The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a unique property located in the heart of Old San Juan. It’s set on a hill above the famous La Fortaleza castle and is a short walk from Plaza de Armas, which is the center of Old San Juan. The hotel has an interesting history and was once home to writer Kurt Vonnegut when he lived in Puerto Rico. The Fairmont Hotel chain acquired it in 2008 before renovating it and reopening it as the Fairmont El San Juan (FESJ) in 2010. To find out more about this hotel, read our complete review below and if you think this hotel may be for you, you can also book directly through their website here .
Awards and Recognition
The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has been recognized as one of the Top 500 Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure and has also been recognized as one of the Top 10 Beach Hotels in the Caribbean alongside hotels such as the Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma and the Ritz-Carlton Abama. The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has also received recognition as one of the 10 Best Hotels in Old San Juan by Condé Nast Traveler, one of the Top 10 Hotels in Puerto Rico by TripAdvisor and one of the 12 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal.
Best season to visit
The best time to stay at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is between May and October. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the hotel is open all year round so the best time for you to visit will depend on what you want to do during your stay. To find out more about the best time to visit, read our complete Caribbean travel guide here .
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has a variety of facilities and services that offer something for everyone. The hotel has two pools, one of which is set on a 1,300-foot-long pier and is great for swimming and lounging at any time of day. Guests can also enjoy lounging by the huge sundeck or at the beach. If you want to get your heart rate up, you can do some light exercise at the fitness center and there are classes available too. There is also a spa that offers a range of treatments including a thermal spring bath, a co-ed steam bath, a sauna and a Jacuzzi. If you want to learn more about the facilities, read our complete guide to the top 10 amenities you should expect in a luxury hotel here .
Pros
- Uniqueness - The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a truly special hotel located in a historic building and in a historic location. It has a lot of charm and is a popular hotel with couples and families.
- Location - The hotel is located in the heart of Old San Juan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s close to all the main attractions, restaurants and bars.
- Service - The service at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is excellent. All the staff go above and beyond to make your stay special.
- Beach - The hotel has its own beach, which is great for lounging, swimming and exploring.
Cons
- Price - The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is not the most affordable hotel. It’s a premium luxury hotel that is great for special occasions. If you are traveling on a budget, you might want to consider staying elsewhere.
- Weather - The best time to visit the hotel is between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this also coincides with hurricane season, which is why this hotel is closed between October and April.
Location
The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is located in the heart of Old San Juan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a short walk from all the main attractions, bars and restaurants. The hotel is also close to the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport and the cruise ship port. The hotel is in the heart of Old San Juan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a short walk from all the main attractions, bars and restaurants. The hotel is also close to the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport and the cruise ship port.
Bottom line
The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a great hotel that offers a unique experience. It’s located in a historic building in the heart of Old San Juan and is a popular hotel with couples and families. However, it’s also expensive and is not the best choice for budget travelers. To find out more about this hotel, read our complete review below and if you think this hotel may be for you, you can also book directly through their website here .
