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Hotel El Colonial
312 Calle de San Francisco, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico
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Avg. AU$410 /night, 3/24 - 3/25
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About
#1 of 63 hotels in San Juan
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Adults Only + Free Open Bar + Stairs Only (No Elevator) We do not have an elevator and all our rooms start on the second floor of the property. If stairs are a problem then please consider staying elsewhere. We do have staff that will assist you with bringing up your bags but you would still have to go up the stairs to reach your room. Transportation The Best way to arrive to our property is via Uber. OSJ is a completely walkable city designed more than 400 years ago. Meaning, cars were not part of it’s design and the best way to get to know the city is by foot. Parking We do not offer parking. If you are driving, we suggest you park in any of these parking lots within OSJ: Dona Fela La Puntilla Covadonga These are the most reasonably priced options in OSJ. All within walking distance of our property. You may just copy and paste the names and insert in Google Maps or any other App of your preference. We do suggest you stop by the property to drop off bags and then find parking :) Please mind, you will not be using the car while in OSJ. It will be convenient to have if you are planning day trips outside of the San Juan area. Check-in Check-in is scheduled for 4PM. We love having guests check-in early and can not guarantee an early check-in. We do suggest you stop by property to process your paperwork. We will gladly hold your bags for you while you lounge around property, explore the city and/or grab a bite to eat. We will make sure to text you as soon as your room is ready so you may check-in. Check-out Check-out is scheduled for 11AM. We can only guarantee a late check-out during the last day of your stay as they are based on availability. We suggest you text us during the morning of your departure. We can not guarantee a late check-out but we promise to do our best to accommodate you in the best way possible. Rooms The vast majority of our rooms have windows facing the “callejon” and/or San Francisco Street. If windows facing the exterior are of utmost importance, please book a Balcony Queen room. The Queen standard room does have windows that face the interior courtyards and do not have a view. Important information! Please confirm your estimated time of arrival to property. As we mentioned earlier, we love having guests check-in early and although we can not guarantee an early check-in, having your time of arrival will assist us in prioritizing our workflow in order to have you in your room as soon as possible. It would to both our benefit if you could also confirm your estimated time of departure. As we mentioned, we work by stairs and we have plenty of them. We want to assist you every step of the way and knowing at what time you expect to leave will allow us to have a staff member available to assist you in bringing down your bags. Complimentary 24/7 open bar for registered hotel guests only.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool / beach towels
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Adults only
Rooftop terrace
24-hour check-in
Wifi
Complimentary welcome drink
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
City View
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Luis Munoz Marin Intl Airport
12.4 km•
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F.L. Ribas Dominicci Airport
18 min•
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Rental Cars
173 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.9
426 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Hotel El Colonial appears to be a treasure in Old San Juan, as guests consistently extol the hotel's outstanding amenities, such as the 24/7 bar and rooftop views. The hotel's staff receives accolades for their exceptional service that adds a personal touch to the guest experience. While cleanliness is generally celebrated, a few guests have mentioned a potent cleaning smell.
The hotel's atmosphere is regarded as both charming and culturally rich, reflective of its colonial setting. Room experiences vary, with some noise issues noted, but the overall value, including a complimentary bar and strategic location, is widely appreciated.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Basic
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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Detailed Reviews
El Colonial is located in the heart of old San Juan, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops and tourist sights. The building is old so some modern conveniences are not available. Our room was small but clean with a tiny bathroom but it was fine since we were there only to sleep and wash while we enjoyed the old city. Lots of hot water and good wifi. There was also a small refrigerator. Staff are friendly and obliging. There’s a 24 hour bar that operates on the honour system and there’s a tasty welcome drink on arrival. Some important points for guests to note. Plumbing in the area is old so toilet paper must be put in the bin in the bathroom. The hotel has no elevator so guests use stairs to reach their room (I think I worked off all the great food from nearby cafes and restaurants to reach our fourth floor room lol). Staff use WhatsApp to receive requests from guests. We enjoyed our stay and for travellers who just want a convenient location with a clean room and wifi (noting the above comments) then this hotel is a good choice.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The rooftop patio is pleasant and worth the workout getting there.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel's Favourite
This hotel was one of the most wonderful places and experiences we've ever had the pleasure to stay. A warm greeting and yummy drinks welcomed us, and an excellent rundown of what to expect during our stay. The entirety of our trip we were treated to a lovely boutique experience; the rooftop tubs and the property’s location were some of my favorite elements, but truthfully it’s hard to rank all of the amenities- everything was superb.
I’d really love to mention the amazing folks we met throughout our stay. There was so much warmth and kindness, the hospitality we experienced was first class and truly top notch. Lugo, the young gentleman keeping the back of house running like clockwork - thank you 🙏 Luis, Chris, Gerardo, Daya, Shadie, Adriel, Claudio, and Angel- ¡Muchas gracias por todo! You all are so wonderful, and we are so grateful. You’ve given us an amazing memory we will cherish forever.
We count the days until we can return 💕¡Muchas gracias!
I’d really love to mention the amazing folks we met throughout our stay. There was so much warmth and kindness, the hospitality we experienced was first class and truly top notch. Lugo, the young gentleman keeping the back of house running like clockwork - thank you 🙏 Luis, Chris, Gerardo, Daya, Shadie, Adriel, Claudio, and Angel- ¡Muchas gracias por todo! You all are so wonderful, and we are so grateful. You’ve given us an amazing memory we will cherish forever.
We count the days until we can return 💕¡Muchas gracias!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Long gushing review ahead: I honestly can't say enough good things about this place. We've traveled all over and this is one of our favorite places we've ever stayed (if not THE favorite). We walked in after a full day of travel and were greeted by lovely staff members. They grabbed our bag and immediately told us to have a seat and relax, and asked if they could make us a drink (they were delicious!). Usually when I've been at an open bar, it almost seems like the bartender resents ordering multiple drinks. They kept offering more! And every time we came back, they offered drinks and asked if we'd like to take a soda, cocktail, or water out the door with us. They were just so generous. When we came in from a hot day of exploring, they handed us cold towelettes from the fridge that were infused with lemon oil, to help us feel refreshed. The service was just unbelievable. We felt so welcome and they helped us pick restaurants etc.
The rooftop is charming! Great comfortable seating with a nice view. They also upgraded our room to a room with windows and a small balcony at no extra charge, and without us having to ask. We liked our room and found it spacious. It had a mini fridge, a place to hang clothing, and two luggage racks. The bathroom was small but we don't mind that. Really tall ceilings. Right across the street from our room was a church, and we were lucky enough to hear beautiful music from their service.
I didn't find the street noise to be a bother, although I always sleep with ear plugs. The stairs didn't bother us at all. The location was AMAZING with literally everything on our to do list within a 10 minute walk.
The lobby is pristine, the building itself is charming, and very private - they have frosted glass up half of the lobby windows so pedestrians can't see in. Only guests are allowed in the building with an access code at the door.
We stayed at El Conquistador in Fajardo after this, and we regretted not spending our entire stay at El Colonial. THANK YOU so much to every staff member who helped us to have the best stay.
The only things that may not be ideal for other guests (didn't bother us at all): the floor in the room could have looked cleaner (I didn't do a white glove test or anything, it could just be the age of the attractive checkered tiles), and the shower was cool when we used it (just once, we had a short stay). I'm sure it was just a lot of people using the water at once.. and I love a cool shower on a hot day.
The rooftop is charming! Great comfortable seating with a nice view. They also upgraded our room to a room with windows and a small balcony at no extra charge, and without us having to ask. We liked our room and found it spacious. It had a mini fridge, a place to hang clothing, and two luggage racks. The bathroom was small but we don't mind that. Really tall ceilings. Right across the street from our room was a church, and we were lucky enough to hear beautiful music from their service.
I didn't find the street noise to be a bother, although I always sleep with ear plugs. The stairs didn't bother us at all. The location was AMAZING with literally everything on our to do list within a 10 minute walk.
The lobby is pristine, the building itself is charming, and very private - they have frosted glass up half of the lobby windows so pedestrians can't see in. Only guests are allowed in the building with an access code at the door.
We stayed at El Conquistador in Fajardo after this, and we regretted not spending our entire stay at El Colonial. THANK YOU so much to every staff member who helped us to have the best stay.
The only things that may not be ideal for other guests (didn't bother us at all): the floor in the room could have looked cleaner (I didn't do a white glove test or anything, it could just be the age of the attractive checkered tiles), and the shower was cool when we used it (just once, we had a short stay). I'm sure it was just a lot of people using the water at once.. and I love a cool shower on a hot day.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
But I didn't. I knew about some of the shortcomings about the hotel from the reviews and the hotel itself (no elevator, no breakfast), but due to the prime Old San Juan location, went ahead with it anyways. We needed two nights, one on each end of a cruise, and this hotel is a short walk from the port (note: if docking at the Panamerican terminal, you will need to take an Uber/taxi). Communication with the hotel was good, which is done using WhatsApp, so you need to get signed up with that.
Upon arrival, it was nice to have a cold drink and store our luggage, as we were early. However as soon as our room was available, they gave us our key (3 pm). The rooms are quite spartan, with no artwork hanging on the walls and furnished with IKEA-like furniture. The room(s) were clean, but smelled strongly of the cleaning products used. Our first room (402) was very quiet, but 301 was a little more noisy, as it had a Juliet balcony over an alley where you could hear street activity and a barking dog often. The finishing work in the bathroom was quite poor (cracked caulking, paint overlapping on trim etc.) with a 1970s mirror that was sagging to one side. The plastic shower curtain was too long, and was covered in soap scum (ickk). Water temperature varied wildly while taking a shower. Not being able to flush toilet paper was a strange thing, but it's because the pipes are so old.
The beds were not great; too springy, which would definitely have failed the bowling ball test. Every time one person moved, the other got jostled awake. The linens felt scratchy too. With a little bit of an update to the furnishings and some bathroom finishing work, this hotel could be waaayy better.
Despite all this, if you still want to go ahead and book, the location is excellent, and you are walking distance to anything you want to see in the Old Town. You don't need a car either. Bring earplugs, as it is a bit noisy in some rooms, and our shutters banged in the wind. There is a coffee shop just West on the end of the block called Mallorca, where you can get authentic PR pastries for breakfast. The Mexican place just East across the street was decent, and there's a fun rooftop bar/restaurant called La Verguenza that has a great view of the Atlantic.
Upon arrival, it was nice to have a cold drink and store our luggage, as we were early. However as soon as our room was available, they gave us our key (3 pm). The rooms are quite spartan, with no artwork hanging on the walls and furnished with IKEA-like furniture. The room(s) were clean, but smelled strongly of the cleaning products used. Our first room (402) was very quiet, but 301 was a little more noisy, as it had a Juliet balcony over an alley where you could hear street activity and a barking dog often. The finishing work in the bathroom was quite poor (cracked caulking, paint overlapping on trim etc.) with a 1970s mirror that was sagging to one side. The plastic shower curtain was too long, and was covered in soap scum (ickk). Water temperature varied wildly while taking a shower. Not being able to flush toilet paper was a strange thing, but it's because the pipes are so old.
The beds were not great; too springy, which would definitely have failed the bowling ball test. Every time one person moved, the other got jostled awake. The linens felt scratchy too. With a little bit of an update to the furnishings and some bathroom finishing work, this hotel could be waaayy better.
Despite all this, if you still want to go ahead and book, the location is excellent, and you are walking distance to anything you want to see in the Old Town. You don't need a car either. Bring earplugs, as it is a bit noisy in some rooms, and our shutters banged in the wind. There is a coffee shop just West on the end of the block called Mallorca, where you can get authentic PR pastries for breakfast. The Mexican place just East across the street was decent, and there's a fun rooftop bar/restaurant called La Verguenza that has a great view of the Atlantic.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: You can save a few bucks by going for an "inside" Queen Standard room, which is quieter because...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Franklin Rivera, Owner at Hotel El Colonial
Responded 6 Feb 2025
Dear Richard C, Thank you for allowing us to form part of your recent visit to OSJ. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed our location and other aspects of our property. Provided that you took time to read reviews, allow me to please clarify some details for other potential guests reading this so you may be aware and make informed decissions. El Colonial is not a cookie cutter hotel. If you are looking for an extravagent experience meaning; you look forward to being impressed by the furniture in the room, the aesthetics of a crafted designer who polished every aspect and nook of your room we are Not the best option for you and we kindly suggest that you consider another option. If you are looking for a hotel experience focused on providing an extremely well located and clean room with everything you need to explore the city, come back to take a nap, a bath and repeat with excellent customer service that makes you feel like you made friends while on vacation and a complimentary 24/7 basic open bar, we may be the best hotel experience you will ever encounter. Also, please mind that we do not have an elevator and you will have to up steps 100% of the time and that we are exclusively for adults (23 and older) as well as a private property meaning we do not allow people who are not registered guest to enter our property. All this might sound crazy but it's the type of crazy that has come to define us and what the vast majority of our guests refer to as the best hotel experience they have ever encountered. Not everyones cup of tea and that's ok. Again, thank you for choosing El Colonial. Warm Regards, Franklin Rivera General Manager El Colonial A San Juan 901 Property
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After reading all the great reviews, we took the leap to book this for 6 nights. We booked the largest room with outdoor tini to make sure that this anniversary and birthday week was the greatest. First off, the open bar consists of about 4-5 drink options with very little selection. One employee let us take the beer to our room but another one wouldn’t allow the bottles to our 4th floor. Second off, you can’t flush anything down the toilet and in order to get service to your room, you have to contact them through WhatsApp. Next, we decided to call it an early night and enjoy the private balcony with outdoor tub and shower. After 15 minutes of trying to get the water warm, it never changed from cold to warm. We walked back down 4 floors after trying to message the hotel to be told there is no hot water to the outdoor tub. The only positive is we booked directly through the hotel so checked out after our first night. Don’t rely on reviews.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Franklin Rivera, Owner at Hotel El Colonial
Responded 23 May 2024
Dear CandiS, Thank you for allowing El Colonial to form part of your recent visit to OSJ. First of all we are very sorry to read that you did not have the experience that the vast majority of our guests have (as you have read in reviews). Yes our open bar may be limited to a certain extent. We offer 3 options of very good wine, including sparkling wine, local rum, vodka, local beer by the bottle, fresh local juices, bottled water and soft drinks (all complimentary). To our understanding we have an ample selection but evidently it was not sufficient to your expectations. Yes we have a particular way of operating. Not by coincidence but by convenience to the guests that we serve. We have found that direct communication via messaging apps such as What's App is not only convenient, provided that you can be anywhere in the island and we can communicate but also holds us accountable and we can guarantee that we fulfill our duties and we serve completely and adequately. With those points addressed, we apologize that we failed to reply to your message in a timely fashion and that you did not have hot water in your tina. We can confirm that we have changed the hot water heater in these rooms and that our new, more robust hot water heater will guarantee satisfaction 100% of the time. For other potential guests reading this, please note that we are not your cookie cutter hotel. Not that some of the points that CandiS brings up are excusable but we cater to the young at heart. We will provide you with a basic, clean, well equipped room with everything that you need in a fantastic location to explore OSJ by foot but no frills. We recompensate for the lack of this by providing what most guests refer to as the best service they have ever experienced. End of the day, if you are looking for a clean and well located property with exceptional service with a limited and complimentary 24/7 open bar we may be a great fit for you. If this sounds like something short of your ideal visit to Puerto Rico, please consider other options. Warm Regards, Franklin Rivera General Manager El Colonial a San Juan 901 Property
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The location and staff of the hotel are fantastic! We arrived late (past midnight) via Uber and easily found the hotel in Old San Juan. Additionally, there are reasonably priced parking lots near the hotel if you arrive by rental car. When we entered the hotel, we were warmly greeted and immediately served drinks from their open bar (can't remember her name but she was great!).
The hotel lobby is spotless and modern (think modern furniture and appliances with chill, house music in the background). Our room was functional and comfortable, but remember, it is Old San Juan. The floor was a little older and dirty looking, but overall the room is comfortable and has everything you need. You have A/C, wifi, a great bed, a big, modern TV with Netflix capabilities, a cool/artsy window that can open up, and a functional, clean shower. The roof also has great views of the city, with chairs and couches to lounge on. The bath tubs didn't really work up there, which was a bummer since there aren't any pools in Old San Juan, but not a big deal.
The location of this hotel is incredible. It is walking distance to shops, restaurants, the forts, you name it. You're basically in the heart of Old San Juan. The hotel staff is incredible and consists of knowledgable, friendly, and down to earth people. Special shoutouts to Adriel and Luis, thanks for keeping us "hydrated" haha, and for all of the great tips and conversation. Additionally, thanks Adriel for the sprites and water to go! I thoroughly enjoyed that Sprite after we hiked El Yunque! Haha! Everyone that works there is great though and deserves a mention. Lastly, if you don't speak any Spanish, don't worry, the staff's English is better than mine. Lol
Thanks everyone for the great hospitality! ¡Gracias a todos!
Garrett and Layla
The hotel lobby is spotless and modern (think modern furniture and appliances with chill, house music in the background). Our room was functional and comfortable, but remember, it is Old San Juan. The floor was a little older and dirty looking, but overall the room is comfortable and has everything you need. You have A/C, wifi, a great bed, a big, modern TV with Netflix capabilities, a cool/artsy window that can open up, and a functional, clean shower. The roof also has great views of the city, with chairs and couches to lounge on. The bath tubs didn't really work up there, which was a bummer since there aren't any pools in Old San Juan, but not a big deal.
The location of this hotel is incredible. It is walking distance to shops, restaurants, the forts, you name it. You're basically in the heart of Old San Juan. The hotel staff is incredible and consists of knowledgable, friendly, and down to earth people. Special shoutouts to Adriel and Luis, thanks for keeping us "hydrated" haha, and for all of the great tips and conversation. Additionally, thanks Adriel for the sprites and water to go! I thoroughly enjoyed that Sprite after we hiked El Yunque! Haha! Everyone that works there is great though and deserves a mention. Lastly, if you don't speak any Spanish, don't worry, the staff's English is better than mine. Lol
Thanks everyone for the great hospitality! ¡Gracias a todos!
Garrett and Layla
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful stay at the El Colonial. There is a 24 hour bar that you can have drinks at any hour. The rooms are basic, but cozy with a small refrigerator and powerful air conditioner. The bed was very comfortable. Beware that there is no elevator. There is a romantic rooftop with three tubs to soak your troubles away and the views are amazing! There is no hot water, at least not in our room which was on the 2nd floor. It was fine because it's so hot outside that a cool shower was welcomed. The staff were amazing. We started with Luis which got us checked in and settled with our luggage which was carried to our room for us. He was full of energy and always very friendly. He also upgraded our room! All the staff, including Gerardo, Christian, Marcos, Angel and Eduardo were friendly and made sure our needs were met. They give packaged cold washcloths to you when you come in out of the heat. There is a brewery in the basement of the El Colonial where they make their own Brews. There are restaurants and shops everywhere. The staff gave great tips on were to visit in the area. Some reviews I read about the El Colonial said they need to update. That would ruin the genuine feeling of the old building. It is well kept and very clean.I would definitely recommend the El Colonial!
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: There are no elevator and the showers do not get very hot.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will start with the positive. The employees were very personable and helpful. The location was good if you want to be in that area. Now for the rest... the rooms are tiny and dark, very dark and the lighting is terrible. There are no windows to the outside so no natural light and the electric lighting is terrible... did I mention that?. The bathroom is so small and ill configured that you can not sit on the toilet facing forward and the toilet paper is behind you on the left (nearly unreachable.. grab it before you need it). There is no privacy as the sound travels between halls and rooms. The bed sheet was all nubby and pilled. The floors are old, broken up tile and dirty. The shower was tiny and trying to get the water regulated was impossible. The mini fridge leaked onto the tile so your feet got wet. There are no closets. There is only a clothing rod with 5 hangers. There was no seating other than one seat at a small desk. There were 2 luggage racks for you to place your bags on and one was broken. There is no place to unpack anything so it all stays in your suitcase on a broken luggage rack. The light/fan combo in the bathroom is crazy loud so you don't want to turn the light on because you will wake everyone with the noisy fan. Besides the lack of lighting the rooms are painted a dark color so there is no reflective light. It's depressing, inconvenient, and in disrepair. There are free drinks in the lobby and again, the staff was nice and helpful. We booked two nights which were priced at over $300 /night. We booked via our Chase Sapphire Reserve which uses Expedia for bookings. We left after one night and the the staff told us they would offer us an exception for the cost of the one night but Expedia is not offering us the full refund on the 2nd night.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Do not stay here.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Franklin Rivera, Owner at Hotel El Colonial
Responded 29 Nov 2022
Dear Elizabeth J, Thank you for allowing El Colonial to form part of your recent visit to OSJ. We are left both surprised and confused after reading your review. It seems that you booked a property that was not apt for your expectations. We completely get it. We are not your usual hotel. We have a 200+ year old building that well maintained but not everyone's cup of tea and it seams like you are looking for more of a chain hotel experience (which is great but certainly not what we offer). For other, potential guests reading this please mind that the vast majority of our guests enjoy the El Colonial Experience (cleanliness in particular). We also make it a point to communicate efficiently and effectively so when guests need anything (like an extra hanger) they are able to simply text us and our team is always willing and able to assist in a prompt and timely fashion. If you are looking for a property with great location, cleanliness and exquisite service then we are a good fit for you. Also, booking direct with us through our website and/or phone is always the best option. Better rates and more flexible policies (third party vendors like Expedia may complicate things). Again, thank you for choosing El Colonial. We hope you would allow us the privilege of hosting you again and providing you with the experience most of our guests have to know. #keepitelcolonial Warm Regards, Franklin Rivera General Manager El Colonial a San Juan 901 Property #elcolonialhotel #sanjuan901
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When our taxi pulled up, Miguel was there and promptly brought our bags into the hotel. He had us sit at the bar to check in while the floors were being mopped. Edgardo made us acerola and run mixed drinks. What a great way to start our vacation!
Miguel gave us a rundown of the hotel and “rules.” Edgardo took our luggage to our room. It was a nice casual check in experience. Both evenings of our two night stay, Giancarlo (I believe that is his name) was at the front desk and was very helpful with dining suggestions and directions.
The rooftop patio is nice and offers a nice view. We went up around 10pm and had the place to ourselves.
Our room was spacious. We only opened up to the Juliet balcony once. It’s cute. The shower water didn’t get very hot so it made for quick showers. That’s about my only complaint.
They give fair warning about not having elevators, being a 23yo+ hotel, and not staining the towels with makeup. Apparently that’s a big thing because the other places we stayed at had similar fees for makeup stained towels. Use the wipes they provide and ask for more if necessary. You can also use tissue first or bring your own face towels.
The location is great, close to the plaza and walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and popular attractions.
Highly recommend!
Miguel gave us a rundown of the hotel and “rules.” Edgardo took our luggage to our room. It was a nice casual check in experience. Both evenings of our two night stay, Giancarlo (I believe that is his name) was at the front desk and was very helpful with dining suggestions and directions.
The rooftop patio is nice and offers a nice view. We went up around 10pm and had the place to ourselves.
Our room was spacious. We only opened up to the Juliet balcony once. It’s cute. The shower water didn’t get very hot so it made for quick showers. That’s about my only complaint.
They give fair warning about not having elevators, being a 23yo+ hotel, and not staining the towels with makeup. Apparently that’s a big thing because the other places we stayed at had similar fees for makeup stained towels. Use the wipes they provide and ask for more if necessary. You can also use tissue first or bring your own face towels.
The location is great, close to the plaza and walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and popular attractions.
Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring your own face towel if you wear makeup. Visit the rooftop. Tip the staff for their awesome...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Franklin Rivera, Owner at Hotel El Colonial
Responded 1 Apr 2022
Dear wannabefolkie, Thank you for allowing El Colonial to form part of your recent visit to OSJ. Needless to say, it was a pleasure to host you. We greatly appreciate your kind remarks in regards you your experience while staying with us. The El Colonial Family is dedicated to ensuring you enjoy every moment of your stay with us and we are delighted to read that we were able to positively impact your experience while staying with us. Again, thank you for choosing El Colonial and for sharing your experience with the world. We hope to have you back soon and often! #kelepitelcolonial Warm Regards, Franklin Rivera General Manager El Colonial a San Juan 901 Property #elcolonial #sanjuan901
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Overall, I had a great experience at El Colonial and would happily stay again. Before I explain further, I want to discuss something that might surprise visitors unused to lodging in historical buildings. When the hotel tactfully instructs you to dispose of all paper products in the trash can, they’re really asking you not to flush your toilet paper. The ancient pipes running under Old San Juan simply can’t handle it. If you flush toilet paper your toilet will clog, which won’t be pleasant for anyone. Instead, dispose of your toilet paper in the trash can beside the toilet. This is something most of from the States aren’t used to doing, so I thought it worth mentioning.
If you like historical architecture, you’ll love El Colonial. It has character you won't find in modern establishments, such as the original wood shutters opening to a balcony overlooking the street. I think the hotel’s design makes it especially well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The rooftop deck is nicely appointed and open 24 hours, and the hotel is centrally located so everything in San Juan is within an easy walk. El Colonial also has a 24-hour lobby bar offering a variety of alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. Best of all is the hotel’s great staff, who go out of their way to make you feel very welcome. Three with whom I interacted most during my brief stay were Luis, Miguel, and Gerard, and they are integral to making El Colonial such a great place to stay.
If you like historical architecture, you’ll love El Colonial. It has character you won't find in modern establishments, such as the original wood shutters opening to a balcony overlooking the street. I think the hotel’s design makes it especially well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The rooftop deck is nicely appointed and open 24 hours, and the hotel is centrally located so everything in San Juan is within an easy walk. El Colonial also has a 24-hour lobby bar offering a variety of alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. Best of all is the hotel’s great staff, who go out of their way to make you feel very welcome. Three with whom I interacted most during my brief stay were Luis, Miguel, and Gerard, and they are integral to making El Colonial such a great place to stay.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Franklin Rivera, Owner at Hotel El Colonial
Responded 19 Dec 2022
Dear esimms5555 , Thank you for allowing El Colonial to form part of your recent visit to OSJ. Needless to say, it was a pleasure to host you. The El Colonial Family is dedicated to making sure you enjoy every moment of your stay with us and we are delighted to read that you enjoyed staying here almost as much as we enjoyed hosting you. Again, thank you for choosing El Colonial and for sharing your experience with the world. We hope to have you back soon and often. #keepitelcolonial Warm Regards, Franklin Rivera General Manager El Colonial a San Juan 901 Property #elcolonialhotel #sanjuan901
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I think they would make arrangements based on their availability, as it is a small hotel.
I was at El Colonial in early December '22 and they weren't requiring masks in the hotel.
Smoking is only allowed outside. Be that outside the hotel and/or on the rooftop. No smoking can take place on balcony as smoke may come in to room
We are within a 10 minute Uber ride from the Pan American Pier
We do not offer parking. A lot within walking distance is available and offers a special rate of $14 per day for hotel guests.
We suggest stopping by the hotel to drop off bags first. We have a QR code with driving directions to the parking garage.
"You can save a few bucks by going for an "inside" Queen Standard room, which is quieter because it doesn't have windows to the street."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
AU$319 - AU$654 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CaribbeanPuerto RicoSan Juan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
33
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingHOTEL EL COLONIAL - 2025 Prices & Reviews (San Juan, Puerto Rico) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel El Colonial
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel El Colonial?
Nearby attractions include Old San Juan (0.4 km), Blanca Fragrance Factory (0.2 km), and 7ven Seas Jewelry (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel El Colonial?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a lounge, and a concierge.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel El Colonial?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel El Colonial?
Guests can enjoy a lounge and a free welcome drink during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel El Colonial?
Yes, paid public parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel El Colonial?
Conveniently located restaurants include Dizzi Puerto Rico - Old San Juan, Drunken Cookies, and Sofia's Italian Steakhouse.
Are pets allowed at Hotel El Colonial?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hotel El Colonial?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Hotel El Colonial?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old San Juan (0.4 km), San Juan National Historic Site (1.2 km), and Castillo San Felipe del Morro (1.2 km).
Does Hotel El Colonial have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the city view available here.