Hotel Review: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico

The first thing I noticed during my stay at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel was its versatility. Inside the hotel, dark sultry colors and design offer a luxurious, exclusive vibe.

But once I stepped out to the back, where the four pools and hot tub are, I felt a total shift into the light-hearted fun of summer beach casual. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves in the distance and the laughter from the pools set the mood immediately.

I was able to enjoy a private cabana, giving me plenty of space to keep my face mask off while lounging (and the pool shack offered Sun Bum aloe vera gel and sunscreen, along with bug spray, which was a great touch that I utilized quite a bit during the weekend).

Three different types of cabanas are available depending on the size of a guest’s party, and I saw multiple families enjoying shade along with the poolside food and beverage service. The cabanas require a minimum spend, but they come with complimentary fruit and water. If clients have a preference for a specific cabana, they can reserve that space ahead of time. 

There was a mix of young adults, older couples and families during my visit. When I asked about the hotel’s clientele, the hotel confirmed that there has been an increase in families coming to the property for extended stays. The hotel also has Elite Learning Pods, a program where children (or adults) can book a room equipped with snacks, Wi-Fi access and lunch boxes. 

RELATED: 3 Caribbean Resorts Offering Workcation Packages 

Although I opted to stay with a friend in the main building, families who want to have more space to themselves can book a villa or a suite. The Casa Del Mar Suite offers a kitchenette, a separate bedroom, two terraces and a private outdoor hot tub, ensuring plenty of room for workcations and schoolcations.

With nine restaurants to try, the hotel is great for a long-term stay. I visited Banyan Tree Grill for its poke bowl and Crudo Sushi for sushi, but for the majority of my meals I enjoyed Cana by Juliana Gonzalez, a fusion restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a poolside view. Much of the restaurant’s food is local, giving guests a taste of island classics such as mofongo (a fried plantains dish) and longaniza (similar to chorizo). 

But it’s not just about relaxing and vegging out here. Guests can access a three-story fitness facility and try out one-on-one and group fitness classes. (The majority of reservations for the cabanas, restaurants and fitness classes can be made through OpenTable, allowing guests to switch things around with ease.)

I tried my hand at the “Pool Float Fit” class. As the name suggests, participants are on a floating board in the pool, and much of the workout comes from trying to keep upright. While there are anchors that keep the board from capsizing completely, I splashed into the water more than once during the one-hour training.

Later in the evening, the adults find their way downstairs into the bars, where the atmosphere is vibrant and warm. There are four bars inside the Fairmont El San Juan, and a live salsa band performs on the weekend. I watched as people danced to the live band, and later two professional dancers (with masks on) came out and danced with the crowd. 

The Details
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel