and looks out at the city — The rooftop feels like an oasis and is best enjoyed with a drink from the bar

I didn’t know quite what to expect from our visit to the rooftop at our first adults-only hotel – would it be rowdy with revelers taking advantage of the flowing alcohol?

I was so pleased to find that it was not. The atmosphere on the rooftop deck was decidedly calm, and all of the other guests were quietly chatting in groups or tucked away reading a book. Not only does the minimum age of 23 likely help to keep the lobby bar a little more stocked, but it also makes the overall experience much more relaxed.

Michael and I spent the better part of an hour sitting together, soaking in the view and reflecting on how much we were going to miss the island when we returned home the next day.

Seats in the Lobby at the hotel — Sitting in the lobby once more with a fresh cup of coffee was a fitting end to our stay

With an early flight, our checkout time came way too soon the following morning. I would have loved another night (or five!) at El Colonial, but the staff kindly softened the disappointment at leaving by offering us free water and coffee while we waited for our Uber.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the comfortable accommodations and unique amenities, it was the hotel staff that made our visit truly exceptional. Throughout our stay, the team was warm and welcoming in a way that felt genuine. They had an uncanny ability to anticipate our needs without being intrusive and often addressed them before we even realized it ourselves. To me, that’s the very definition of generous hospitality.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: EL COLONIAL HOTEL

Where is El Colonial located?

El Colonial is located in Old San Juan at 312 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico.

What time can I check in and check out?

Check-in is at 4 p.m., and checkout is at 11 a.m. The staff at El Colonial is happy to store your bags prior to check-in or after checkout.

Does the hotel offer housekeeping?

Yes, but only by request. To ask that your room be serviced, send a WhatsApp message to the front desk staff.

Are there any extra fees?

You shouldn’t expect any surprise fees on a typical stay, but a $250 fee will be charged if cigarette smoke is detected in the room, and there is also a $25 fee per item if any linens or towels are stained.

Does El Colonial offer parking?

No, there is very limited parking within Old San Juan, and I highly recommend you skip the rental car if you’re flying in (at least, while you’re staying in San Juan).

What else should I know about El Colonial?

As the hotel is located in a historic building, there is no elevator on site and all rooms are located up at least one flight of stairs. The minimum age for any guests is 23, and no children are permitted.

To be served at the open lobby bar, be sure to keep your wristband on for the duration of your stay (and don’t forget to tip your bartender!).

El Colonial is a historic hotel with, well, historic pipes. Like many other places across the Caribbean and Latin America, you will be asked to dispose of any toilet paper in the waste basket rather than the toilet. We’re all friends here, and I just don’t want you to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you know?

What’s nearby?

What isn’t nearby?

A stay at El Colonial places you within walking distance of iconic local sights like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, and La Fortaleza. It’s also minutes from wonderful restaurants like Verde Mesa and Marmalade, as well as the can’t-miss bar La Factoría. Find even more things to do by checking out my San Juan Weekend Guide.

CHECKING OUT: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT EL COLONIAL HOTEL

Reflecting on my stay at El Colonial fills me with a deep sense of longing to return someday. Its prime location in the heart of Old San Juan, coupled with its exceptional amenities and warm hospitality, left an indelible impression on me.

As Michael and I bid farewell to this charming boutique hotel, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia, already dreaming of the day when we can revisit.

Checking In: A Review of El Colonial Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico