Review: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

What are your first impressions of this place?
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has one of the most dramatic lobbies on the island, with a glistening oval chandelier—the third largest of its kind in the world—shining in the center. It's a bright contrast to the intricately carved mahogany and polished marble in one of the hotels five bars that sits directly below. It might be to linger, though, the beach and four pools will call you outside.

So what's the story behind the hotel?
First opened in 1958, it was the axis for entertainment on the island, with a nightclub that drew legends like Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli. Throughout its run, the hotel has always retained a polished, dress-your-best ambience. Now part of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the hotel enlisted designer Jeffrey Beers to spearhead a $65 million renovation under the Hilton banner, unveiled in December 2018, that modernized the common spaces, restaurants, and bars while preserving the property's history and throwback elegance.

How are the rooms themselves? What are the different options?
Rooms in the Grand Tower have ocean, pool or city views and enough space for a proper sitting area. Villas, meanwhile, are centered around a pool, with outdoor space, large bathrooms, and complimentary breakfast. Varying levels of suites offer expanded living areas; the highest tier pulls out all the stops with a baby grand piano, private whirlpool, terraces, and more.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is part of the 18 percent resort fee.

Any good food options on-site?
There are eight restaurants including the poolside Caña by Juliana González (serving local dishes such as pigeon pea stew and garlicky prawns with yucca mofongo); Aquarelle, an al fresco restaurant and bar; a branch of the popular Miami steakhouse Meat Market; an Italian restaurant; and a casual bistro. In addition to the Chandelier Bar, the hotel houses a rum bar, a wine bar, a cabaret bar, and a café specializing in local coffee. There are also three poolside and beachside bars, including one that's swim-up.

What type of travelers tend to stay here?
Beach-lovers flock here for their sun fix.

What else is nearby?
You won’t get much closer to the airport—you can get from baggage claim to the beach in 10 minutes. Set in Isla Verde, the hotel is also a short taxi away from Piñones, where food lovers kiosk-hop to snack on all manner of deep-fried goodness. Also just down the road is Vivo Beach Club, another lovely sandy stretch that's great for a change of scenery. For those who enjoy some suds with their surf, Ocean Lab Brewing Co., one the island’s only craft breweries, is right onsite.

Is there anything you'd change?
More walkable attractions would be nice.

Anything else we should be sure to check out while staying here?
Fairmont El San Juan is bringing back casino chic to the island with its renovated casino, 15,000 square feet of gaming in partnership with Foxwoods. It also continues its nightclub tradition with Chico Cabaret, a speakeasy featuring live entertainment and Club Brava, a bi-level dance club with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The Well & Being Spa has a fitness center with an outdoor rooftop (classes range from vertical wall yoga to water-focused workouts to indoor cycling). Pool dwellers can choose among the lounges, daybeds, or luxury cabanas spread among the four pools. You’d be remiss to not take advantage of the myriad water sports, from kayaking to parasailing. There’s a tennis center onsite, too.

Bottom line: Worth it?
It delivers three essential Bs: beach, bars, and by-the-airport.