Background & History
Over the 4th of July, I headed down to Puerto Rico for a little beach vacation. I had most recently been to San Juan for a few hours during a cruise I took last year, so I was excited to spend more time there. I was excited to try a stay at the iconic Fairmont El San Juan. The iconic Fairmont El San Juan hotel opened in 1958, and it became a popular spot for famous entertainers. It was initially opened as the San Juan Intercontinental and operated by Pan Am, as it was originally constructed to house flight crews. Later, it joined the Waldorf Astoria brand in 2009. Then in 2020, it joined the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
The hotel is conveniently located just a 5-minute car ride from the San Juan (SJU) Airport, and is situated on Isla Verde Beach. I got to try a cool flight, flying JetBlue Mint Business Class from New York. Even though the flight is only around four hours, it’s definitely nice to be in a lie-flat seat! And, it was nice to be able to get to the hotel so quickly after arriving.
Travel Agency Benefits
I work with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays. Fora is part of Accor HERA & Virtuoso. This partnership gives you special perks when booking with me. The Fairmont El San Juan comes with the following:
- Daily complimentary breakfast for 2, per room
- USD 100 property credit
- Early check-in & late check-out (upon availability)
- Upgrade at time of check-in (upon availability)
If you are interested in staying at the Fairmont El San Juan, feel free to email me at takeofftotravel@fora.travel, and I would be happy to help you plan your trip.
Takeoff Points for the Fairmont El San Juan
Date of Stay: July 2025
Pros: Amazing pool area, solid beachfront, and plenty of bars.
Cons: Small bathroom, some common area refreshes would be appreciated.
Takeoff Point: The Fairmont El San Juan offered a solid weekend getaway with amazing pools and a beautiful beach, though the rooms and service could be enhanced.
Arrival & First Impressions
I’ve stayed at a few Fairmont properties and generally like the brand (Le Labo toiletries- yes please!) Generally, they are more classic properties with a bit of an older crowd, but the Fairmont El San Juan is definitely different. The lobby of the Fairmont El San Juan takes you back in time, with some old-world glamour, with the grand chandelier and dark wood accents, but also looks more hip, with touches like the billiards table in the lobby.
To the right of the lobby is the Foxwoods El San Juan casino, which provides 15,000 square feet of slot machines and table games.
We arrived around 2 pm, and our room wasn’t quite ready yet, so we grabbed some lunch and then were able to check in.
Room: Fairmont Two Queen
Our room was located on the 5th floor, and the lead-in category Fairmont 2 Queens offers 441 square feet of space. As you enter the room, there is a large closet area with a mini fridge for personal use, as well as a Nespresso machine.
Further in the room, you’ll find a chair with an ottoman at the window, as well as a separate desk & chair. The beds were pretty comfortable and provided a solid night’s rest.
The bathroom is towards the back of the room, next to the window, and it is a bit on the tight side.
Counter space was limited, but I did love the Le Labo toiletries.
We did have a view of the pool area, and could see some of the ocean, which was nice.
One note: they could touch up some of the paint on the doors.
Amenities
Pools
The stars of the property are the pools! There are four pools, and cabana rentals if you would like.
Isla Verde Beach
Just steps from the hotel, there is a solid two-mile stretch of beach. Towels and umbrellas are provided, which is nice.
Fitness Center & Spa
The fitness center was quite large, and it was two stories plus a rooftop! One of the most expansive fitness centers I’ve been to.
There is also a Spa in the main tower, with treatments ranging from massages, body treatments, and facials.
Also, tennis/basketball courts are available to reserve, as well as beach volleyball & pickleball equipment.
Part of the Resort Experience Fee includes a daily Tropical Cocktail Class at Caña from 5-6 pm, which I highly recommend. The class was fun, interactive, and came with two drinks! We had to try a Pina Colada since it originated in San Juan and is the official drink of Puerto Rico.
Dining & Entertainment
There are plenty of dining options at the Fairmont El San Juan, from the El San Juan Beach Club, which serves an elevated coastal cuisine, to Caña, with authentic Puerto Rican flavors. Banyan Tree Grill, with bar bites, Meat Market with prime cuts and seafood, and Il Sole Pizzeria for a casual experience, among others.
My meals on site were either a hit or a miss; I enjoyed the drinks at most of the bars, but my Cobb Salad at the El San Juan Beach Club was not on par. I had a nice light dinner at Banyan Tree Grill, and the Matcha Latte (with Agave) I got at El Bistro in the lobby was one of the best I’ve ever had!
Additionally, there are many bars from the Rum Bar, Wine Bar, Chandelier Bar & Chico Cabaret, as well as many pool bars. There is even a nightclub that hotel guests get free admission to, Club Brava.
The Verdict
My long weekend at the Fairmont El San Juan was delightful, particularly thanks to the pools and beach access. With minor updates, the property could reach its full potential, and I would like to revisit for a weekend getaway in the future.
Have you stayed at the Fairmont El San Juan before? How was your experience? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
Have any questions? I’ve also started working with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays or planning trips. Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!
