The city of San Juan is a vibrant and diverse travel destination with something to offer everyone. Also known as La Ciudad Amarullada or “The Walled City,” it’s the heart of Puerto Rico’s history and culture. Our team has visited the city a few times before, and we all agree that its stunning beaches and bustling nightlife are also its main attractions. And if you want to go there in the near future, staying in the best Airbnb in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a great way to experience the city like a local.
We’ve stayed in many different Airbnbs in the city, all offering us a memorable experience. What’s more, each of them is different. Some are charming apartments, while others are spacious villas for families. You may even be surprised by the amenities they offer.
Today, we’ll highlight some of our favorite accommodations in San Juan based on their location, amenities, and ratings. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun family vacation, or a budget-friendly trip, we’ve got you covered!
San Juan, At a Glance!
Did you know that San Juan is the oldest European-founded city in the Americas? A city brimming with history, we were enchanted by its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets when we were there. Its top attractions include El Morro, and visiting this World Heritage Site is one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico. In addition, San Juan is also surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, you can visit one of the city’s many nightclubs and learn how to dance salsa from your new friends. The city is also a foodie’s paradise, with many restaurants serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. No matter what you’re into, San Juan will surely leave a deep impression.
Old Town Ocean View Villa
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Best for Couples. Kicking off this list is the Old Town Ocean View Villa, a beautiful house that offers some of the best views in the city. While there’s a lot to like about this villa, many travelers specifically adore its location. It’s not surprising, though. When we were there, we were spoiled by the views of the ocean and La Perla. There was also a local bar only a short walk away, so we never had to travel far when we wanted a drink or two. Also, we could easily walk to Old San Juan and enjoy everything it had to offer us.
The living area is also fantastic. It’s huge, and you’ll also find an open kitchen along with a modern dining room. Meanwhile, those who need to finish their work will certainly appreciate the office loft area. However, lovebirds should check out the oceanview shower. With a transparent glass wall, you can take a romantic shower with your lover while taking in the sparkling views of the ocean. For more inclusive accommodations, check out these gay-friendly hotels in San Juan!
There are three bedrooms on the property, and all of them are immaculately clean. However, the best one is the one that’s connected to the deck. It was our favorite place to enjoy the sunset. We would make our favorite drinks, play our favorite songs, sit down, and have some of the best times of our trip.
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Pineapple Suite, Casa de Artistas
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Best for Budget Travelers. Those on a budget and need a great place to call home while in San Juan should take a look at Pineapple Suite. The hosts of this guesthouse were super friendly to us. They even gave us a detailed list of what they thought were the best spots in the area. The place itself wasn’t the fanciest, but it was good enough for us. It was clean, and the small bedroom had everything we needed.
In addition, you’ll also find a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and a work desk. The paintings on the wall also make the place even more artsy and interesting. If you’re a group of three, you can turn the sofa into a bed so no one has to sleep on the floor.
Another highlight is its distance to the beach. It took us only a short walk to reach Balneario del Escambrón, a small beach in the neighborhood. If you rent a scooter, you’ll have an easier time to explore the surrounding area. Overall, we had a wonderful trip, and this place was a nice spot for us to recharge.
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Casa Saffra Beach Front with Pool in San Juan
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If you’re looking for the best Airbnb in Puerto Rico with a pool, we have a nice recommendation for you. Casa Saffra is a beautiful house with tons of luxurious amenities, including a private swimming pool. For us, it was the best part of our trip. When we arrived and checked out the pool, it was super clean and seemed well-maintained. It may not be the biggest pool, but it was the house’s best part.
Designed for a group of 10, the property has 5 beautifully decorated bedrooms. What’s fantastic is the fact that each of them offers you gorgeous ocean views. The one on the upper level even offers direct access to the balcony, which makes viewing the magnificent sunrises and sunsets a breeze.
The house is so big that there are so many spots for all to hang out, including the dining room, balcony, pool area, and living room. One of our favorite parts of the house is the living room. We’ve stayed in so many Airbnb houses, and the living room here truly wowed us. Everything was perfect, from the premium ceramic table to the cloud-like sofa and the shiny light fixture.
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The Vintage Treehouse at La Botanica
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Does staying in a treehouse sound exciting to you? Then you should look no further than The Vintage Treehouse at La Botanica, one of the best Airbnbs in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As the name suggests, this treehouse is set in the La Botanica Hotel. At first, we didn’t know where the treehouse was. It turned out it was set on the second floor, and we had to take the spiral staircase to the deck. Our stay here was extremely memorable, and our favorite activity was doing yoga in the morning, which was followed by a complimentary, hearty breakfast.
Guests who stay at the treehouse will also have access to the communal areas. They include lounge areas where everyone can mingle with each other, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. We took tons of pictures while we were there as the decoration was exquisite. It was a mixture of country-home style but with a little bit of modern touch.
Now, let’s talk about the treehouse itself! It features stunning art along with some vintage finds. The bed is set up in such a romantic way, with old speakers right beside the bed. The shower is on the deck, and part of it is covered with frosted plexiglass. Speaking of which, the deck also comes with a cozy outdoor seating area and a hammock.
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The BEACH Pad
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Best Location. Are you a dedicated beach-goer? If so, we think no better options exist than The BEACH Pad. Unlike many other dubious accommodations that claim to be “near” or only “steps away” from the beach (we all know they’re not), this one is literally “on” the beach. We’ve been here before, and we think it’s safe to say that the beach views are the best in the city. For beach lovers, this has to be the best Airbnb in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This 750 sq ft apartment features an airy living room with a reclinable sofa and a huge 75-inch TV. The best part about it is that it allows you to check out the beach from the balcony. It was our go-to spot to not only people-watch but also witness the sunrise and sunset. For the best experience, turn on the Sonos sound bar and dance to your favorite music with a glass of wine to melt the stress away.
This apartment only has one bedroom, so you don’t have a lot of choices. Luckily, it’s probably the most relaxing part of the apartment. It was probably the blue walls, but we always felt more refreshed in the morning. Best of all, you can open the windows and hear the sounds of the ocean waves from the comfort of the bedroom.
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A Gem of a 2-Bedroom Condo Unit Close to the Beach
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Perfectly located next to all the best spots in the city, we enjoyed our time at this beautiful Two-Bedroom Condo. It was only a 5 USD Uber ride for us to reach Old San Juan as well as Condado. Want to go to the beach and feel the sand? It’s not too far away, either. Based on how much we spent, we’re sure you won’t have to spend more than 10 USD for an Uber ride. Better yet, we were provided with an iPad that showed us the best restaurants and activities nearby.
Aside from the location, we also love the bedrooms. There are two, and both of them are equally beautiful. The Master Bedroom, however, is the highlight. It’s connected to both the living room and the terrace. Similarly, there are two marble bathrooms, and each is immaculately clean.
Staying at this Airbnb feels like staying at a fancy Puerto Rico hotel. While we were there, the condo smelled amazing, especially the living room. We were shocked that this expansive area looked exactly like the pictures. The L-shaped sofa is more than big enough for a group of four; there’s an additional chair if that isn’t enough. During the daytime, plenty of natural light will come in, making it the perfect spot to enjoy your tea before heading out.
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Luxury Oceanview/Condado/San Juan
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We’re happy we had the chance to stay at the Luxury Oceanview Apartment in Condado, and you should experience it, too. It’s a modern and remodeled Airbnb in San Juan, Puerto Rico, only minutes from some of the area’s must-visit spots. From the apartment, we could reach Ashford Avenue in mere minutes on foot. There, we would spoil ourselves with the food at the high-class restaurants. Want to splurge? You’ll also find high-end brands like LV, Gucci, and Cartier.
This is a one-bedroom apartment, making it a nice choice for solo travelers or couples. The bedroom comes with a plush king-size bed, a futon, as well as a walk-in closet. We’re such a clean freak, and we were relieved when we saw how clean the bathroom was. It was spotless and had every toiletry we needed.
Want to relax but too tired to venture out? Just relax in the living room! Turn on the TV, and you’ll have tons of streaming services to choose from. Make sure to also open the glass doors so you can feel the ocean breeze. There are also chairs on the terrace so you can feel the sun and enjoy the views. Best of all, there are complimentary beers, bottled water, and coffee, too.
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Breezy Boho 2BR Dream w/Large Deck in Great Area
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This Breezy Boho Apartment is another highly recommended place that we’re sure you’ll like. Based on our experience, the apartment had a unique sense of tranquility that was hard to find elsewhere. There are two bedrooms on the property, and each of them comes with a queen-size bed. We knew the bedrooms weren’t the biggest even before we arrived there. However, we were surprised by how cozy they were. Each room had an air-conditioner, and the aesthetics were simply breathtaking.
Similar to the bedrooms, you’ll also find boho-inspired aesthetics in the living area. It was more spacious, and we thought and had plenty of natural lights when the weather was nice. At night, the dimmable light made the living area feel even more romantic. Turn on the TV, grab some popcorn, and have an enjoyable night!
“We had so much fun staying at this boho-inspired apartment. Everything was perfect, and Eileen was such a great host. She was very responsive and helpful.”
WOW Travel
The heart of the apartment has to be the humongous, leafy balcony. It was our go-to spot for breakfast every morning. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out, and we took tons of pictures as it was arguably the most Instagrammable spot on the property. Sip your coffee and feel the ocean breeze before heading out to explore San Juan.
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Villa Bohemia I
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Best for Families. Designed to accommodate 16 guests is Villa Bohemia I, a huge Airbnb in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that offers fantastic amenities for its guests. This isn’t surprising, though, as it’s located in Condado, the city’s most luxurious neighborhood. There are eight bedrooms in total, but our favorite is none other than the Master Bedroom. When we first entered the room, we were startled by the huge painting on the wall. But the highlight has to be the amazing private balcony. Every morning after we woke up, we would enjoy our morning coffee there.
Perfect for generational family vacations or company retreats, this villa also boasts two rooftop terraces from where everyone can take in the picturesque views of the surroundings. When it comes to dining, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen on the property. When we were there, it was clean, and everything worked perfectly. Then, enjoy the food together in the outdoor dining area!
Your stay here won’t be complete without a dip in the swimming pool. Trust us; the picture doesn’t do the pool justice. It’s bigger than it looks, and there are also inner tubes for floating. The pool was also cleaned properly before our arrival. We would cool ourselves in the pool after a day exploring Old San Juan.
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The Hidden Gem, 1 BR Apartment in Old San Juan
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For solo travelers, The Hidden Gem is probably the best option they can find. It’s San Juan’s best-rated accommodation on Airbnb for a good reason. This one-bedroom and one-bathroom apartment is nothing short of cozy. The full-size bed was so comfortable that we always had a good night’s sleep. We were also thrilled when we found out the TV had Roku so we could catch up on our favorite shows. The bathroom was spotless, and there were free toiletries as well as clean towels for us to use.
Our stay was enjoyable since the apartment provided us with everything we possibly needed and more. From beach essentials to a fully-stocked kitchen, the details didn’t go unnoticed. Also, for one to two people, the living room is huge. There’s a sofa that’s always ready to welcome you home after a day of walking. Plus, you can invite some of your friends to a dinner as there’s a small dining area for four.
Set in Old San Juan, the location of this apartment is perfect. We were able to easily walk to many cafes and see all the beautiful sights without the hassles of finding a taxi or renting a car. Also, since this accommodation is tucked away from the busy, noisy main streets, you can always have a quiet, uninterrupted rest.
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Casa Frida by Dreamers Welcome
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Best for Luxury Enthusiasts. This Airbnb in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is simply top-notch. Casa Frida by Dreamers Welcome was easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. It’s set in Santurce, a hip area that puts you only moments away from the museums. Every corner inside the mansion is nothing short of stunning. They’re stunningly designed, and there’s so much natural light, even in the living area. With plants and an air-conditioner, it was our favorite spot to unwind.
The Master Bedroom in this mansion and the bathroom are fitting for royalties. Oozing luxury and opulence, the Master Bedroom also boasts a private balcony from where you can enjoy the fresh air and the surrounding views. We were also surprised by the fact that there was a hammock inside the room. When we wanted to chill, as if we were on a camping site minus the heat, we would always take a nap there.
Don’t spend the entire day sleeping in your room, though. Make sure to explore the entire house, which boasts two terraces and three balconies. We would hang out in the huge backyard that overlooked the bamboo garden during our spare time. There, you’ll find lounge chairs, a hammock, and a dining area. Oh, there’s a hot tub, too.
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Our Verdict!
From apartments to villas, all of the accommodations above are impressive. They allowed us to unwind and refresh before another exciting day of exploration. To help you choose which suits you better, we’ve categorized some of them based on the following criteria, which should help all travelers.
- Best for Luxury Enthusiasts: Casa Frida by Dreamers Welcome
- Best for Budget Travelers: Pineapple Suite, Casa de Artistas
- Best for Families: Villa Bohemia I
- Best for Couples: Old Town Ocean View Villa
- Best Location: The BEACH Pad
Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Of course, the most popular neighborhood in San Juan is none other than Old San Juan. This is a historic area that’s always full of travelers. It’s where you’ll find cobblestone streets, stunning colonial buildings, as well as sparkling views of the Atlantic Ocean. Museum-goers can explore the many museums or even art galleries, while foodies can sample the food at the restaurants here. You may also find your favorite Airbnb here in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
For a fancier experience, you’ll want to stay somewhere within Condado. It’s a popular destination among travelers and is known for its high-rise hotels, casinos, as well as luxurious stores. There’s also a beach, which is ideal for swimmers, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts.
As you can see, some of our recommended accommodations are in Santurce. It’s a hip area where you’ll find the Puerto Rico Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum. It’s a diverse neighborhood that’s also popular for its buzzing nightlife scene, meaning you won’t have trouble looking for bars in the area.
Is it safe to rent Airbnb in Puerto Rico?
Overall, it’s safe. But as with many other travel destinations, you should always be aware of your surroundings whether you’re renting an Airbnb in San Juan, Puerto Rico, or elsewhere.
Is San Juan safe at night?
Yes, it is. Even the most crowded places like Old San Juan and Condado are safe even at night, and you can always find police officers nearby.
Is San Juan safe for female travelers?
Yes! Just as Puerto Rico is safe for female travelers, San Juan is also the same.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Airbnb.
