9 Hotels Closest to the San Juan Cruise Port
Savvy cruisers know the key to a seamless and stress-free embarkation experience. It’s spending the night before your cruise in the port city of embarkation. It gives you a chance to explore your home port a little more before beginning your cruise. Plus, you don’t have to worry about being rushed or missing your embarkation time because of a late or missed flight. You’re already there!
The San Juan cruise port is the Caribbean’s largest and busiest port, operating two separate terminals—San Juan Terminal in Old San Juan and Pan-Am cruise terminal, located across the harbor. Puerto Rico is a departure destination for many Southern Caribbean cruises. It’s also included on numerous Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries. Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Holland America Line and MSC Cruises all port in San Juan on varied Caribbean itineraries.
We’ve made your hotel search easier with a round up of hotels near the San Juan cruise port. All are located within a mile of it and earned a Google rating of 4.5 stars or better.
Situated on the waterfront just .2 miles from the cruise port, Sheraton Old San Juan provides convenient access to Old San Juan’s historic sites, art galleries, restaurants and eclectic mix of shops. The hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, so you can earn/redeem your Marriott points with a stay here.
The hotel completed a year-long renovation project in mid-2021. It included all of the 198 guestrooms, 38 of its 42 suites, the lobby and public spaces and a stunning new rooftop pool. Settle into well-appointed spaces awash with a relaxing coastal-inspired palette of sky blue and sand. Most rooms offer bay, city or historic fort views. Each is fitted with multi USB and electrical ports, an in-room safe, mini fridge, soundproof windows and brand new Sheraton Sleep Experience beds. Other notable amenities include their on-site restaurant Palio, which showcases Puerto Rican fusion cuisine and sustainably caught seafood. A well-equipped fitness center overlooks San Juan Bay and is furnished with treadmills, Stairmasters, weight machines and free weights. There’s also a separate shower and dressing room.
This boutique hotel near the San Juan cruise port adds a dash of Morocco to Old San Juan. Each of the 32 rooms (including two suites) is distinctly adorned with an eclectic mix of modern locally curated art and antique pieces that date back to the early 1900s. Rooms also feature the KEYPR In-Room tablet valet service, which enables touchless communication between guests and staff. Relax in one of the stone bathtubs on CasaBlanca’s rooftop terrace. It’s an ideal spot to take in stunning sunrise and sunset views. Past guests also cite top-notch service, a panoramic elevator and a fun atmosphere among reasons for a return stay.
Begin your day with a meal at the on-site restaurant, Cafe Mimosa. Menu items include Mallorca sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, omelettes and, you guessed it, mimosas. Choose from fresh fruit juices like guava, soursop, grapefruit, Caribbean cherry, tamarindo and pineapple. The hotel bar, Playroom, serves up a cozy, speakeasy vibe.
Located in the heart of historic Old San Juan, the structure that houses this boutique hotel was built in the late 1700s. The building was originally a home for Spanish settlers and military personnel who guarded nearby forts. The property maintains its rich history with original details like the restored antique water cistern that’s still in use.
Guests can choose from eight ample and well appointed guest rooms that include modern amenities like AC, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a mini fridge, a hair dryer and 24-hour front desk and room service. Comfy robes are also provided with all rooms. A soak in the rooftop terrace Jacuzzi offers spectacular views of San Cristóbal fort, the capitol and the Atlantic Ocean.
On-site dining is available at 352 Food and Drink, which serves breakfast and lunch. Morning meals are enjoyed via continental or a la carte breakfast with pancakes, French toast, breakfast burritos and other items. For lunch choose from steak, seafood, wraps, salads and Puerto Rican specialties like arepas and cachapas (two variations of corn pancakes). Vegan options are also available, and soy and almond milks are on hand for coffee and smoothies.
This adults-only (23 and older crowd) is an ideal option for singles and couples seeking a kid-free escape. This refurbished 150-year-old building boasts a sleek, modern style that blends beautifully with the original Colonial architecture. Each of the 10 rooms includes 24-hour front desk service, AC, Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen TV with Sling TV already set up. Guests in the queen private terrace room enjoy their own terrace with an outdoor tub and shower. Some rooms feature a juliette balcony overlooking Capilla or San Francisco streets.
While there’s no on-site dining option, guests are just steps away from a bevy of restaurants—Mojitos, Casa Cortés ChocoBar and Raíces are within a 3-minute walk. Also, a stay comes with 24/7 access to an intimate, complimentary open bar area. Wine, vodka and rum drinks, local beers, freshly squeezed juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee are available exclusively for hotel guests. It’s an ideal spot to mingle with staff and fellow guests.
It’s important to note that there’s no elevator here. Rooms begin on the second floor, requiring a walk up to every room (staff will handle your luggage).
Old San Juan’s first bed and breakfast, Casa Sol is located within a Spanish colonial home.
It captures the 18th century’s distinct historical details and cultural attributes in a fusion of charming colonial and contemporary styles. Owners Eddie Ramírez and Margarita Pastor enlisted the help of well-known architect Billy Ramirez Castellano to restore the building to its former glory. Take a look at the before and after photos of the process on their website. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the building’s architectural history, as well as the effort it takes to preserve it.
Sustainability is an important element in all they do here. They’ve installed solar panels for both hot water and electricity, as well as energy-efficient lights and water-saving faucets. In addition, they restored the home’s original cistern to be fully functional. Daily breakfasts are even an act of sustainability. Ingredients for delicious dishes like French toast, quiche, coconut pancakes and fresh omelettes are locally sourced from area farmers and vendors. A stay here supports not only the bed and breakfast, but the local businesses they work with. Their eco-friendly efforts garnered Casa Sol both Green Key and Sustainable Tourism Facility certifications.
Each of the five guest rooms boast grand ceilings, complimentary Wi-Fi and USB connections. Rooms also include AC, but you likely won’t need it. The home was designed pre-AC, so excellent airflow, thick walls and tall ceilings naturally keep the rooms cool during the day. Rooms also connect to the airy interior courtyard, the perfect oasis to socialize over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Formerly a mansion, this fully restored boutique hotel near the San Juan cruise port is another historic charmer. Eight beautifully appointed rooms feature cool tiled floors and a private patio. They’re decorated with an exotic combination of original antiques and vintage-style new furnishings. Works from local and international artists adorn the rustic fashioned walls.
Choose from classic queen, comfort king and sun deck suites. Rooms also feature balconies with lovely Spanish-style courtyard views, private shower-only bathrooms and windows that open to welcome in fresh breezes. Restful nights are easy to come by with cozy beds dressed with premium bedding and pillow top mattresses. Additional amenities offered are AC, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and daily housekeeping. All rooms access the hotel’s dining room, courtyard and library. Sun deck suites connect to the spacious and romantic rooftop sun deck, with lounge chairs, dining tables, a day bed and open air sun showers.
Originally constructed in 1651, this historic building was a Carmelite convent until 1903. The structure served as a derelict boarding house, then a garbage truck garage before being nearly destroyed in the 1950s. Department store heir Robert Woolworth and local tourism officials transformed the structure into a luxury hotel in 1962. In its heyday the hotel was a lure for celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Rita Hayworth and Ethel Merman. One of the suites is even named for designer and frequent guest Gloria Vanderbilt. Big bands and a flamenco troupe performed regularly in the elegant black-tie-required dining room and adjoining Club Convento.
Today, the hotel remains true to its historic beginnings with touches like a stately, arched doorway, Andalusian tile floors, mahogany beamed ceilings and old-world style antique furnishings. Modern perks like complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and Bose radios in every room bring it into the 21st century.
The 58 rooms span five floors and provide impressive views of either the Old City or the San Juan Bay. Guests have access to a refreshing plunge pool and Jacuzzi, a 24-hour fitness center and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine served in the hotel’s restaurant. Guests are further pampered with complimentary wines and hors d’oeuvres every afternoon in the gorgeous La Veranda terrace.
Opened in January 2021, this 43-room luxury hotel is tucked within an early-19th-century structure where area politicians and artists would meet regularly for deputy-council meetings. (Visitors can dive deeper into the building’s history thanks to interactive QR codes posted throughout the property.)
The design is an artful compromise between the building’s heritage and modernity. High ceilings and wooden beams oversee contemporary and uncomplicated furnishings in pleasant neutral tones. Walls are dressed with artwork created by local artists. Rooms are spacious and airy with lavish beds, cleverly hidden mini fridge and microwave and tiled bathrooms with generously-sized walk-in showers. Some rooms feature expansive wooden window doors leading out to a private Juliet balcony. From the rooftop infinity pool, you can take in epic views of San Juan Bay.
On-property dining is available at Consular Restaurant & Bar, and the menu is extensive. Choose from breakfast items, steak and seafood dishes, salads, shareable plates and artisan pizza and sandwiches baked in the restaurant’s brick oven. You can also sample a bevy of signature cocktails, beer and wine. Brunch is served every Sunday.
Travelers overnighting it in this restored 19th-century colonial-style building can opt for one of the 20 guest rooms or suites. As the property’s name implies, room decor is a nod to grape varietals like malbec, muscat, zinfandel, grenache and cabernet sauvignon. Furnishings evoke a mid-century modern vibe with simple silhouettes and luxurious textiles.
Some guest rooms feature balconies, while others include access to a peaceful interior courtyard. Ideal for families or travelers who want to spread out, suites include separate living spaces and ample layouts. Some also sport kitchenettes and sofa beds, as well as private terraces or balconies that look out over Old San Juan.
Decanter Hotel offers wheelchair accessible rooms and the building has a spacious elevator for guest use. Other extras like 24-hour front desk & concierge service, free breakfast for two people per room and a wide selection of wine and Taittinger Champagne are worth noting.
After a day of exploring Puerto Rico, unwind and relish the sunset with a glass of wine on the rooftop terrace.
Bottom line
If you extend your stay in Puerto Rico more than one night pre- or post-cruise (which we highly recommend), accommodations outside the Metro area abound. Pamper yourself with a stay at one of Puerto Rico’s high-end resorts. Or, consider a cozy “home” stay at one of many Airbnbs on the island. Want to vacation like a local? Book a stay at a parador for an authentic Puerto Rican experience.
