Best Hotels near San Juan Cruise Port

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, was originally a Spanish colony that was established in 1521.

Much of its beautiful colonial architecture can be seen in the colourful houses located in the Old Town.

Exploring the atmospheric, narrow streets with their blue cobblestones provides a fascinating glimpse of San Juan’s rich history.

There are several idyllic beaches fringed with lush palm trees, including those at Condado and Isla Verde. Although the tropical climate in San Juan is hot throughout the year, the area is very popular from April to June.

The city port provides mooring for some of the world’s most luxurious cruise liners at its terminal near the Old Town. When embarking, most cruise ships depart from Pan American Pier terminals, 5 to 10 minutes from the Old Town.

There are dozens of hotels in Old San Juan within close distance of the cruise port and a few good value hotels near Pan American Pier terminals such as the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Aloft San Juan.

Several luxury resorts and moderate hotels are lined at Condado Beach with easy access to the beach. Many hotels have rooms with balcony and ocean view.

San Juan Cruise Port

San Juan is the largest cruise port in the Caribbean. Ships berth at 2 different locations and they are:

• Old San Juan Cruise Terminal
• Pan American Pier

Both locations are within 10 to 15 minutes from each other.

Read also: San Juan hotels with shuttle to cruise port?

What are the Best Hotels near Pan American Pier in Puerto Rico?

Pan American Pier cruise terminals I and II are located on Isla Grande, besides the Isla Grande Airport about 10 to 15 minutes from Old San Juan. Cruise ships embarking passengers in San Juan normally depart from the Pan American Pier.

Cruises having San Juan Puerto Rico as homeport most likely leave from one of these terminals. Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean embark and disembark passengers at the Pan American Pier.

A few excellent hotels are located within close distance of Pan American Pier. We can recommend each of the following hotels;

1. Aloft San Juan ★★★ (Top Hotel)

As a newer complex, the Aloft has been purposely designed to reflect contemporary tastes with sleek, minimalist furnishings and bold colours. There is an extensive use of wooden flooring and wall panelling throughout. High ceilings with spotlights, truly spacious guest lounges and bars and a few modern works of art help to create a sophisticated atmosphere.

There are panoramic views of the nearby districts of Isla Grande and Miramar. The Aloft has easy access to travel links for sightseeing in San Juan’s Old Town or visiting the public beach at Balneario El Escambron.

Why Stay Here

• Perfect location, close to Cruise Port (4 minutes by taxi)
• Modern, new hotel
• Spacious rooms

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

2. Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino ★★★★ (Close to Terminal)

The multi-storey Sheraton is one of the largest hotels in San Juan, located a few minutes from your embarkation terminal. Spacious rooms and suites have floor to ceiling windows to make the most of the panoramic views of the San Juan Bay and the Pan American Pier where many cruise liners dock.

Rooms are decorated and furnished in contemporary style with bold colours and modern lighting. There is an exterior outdoor terrace with views of suburban Miramar in the distance. Local attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Why Stay Here

• Close to Pan American Pier cruise port (4 minutes)
• Casino on-site
• Rooms overlooking the Bay and Cruise Ships

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. Hyatt House San Juan ★★★ (Great Value)

Hyatt House is a large multi-storey complex with a distinctive exterior in pale green and chestnut blocks. It is located alongside a busy main road near the waterfront of San Juan’s Miramar district. The welcoming, pet-friendly Hyatt offers flexible accommodation that includes rooms with spacious living quarters and even individual kitchenettes.

Simple, elegant decor creates a refreshing sense of space. It is one of the best places to stay for easy access to the Pan American pier. Local attractions include El Morro, a sixteenth century Spanish fortress that guarded the original port.

Why Stay Here

• Great location for going on a cruise (4 mins by car)
• Near San Juan Bay Marina
• Rooms with full kitchenette

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

4. Hyatt Place San Juan ★★★

Hyatt Place is situated near the futuristic Convention Center in Isla Grande. The multi-storey hotel complex has a sleek modern exterior. Rooms are large, airy and furnished in a minimalist, elegant style. Soft furnishings are in plain neutral tones such as white and pale grey.

Some of the rooms have comfortable integral living spaces separated from the sleeping areas by screens. Many of the rooms have views of the bay and the cruise ship terminal. Nearby is El Distrito, a new entertainment area with cinemas, music arena and bars.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Family Friendly
• Easy access to the port (only 3 minutes by taxi)

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

What are the Best Hotels in Historic Old San Juan near Cruise Port?

Pier 1, 3, 4 and 6 are located in historic Old San Juan. Pier 4 terminal is used & managed by Carnival for arrivals & departures, while ships from Royal Caribbean International dock at terminal 3.

These terminals are mainly used for Port of Call visits. Most cruise companies embark from the Pan American Pier, but Carnival, Windstar and Viking Cruises depart from the Old San Juan port. Please check with your cruiseline.

When staying in San Juan’s old historical district, you are just steps away from lots of attractions and major sights. Pan American Pier can easily be reached by taxi or Uber in 10 to 15 minutes.

The Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel is very popular with cruisers, located just across the cruise port terminal.

1. Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel ★★★★ (Closest)

The Sheraton is an elegant, multi-storey hotel in the picturesque Old Town of San Juan. Located directly on the waterfront, it is one of the best places to stay to enjoy views of the massive cruise liners moored in San Juan Bay.

The luxury hotel’s impressive lobby has a refined atmosphere with colonial archways and a winding staircase. Throughout the pet-friendly hotel, rooms are spacious, airy and tastefully furnished in cream, beige and turquoise. Nearby attractions include museums, art galleries, local markets selling traditional crafts and the prestigious Casino del Mar.

Why Stay Here

• Walking distance to cruise port
• Boutique-style hotel
• Roof top swimming pool

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

2. Hotel El Convento ★★★★

Originally a seventeenth century convent, this small hotel with its exterior pillars and Juliet balconies has an abundance of charm. An interior decor of beautiful pastel colours, traditional Spanish archways and beamed ceilings can be found in the entrance hall and dining areas.

Rooms are bright and contemporary, yet tastefully furnished with mahogany furniture that reflects the heritage of Puerto Rico. The hotel is in one of the best locations for visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in the Old Town. It is also near to fascinating boutiques, cafes and bistros.

Why Stay Here

• Historic Landmark hotel
• Perfect location to explore the Old City
• Restaurants, shops and bars within a short walking distance

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. Villa Herencia Hotel ★★★ (Boutique Hotel)

This quaint boutique hotel perfectly captures the romance of the Old Town. The interior presents a rustic appearance through pastel walls, mahogany louvre doors and rafters in the ceilings. It is one of the best luxury hotels for well-appointed rooms with an old fashioned charm.

Traditional features include four poster beds and colourful woven rugs. Tiled and stone flooring adds to the atmosphere. The Muelle De Viejo ferry terminal where luxury cruise liners sail into port and the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortress are just a few minutes from the hotel.

Why Stay Here

• Small Boutique-style hotel
• Excellent location in old town San Juan
• Complimentary breakfast

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

4. Decanter Hotel ★★★

Located in a renovated nineteenth century building, this four-storey luxury hotel has an elegant interior. There are Spanish style archways and wrought iron balustrades around an upper balcony in the main lobby. The rooms have a refreshing, minimalist simplicity with soft furnishings in a variety of muted greens, browns and gold.

Many rooms have views overlooking the quaint Old Town area where there are narrow streets and picturesque houses traditionally painted in different colours. The hotel is in view of the Ponce de Leon statue of the fifteenth century Conquistador who settled there.

Why Stay Here

• Lovely restored 19th century colonial-style building
• Some rooms have balcony
• Nice rooftop bar
• Near cultural attractions & restaurants

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

What are the Best Hotels in Condado Beach for Cruise Passengers?

These beach hotels and resorts are perfect when staying in San Juan for a couple of days pre or post cruise. Many provide rooms with sea view, balcony and direct access to the beach.

1. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel ★★★★★ (Luxury)

As one of the best luxury hotels in Puerto Rico, the Condado Vanderbilt blends modern styling with traditional elegance. The white exterior has a red tiled roof and arched windows on the lower floor. Inside, the lobby is spectacular with a double wrought iron staircase leading to an upper floor with illuminated, burnt orange archways.

Several spacious lounges have tropical indoor palms and life-size sculptures of horses and sheep. Rooms are large and comfortably furnished and there are uninterrupted views of Condado Beach. Nearby is the coastal promenade and park, Ventana al Mar.

Both cruise terminals can easily be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle.

Why Stay Here

• Beachfront resort
• One of most luxurious & best hotels
• Rooms with balcony and ocean view

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

2. O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World ★★★★★

Located near the Condado Lagoon, this compact, highly original luxury hotel has a symmetrical facade painted in bright yellow. The interior presents a warm, cosy atmosphere where guests can relax amongst luxurious surroundings. Wood panelling, marble steps and intricately patterned tiled flooring add to the inviting atmosphere.

Decorative plants, paintings and ornaments give the hotel a sophisticated yet comfortable appearance. The O:live is one of the best places to stay to enjoy wonderful views of the Condado Lagoon where the endangered brown pelican lives.

Why Stay Here

• Luxury 5 star hotel
• Boutique hotel
• Rooftop terrace with infinity pool

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado ★★★★ (Popular)

This large, multi-storey luxury hotel is situated to the east of the Condado Lagoon. The interior is spacious and uncluttered, creating a relaxing ambience throughout. Contemporary styling concentrates on displaying single pieces of modern art and occasional splashes of bright colour on the walls or ceilings in lounges and dining areas.

The rooms are typically large and simply decorated in white with beige soft furnishings. There are views of the local urbanised area and the Atlantic coastline. Nearby is the relaxing Ocean Park Beach with almond and palm trees.

Why Stay Here

• Lovely modern hotel
• Rooftop pool
• Rooms with Balcony

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

4. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort ★★★★

La Concha Renaissance luxury hotel is located directly beside the Condado Beach. It is one of the best places to stay for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The spacious interior of the hotel has a nautical colour scheme with white walls, pale grey marble flooring and ocean blue accessories.

The rooms are generously sized with elegant, comfortable furnishings and occasional prints on the walls that complement the blue and white decor. The hotel is ideally situated for relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in the Old Town and visiting restaurants.

You can reach the Pan American cruise terminal and the Old Town in 8 minutes.

Why Stay Here

• Private beach
• Rooms with sea view, some have balcony
• Free bike rental

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

5. San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino ★★★★ (Beachfront)

This luxury hotel is a large complex located just a few steps from the Condado Beach. There are wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean from many of the rooms. Communal lounges have contemporary features such as artistic wall panelling in vivid colours. The rooms are elegantly styled with a minimalist white and grey decor highlighted with lamps and rugs in contrasting colours.

The hotel is ideal for on site entertainment including an imaginatively designed outdoor pool fringed with palm trees and a casino with table games such as roulette.

Why Stay Here

• Oceanfront hotel
• On-site casino
• Family and kids friendly

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

6. Condado Palm Inn San Juan, Tapestry Collection by Hilton ★★★ (Popular Hotel)

Located just a few minutes walk from the Condado Beach, this modern, multi-storey hotel has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The hotel is well-appointed throughout and has a relaxing colour scheme of cream and beige with chestnut accessories. The rooms are bright, cheerful and comfortable with colourful rugs and artwork. Many of them have Juliet balconies and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The hotel is near to the Condado Lagoon and the seventeenth century San Jerónimo del Boquerón Fort. The Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is a short drive away. San Juan cruise port is 5 minutes away by car.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• 1 block from the beach, walking distance
• Not far from shops and restaurants

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

Other popular & budget friendly hotels (often booked by cruisers)

1. Caribe Hilton ★★★★ (Beachfront)

This luxury hotel is located on the Atlantic coastline just to the north of the Condado Lagoon. The rooms are large, bright and comfortable. The interior decor includes crisp white walls, soft furnishings in warm brown, plus additional seating and artwork in contrasting colours. Many rooms have balconies providing spectacular views of the rugged promontory and the beautiful tropical gardens nearby.

Lounges and dining areas are spacious, glamorous and elegant. The hotel is one of the best places to stay for combining an idyllic location with close proximity to the Pan American cruise terminal and Old San Juan.

Why Stay Here

• Located between Old San Juan & Pan American Pier Cruise Terminal
• Private Beach
• Family friendly hotel

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

2. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan – Hotel & Casino ★★★★ (Popular)

The exterior of the multi-storey complex is painted in pastel shades of blue and grey. Amidst lush tropical palm trees, there are terraces, bars and a swimming pool. With its own casino, the hotel is one of the best places for providing convenient entertainment.

The rooms are spacious with comfortable seating, soft furnishings and colourful artwork. The hotel is located a few minutes walk from the idyllic Isla Verde Beach and has excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby is the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.

Why Stay Here

• Walking distance from beach
• Near airport
• Good for families

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

3. Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan ★★★

The palatial Hampton Inn presents a welcoming image of modern and traditional elegance that is sophisticated yet cosy. The rooms and suites are beautifully maintained, bright and airy. They include mahogany furniture, comfortable seating and soft furnishings with colourful tropical designs that echo the beautiful scenery outside.

Located close to the beachfront of Isla Verde, this good value hotel is one of the best places for exploring the local area as nearby is the Marina Arrecife Wildlife Reserve and the Pine Grove Surfing Beach. The property is located around 12 to 15 mins away from San Juan cruise port.

Why Stay Here

• Budget friendly hotel
• Close to international airport
• Good hotel for one night stay prior or after a cruise

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

What is the Best Adults Only Hotel in San Juan?

1. O:LV Fifty Five Hotel – Adults Only ★★★★★ (Luxury)

This luxury five star hotel caters only for adult guests. It is located near the southern shore of the Condado Lagoon and has an atmosphere of trendsetting sophistication and glamour. The lounges and rooms are sumptuously decorated with upholstered wall panelling, sparkling chandeliers, gilt door frames and metallic furniture.

Several bronze statues decorate the lobby, dining areas and the outdoor pool. There are views of the Lagoon and the suburban district of Miramar where there are restaurants and bars. Nearby attractions include the Museum of Art that catalogues Puerto Rico’s fascinating history.

Why Stay Here

• Luxury 5 star hotel
• Adults only
• Rooftop pool with amazing views

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

Map

(Latest update December 30th 2023)
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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