I can't explain how fantastic this hotel is! The old architecture is beautiful, being able to relax on the rooftop anytime and the 24/7 open bar is a bonus! But what made our stay exceptional was the staff, they were so welcoming and accommodating....between the recommendations for places, the constant offers for drinks and even the fun conversations at the bar, this staff is worth the stay! It is also in a fantastic location to explore Old San Juan, I highly recommend!
Awesome hotel, great atmosphere, open bar and tons of amazing local tips. Comfy room and coffee in the morning. What more could you need? Highly recommended this hotel! Thanks to everyone at El Colonial for making our trip to San Juan awesome!
The hotel staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Super warm welcome to the hotel starting with a drink from the lobby bar while we were checked in. I had a rum punch! Upper deck is relaxing with nice views of the city. There are only stairs but the was great carried our suitcases up while we checked in and down when checked out.
Hector, Giancarlo, and the rest of the entire staff had the best customer service I've ever experienced! They greeted us with refreshments as soon as we walked into the hotel and wonderful recommendations all over OSJ. Not to mention they kept their wonderful hospitality through a busy San Sebastian Festival weekend! The rooftop is so cool and the entire building is classic OSJ architecture. It was so close to ALL of the stages of Sanse and everything else OSJ had to offer. Would 150% go back and I can't wait! I'm so happy we found this gem.
Our favorite hotel in Old San Juan. We stayed here during Sanse 2023. The hotel is perfectly located in the center of Old San Juan. You are walking distance from a ton of hotels, bars and shops. The 24 hour open bar is a major bonus. The hotel is very clean. The beds are comfortable. The staff is amazing and very helpful! They go out of their way to help. A big thank you to Giancarlo, Adriel, Dayanara and Miguel for making our stay extra special.
We loved this place. Small, historic, personal. Immediately on arriving we felt so welcome and relaxed. Daya was so helpful and informative and got us checked in easily as we sipped sparkling wine/cocktails. Yes, there are stairs! But they carry your bags for you! And yes, it's on a lively street! We loved the location because we could walk to everything so easily. If we had questions, the staff was helpful and well-informed, with good advice. They use WhatsApp to communicate with guests, which is quick and easy. Rooms are basic but the bed was quite comfortable. If you want quiet, go for the rooms that overlook the interior courtyard (they're cheaper too). Don't miss the rooftop, it's worth the stairs.
Took my husband for a quick birthday trip for 3 days and was looking for a centrally located hotel in Old San Juan to be our home base while we explored the city and El Yunque and so glad we found El Colonial. The exterior is so charming and the staff makes you feel right at home when you enter the door. In addition to being incredibly friendly, they anticipated our needs and offered bottled waters when they saw we were heading out for the day (I opted to refill my Hydroflask from their dispenser) and on our return, offered us refreshing wipes which felt amazing after sweating all day in the hot sun. The 24-hour bar has limited options but was a great amenity--we recommend the rum & passionfruit mixed drink! Our room was on the 4th floor (and if I remember correctly, about 72 steps) which might be a negative for some but we gladly embraced the exercise and appreciated the funny signs on each landing. The room was simple but served its purpose with the comfy bed and hot shower after a long day of exploring. We know if we ever return to Old San Juan, we will definitely be booking El Colonial.…
We stayed for four days in mid-December for my husband’s 40th birthday. It was a fantastic time! The hotel is in a beautiful old building in a central location. It was great to be able to grab a drink, use the restroom and then head back out to soak up more sun. Like all other reviewers have mentioned, the staff is the best. Miguel, Adriel, Angel, Hector and Luis are such great people. I also liked the hotel’s use of WhatsApp as the room phone. Made housekeeping, etc so easy. If we’re ever back in OSJ, we will definitely stay here!
We LOVED our time at El Colonial. The building is definitely historic but charming. There is a rooftop with nice views. The staff was great - bartender Luis made our trip! The open bar is a major plus and they are also very accommodating with leaving your bag after checkout etc. Would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in OSJ - especially young couples. I almost don’t want to leave a review because once people find out about this place there won’t be an open night.
One word can describe this hotel / experience.... Amaaaazing! The staff (Adriel, Luis and Miguel) makes you feel welcome like no other hotel. "Location, location, location" saying is so true here. Stop looking for a hotel in Old San Juan... Go to El Colonial.
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