Located in the heart of Old San Juan, this 19th-century gem, now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, exudes historic charm. It’s a hidden oasis you wouldn’t expect to find right in the city. Enjoy a meal at the charming patio restaurant set amidst a tropical garden or unwind at the rooftop bar and infinity pool with stunning sunset views. Whether you’re here to relax or explore, this spot is perfect for your San Juan stay.

Location and How To Get There 

Puerto Rico is incredibly accessible from the United States and the Caribbean. I like to think of it as the hub of the Caribbean, with numerous daily flights from the continental U.S. You can often snag some great deals on airfare. Plus, Puerto Rico offers various flights to other Caribbean islands, making it a perfect starting or ending point for island hopping adventures. 

You’ll fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), and from there, it’s just a quick 30-minute drive to the hotel. If you don’t want to rent a car, Uber and Lyft are both available and reasonably priced, as long as you’re not arriving during peak flight times.

Check in Process 

When I arrived, the front desk staff greeted me warmly and offered me a bottle of chilled water, which was much appreciated after a long travel day. Once the check-in formalities were complete, a porter helped me with my multiple bags—apparently, I keep accumulating more things with every trip to Puerto Rico! He showed me to my room, gave me his card in case I had any questions, and went out of his way to provide a huge list of recommendations for things to see, do, and places to eat in the area. On top of that, he even researched places with gluten-free options (a tricky dietary restriction to travel with), for which I was incredibly grateful.

Rooms 

I stayed in one of the “Deputy” rooms, which, despite being the entry-level option, was incredibly spacious and modern. With 14-foot wooden beam ceilings and two beds, there was more than enough room for both me and my companion, plus my ever-growing collection of luggage! The room featured a flat-screen TV, a table with chairs, and plenty of charging ports—perfect for all the electronic equipment I travel with. There was also a wardrobe with an iron and ironing board, a safe, and those famous white robes we all love.

The bathroom was clean and modern, boasting an overhead rain shower and a sleek vanity. The rooms are scattered around two main courtyards across multiple floors, each showcasing the hotel’s charming colonial architecture. Additionally, each room is equipped with coffee and tea-making facilities, which is always a nice touch.

Food and Drink 

The hotel’s main restaurant, CONSULAR, takes center stage in the property’s courtyard. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, it offers a vibrant menu of small bites and features a pizza oven where you can watch the chefs prepare and cook your pizza right before your eyes. They even crafted a delicious gluten-free pizza with a cauliflower crust for me—definitely a pleasant surprise! The cocktail menu is top-notch, and the bartenders go the extra mile with their drink presentations.

On the rooftop, you’ll find the hotel’s renowned bar, complete with an infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the city. It’s the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunset! The rooftop area is also available for private events, and the Atelier rooftop bar offers a tempting tapas menu. Don’t miss out on ordering a Piña Colada during your stay—San Juan is, after all, the birthplace of this classic cocktail!

Facilities 

Even though it’s right in the heart of the city, the hotel offers some fantastic facilities. The rooftop infinity pool is definitely the standout feature, but there’s also a modern gym on the same floor with a treadmill, cross trainer, rowing machine, and free weights.

On the ground floor, you’ll find two beautifully decorated courtyards. One houses the Consular restaurant, while the other is a tranquil space with water features and seating. Between these charming areas is a spacious library, stocked with not only fiction but also a great selection of history and art books. It’s a cozy spot to unwind, and there’s even a mini business center with a printer if you need it.

Activities 

Even though I spent a lot of time at a conference during my stay at the Palacio, there’s no shortage of things to do in the area and right around the hotel. The location is fantastic, with plenty of attractions, bars, and restaurants within walking distance. Plus, the staff are always on hand to provide recommendations and help you make the most of your time in the city.

Service 

From the moment I checked in, the service was top-notch, and the staff really went the extra mile with personalised recommendations for the area. Even when it was time for me to check out and move to a different hotel, the porters offered to handle my luggage, saving me from lugging it along the cobbled streets—definitely a lifesaver given my ever-growing collection of bags!

Closing Remarks 

I had a fantastic stay at the Palacio Provincial. Its central location made it super easy to explore all the city’s attractions, and the friendly, helpful staff made the experience even better. The rooftop pool and bar were definitely highlights of my stay—I’m already wishing I could be there right now, enjoying a sunset with a piña colada in hand!

Ready to book Palacio Provincial? Click here!

You can find out more about my stay on my “Puerto Rico 2” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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