Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
San Juan, Puerto Rico
6063 Isla Verde Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00979
Original Property Opened in 1958
Historic Hotels of America member since 2022
For the last several decades, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has been among Puerto Rico’s most luxurious holiday destinations. The hotel originally opened in 1958 and was known as the “San Juan Intercontinental Hotel". The architect of the project was Morris Lapidus, who was celebrated for his timeless architectural style, having designed several hundred iconic buildings across the United States by that point. He was especially regarded for his work in Miami Beach, including the architectural planning for the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel. The beautiful interiors impressed locals and visitors alike and the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel became the place to be.
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is an ideal destination for guests who are seeking a breezy island retreat. Located minutes from Old San Juan, on the award-winning Isla Verde Beach in Puerto Rico, the hotel features four pools, gorgeous guestrooms and villas, live entertainment throughout the week, and an incredible array of fine dining options. Guests can relax at the Well & Being Spa and work up a sweat at the hotel's innovative fitness center.
Discover
- Discover the historic Mid-Century Modern architecture seen at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. The architectural style was at its most popular in the 1950's when the hotel was originally built. An offshoot of the earlier International and Bauhaus movements, Mid-Century Modern essentially sought to portray a seemingly contemporary, futuristic aesthetic that reflected the popular concepts of civil progress. The architect was Morris Lapidus, who was celebrated for his timeless architectural style, having designed several hundred iconic buildings across the United States by that point. He was especially regarded for his work in Miami Beach, including the architectural planning for the renowned Fontainebleau Hotel.
- Enjoy the state-of-the-art wellness center at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. Featuring innovative equipment and challenging fitness classes, the fitness center allows guests to experience a fitness routine during their vacation.
- Indulge in a massage, body scrub, or nourishing facial at Well & Being, the spa at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. Guests can work with the specialists at the spa to customize a routine that will leave them feeling fresh and invigorated.
Explore
- Explore the center of Puerto Rico's most visited attraction, Old San Juan, the most historic colonial city (established in 1521) under the jurisdiction of the United States. It's still partially encircled by old fortifications built by the Spanish government. Wander cobblestone streets and view Spanish architecture and colonial structures that are now museums and government buildings, such as La Fortaleza, the Governor of Puerto Rico's residence since the 16th century.
- Stroll to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the second-most historic Roman Catholic cathedral in the Americas. Built in 1521, the cathedral is nearby, on Calle del Cristo. View the statues, stained glass windows, and relics. This is the final resting place of Juan Ponce de León, Spanish explorer and founder of the first European settlement here.
- Walk to 16th-century Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a World Heritage Site, and 17th-century Castillo San Cristóbal. These forts were necessary to protect San Juan, a rich target of pirates and foreign powers thanks to shiploads of gold and silver on their way from the New World to Europe.
Experience
- Shop at Calle del Cristo Street, the best shopping street in Old San Juan. Peruse the boutiques, high-end designer stores, low-end tourist souvenir shops, factory outlets, and jewelry stores. There are also art galleries to visit and restaurants to try.
- Enjoy a performance at Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré, a multi-use venue with three main halls for plays, concerts, ballets, and musical performances including jazz and opera. It has presented world-renowned artists such as Plácido Domingo and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and is just four miles from the hotel.
- Journey to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. Enjoy hiking on well-marked trails, or join a guided tour to La Mina waterfalls when available. Go rock climbing, take photos at La Coca Falls, or go swimming in a natural pool. El Yunque National Forest is about 25 miles from the hotel.
Taste
- Taste fresh sushi at Crudo Sushi at the Lobby. The menu features a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer as well as small bites and entrees that focus on fresh ingredients including fish.
- Sip a cocktail from one of the two outdoor bars at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. Whether guests choose the the El San Juan Beach Club or the Swim Up Pool Bar, they can order creations made by the hotel's talented mixologists.
- Indulge in exquisite fine dining at RIVA. The menu will rotate to feature the finest ingredients and dishes but no matter what is available, the dining experience at RIVA is world-class.