CasaBlanca Hotel

This hotel was a real gem during our visit to Old Town San Juan. From the moment we entered the beautiful lobby and were greeted very enthusiastically by the desk clerk until we checked out and were wished well by an equally friendly desk clerk, we enjoyed our stay.
The lobby (and restaurant, and halls, and rooms) was decorated in a sort of Moroccan theme to go along with the Casablanca name. In fact, there are TVs in the lobby playing the film «Casablanca» on 24-​hour loops.
They’ve just installed a new glass elevator which they seemed to be really proud of, but it did make some clunking sounds when it ran and still didn’t go up to the roof. Why go to the roof? It has been transformed into a terrace, complete with astroturf and literal bathtubs in which to sit and spray yourself down; odd maybe, unique definitely. We didn’t partake of the tubs, but another couple was relaxing in a pair when we checked it out and assured us that after a day of sweating in the streets of OT, it was great to lounge in cool water with a view.
That view is a nice one, looking out in all directions of OT. You can see all the old buildings, the forts, the sea, and the many, many pools of stagnant water on other roofs where mosquitoes deposit their young to grow into zika-​transporting monsters. (See «We didn’t partake of the tubs,» above.)
Our room was tiny, but that’s what I like. I need a bed and a bathroom, and anything else is gravy at best or a waste of space and money at worst. This was a tight room with a bed, two nightstands with lamps, a TV, and a bathroom. Done and done. The A.C. in the room was remote controlled, and the HDTV had satellite, so I even got to sneak in an episode of «Chopped» during our stay.
This hotel had tons of personality for a reasonable price, and is a great base of operations for visiting Old Town San Juan!

I really can’t for the life of me find anything to complain about with the CasaBlanca. When we checked in, we were greeted by the friendliest and most helpful individual. When I expressed disappointment that we didn’t get the room with a view we had requested upon reservation, he promptly swapped our reservation for a 5^th floor room next to a lobby with a crystal clear view of El Morro. Each room is uniquely and individually appointed, and you never get the same environment or décor twice. From the pictures, you can gather that some rooms are more luxurious than others, but all are impeccably clean, fun, and lovely.
We waffled and waffled about this decision between the Mosaic Art Suites, CasaBlanca, and El Convento, and I’m so pleased we chose CasaBlanca. The location is unbeatable, the rooftop views (and tubs — you simply MUST give them a try… we totally fell asleep in them) are breathtaking, and the hotel itself is just super, super cool. Side note: they installed a lovely glass elevator last month, so stairs should no longer be a deterrent for less mobile patrons.
Here’s my only complaint: if you’re like us and rented a car in order to get to El Yunque rainforest, parking is a B-​I-​T-​C-​H (seriously). Via many online recommendations, we mostly parked in Dona Fela, but found that an even better option is the Covadonga Parking Garage down the street for a better price (but it’s only open to the public at certain times). Make sure you always have cash if you’re going to opt for a car and thus the Old San Juan parking garage experience.

We stopped by the bar for an amazing happy hour special. The bar tender Alejandra is fantastic and she makes the best house shots. Ambiance is impeccable.

Highly recommended especially if your looking to experience the real culture and enjoy the heart of Old St. Juan. I’d stay here again. Only negative was that there are no windows in your hotel rooms. I enjoyed the rooftop, hotel décor, and hotel location.

What a welcome into San Juan from the CasaBlanca Hotel. We deliberated for a long time on if this was the spot we wanted to stay in and I can say with a resounding YES that this is the place to be if you want to experience Old San Juan.
From the minute we walked in, Miguel was just about the nicest staff member I’ve ever encountered. This guy is awesome at his job and made us feel welcome with his lighthearted way. Since he heard it was our honeymoon, he gave us three keys and our choice of room. We chose an awesome one on the top floor with a view. Yes, there are stairs to climb with bags but again Miguel was quick to offer his help. Also, big news from them, their elevator is nearing completion and could be ready by as early as April 2016. We’re young enough that we don’t mind climbing stairs at all, and actually enjoy it.
The rooms were great; full of charm, cool windows, A/​C, comfy beds and very clean. One hundred times better than a Puerto Rican Holiday Inn or Hyatt. When you’re in a new place, you want to feel like it.
There is a rooftop here with funky bathtubs for… lounging? Dancing the hoochy-​koo? You decide. The view is nice.
The location here was perfect so an Old San Juan exploration. There are great restaurants all around, and of course the Castillo San Cristobal is a quick walk away. That deserves it’s own Unilocal review but I have to say I was blown away but this old fort. Amazing history and views there.
We’ll remember this hotel well for helping kick off our honeymoon experience as we made our way from Old San Juan to Vieques. For the price, you absolutely won’t find a cooler, cleaner, safer, nicer, local hotel than Casablanca.

Great rooftop views, excellent service (they’ll carry your bags for you as well as store them for you when you check out), delicious mojitos at the bar. Comfy beds and clean rooms and bathrooms. Lovely Moroccan/​Casablancan décor.

Staff were friendly and accommodating. Room
Was cleaned each day, staff called for taxi when requested. AC worked. Only complaint was no working elevator but they put is on 2^nd floor to help accommodate.
This hotel is ideally located in Old San Juan close to various restaurants and attractions

This hotel is a beautiful and friendly layover on our way to Culebra. Miguel is the most hospitable and awesome person. He gave us the best recommendations and made our quick stay amazing. We’ll stay here again.

Just enough class with plenty of quirkiness. Couldn’t ask for a better location in old San Juan. Cozy, clean, and inspiring. The staff at Casablanca were incredibly accommodating — When a tour unexpectedly ran late, they were gracious enough to let us check out VERY late without any issues. Highly recommend!

Words cannot express how much I loved staying at this hotel in San Juan! It was a «value deal» on
, and after reading reviews I was sold!
The lobby and rooms are elegantly decorated and give the hotel so much personality. The pictures I posted just do not do it justice– it’s gorgeous!
Every part of the hotel was extremely clean, and I had no issues at all.
The front desk staff were incredibly helpful and quick in checking us in. There is free wi-​fi, which is hard to come by in San Juan!
The room was just as beautiful as the rest of the hotel. The bed was super comfortable. The rooms are a little small, but if you’re exploring (as you should be in San Juan) and not in the room as much, it’s not a problem at all. Even if you want to relax at the hotel there is plenty of room to do that in the lobby or on their rooftop with hot stone tubs to relax in. Again, my pictures of the rooftop do not do it justice!
Only reason for the 4-​star review and not 5? There are 5 floors and NO ELEVATOR. The front desk carried our bags to our room upon check-​in, but it was a pain to walk up and down the stairs multiple times in a day. Definitely not very accessible, so be sure to book a room on the first floor if you’re unable to walk up several flights of stairs.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. The room was beautiful. The roof is the perfect place for a romantic evening or just for an amazing view of the city. We had an amazing time. The floor can be wet in the room for a while after a shower and there is no elevator.

We stayed here the night before our cruise. We loved the personality of the place! If you’re looking for luxury, go somewhere else. However, if you’re looking for a place with a historical bed and breakfast feel to it, this is great.
The employees are wonderful! They are so accommodating, cheerful, and helpful!
The location is excellent!
There are a few drawbacks, however. There is no elevator! Luckily, they carried our bags to our rooms on the third and fourth floors. Additionally, breakfast is not included. There is a breakfast served in the hotel, however, at a reasonable price.

Such a charming hotel! Great location for walking around Old San Juan. Absolutely beautiful on the inside. I loved all of the artwork throughout the hotel.
Rooms are small, as are the bathrooms, but still very functional. Most of the staff there are great as well.
We stayed on the 5^th floor and never had an issue with the stairs (consider it a good workout). Cute tubs on the rooftop with a great view!
We didn’t try the restaurant downstairs and others have said its expensive and you don’t get much food. It can be noisy from people walking on the stairs, but being from downtown Chicago, this doesn’t bother us. You have to ask for a blow dryer. They have beach towels available. Free wifi. Windows in every room. Close to everything. Taxi cab stand is just down the street. We stayed seven nights with no issues.

This is only for the bar:
Love the mojito. Drinks are cheap and wonderfully made. Style and décor is a little Moroccan. Beautiful painted portraits on the wall.
Staff that greeted us outside said we would get a free shot just for coming in and we did. It was delicious!

Excellent hotel right in the middle of Old San Juan. walking distance to everything, super convenient.
Room was small, to be expected in a building 200 years old. Very clean. The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. My only gripe is the lack of an elevator. We wanted to be up high (5^th floor) and after a couple of days, the climb up the stairs got old. That said, the view from the roof top tubs st sunrise is outstanding!
I will definitely stay here again.

What a gem of a hotel in central Old San Juan! My husband and I used Cabablanca Hotel as our destination wedding hotel and I’m so glad we did. The hotel is absolutely lovely, lots of thought and consideration has gone into the decoration and the service is FIRST RATE. Massive thank to Joyce Oller and her team (Miguel, Jorge, etc…), who made all the «magic happen» and really took care of us.
Although the rooms are on the small side, they are decorated with amazing art, have supremely comfy pillows/​beds and every amenity one would need for short or long stay. I slept like a baby since it’s also very quite (even though our room faced the street). We stayed a total of 5 nights in a top floor suite (room 4B), which has lovely rooftop views of OSJ, and a balcony. The stairs are not as bad as they seem either!
A VERY special thanks goes out to Tomas Franco, the manager and head chef at Café Americain which is the restaurant inside Casablanca Hotel. Tomas was accommodating, friendly and professional from the moment we met him. We had a wine tasting and planned the menu once we arrive and was so flexible. He just wanted to make us happy! We held our Welcome Cocktail Party on the rooftop of the of the hotel, which was catered by him. And WOW, he did not disappoint!!! The food, a Puerto Rican, smattering of «picadera» consisted of simply mouthwatering coconut shrimp with caramel sauce, traditional pinchos (meat & veggie), Sorrullitos, churrasco, chicken and veggie stuffed Tostones, succulent piononos and more! Everything was spectacular and all of our guests couldn’t get enough of the food or the cocktails. He even loaned us his sound system to play music during our party, really went above and beyond in every possible way.
So, if you’re looking for a hotel with 5 star service, comfort, style and with a FAB restaurant, THIS IS IT! Look no further. Thanks again to everyone!!!

The CasaBlanca Hotel is in a great location and was one of the favorite places I stayed on my vacation in Puerto Rico. Clean rooms, friendly service and great décor. The tubs on the roof are pretty cool too — but not hot tubs so don’t go in expecting that! Also — do NOT book at this hotel if you can’t handle stairs. Even a couple levels up isn’t easy, and the fifth floor is killer with luggage! However, they’ll help you bring up your bags if you need it.
Skip the breakfast downstairs. It was yummy, but not worth the money for the small portions they provide.
Overall, I had a good experience at CasaBlanca Hotel and would stay here again.

Friends and I stayed here for our last night in PR, also coincidentally the last day of Las Fiestas (a local arts festival/​street party). The front desk allowed us to leave our bags prior to check-​in so we could wander, but when we returned we had to wait for about half an hour before we could get keys to our room due to the number of people waiting to check in. Fortunately, Thomas the bartender gave our group double mojitos for the price of singles, which made the wait more tolerable.
We booked a two-​room suite for our three-​person group, which was more than enough space. Our balcony looked out over Calle Fortaleza so we could watch the revelers on their way to and from the festival. The room finishes were lovely but didn’t compensate for an air conditioner that couldn’t be adjusted up and dripped water all over the floor.
We enjoyed the rooftop space and the personal hot-​tubs, but I personally found the AstroTurf a little weird. The roof is also a hot hangout for couples at night. We ate breakfast in the restaurant downstairs the next morning and enjoyed the food, though the waitress was a little flighty and the potatoes were the greasiest things I’d ever seen. Thomas again cared for us very capably.
Be aware: every room involves at least a 2-​story stair climb and the stairs themselves are uneven. This is not a hotel for the mobility-​impaired or for those who expect to be waited on.
Casablanca wasn’t my first choice, and I’m still on the fence as to whether it was a good value for cost. I could see returning for my honeymoon or on a romantic trip in the off-​season, though.

Yes this is an old town hotel. Yes it is worth five stars for the environment but for the stairs it needs a cardiologist. So we reserved months prior and asked for a special room and was asked if the fourth floor would be ok… sounded great. When arrived informed we could even get a fifth floor… an upgrade… of course we took it. They did remind us it was the fifth… we should have had a fifth. They should have had us sign a release, and have a cardiologist on staff. We had three bags but did not combine for one bag for the night. So they offered to carry our bags, loaded with her shoes. I carried one and he carried two. It was like climbing Mt Everest. After many deep breaths, multiple rest and oxygen tank made it. He earned a great tip but where was mine. Room was great! Will say mattress much harder. Roof top was great and private. But then you have to walk down for dinner… then up again… then in the morning. She put her foot down in one of those pair of shoes and said only doing one time down for the evening.
Word is they are getting an elevator…
Many great laughs and did enjoy
Yes would return to lobby level…

Friendly staff, convinient location, and clean rooms. We liked being centrally located in Old Town. We were able to walk to the hotel from the cruise terminal.
They were very firm with the 3pm check in time but did allow us to leave our bags so that we could explore a bit. We weren’t too pleased that the rooftop terrace was closed that week. That was one of the reasons we booked.
The queen balcony room was small but served it’s purpose. The bed was decent. We were going to watch TV for a few minutes before bed but couldn’t figure out how to get it to work. The guy at the front desk couldn’t get it to work either. He left, came back with two beers for the inconvinience, and his boss on the phone to walk him through it. Sorta funny. We didn’t eat down at the restaurant as it was pretty pricey compared to some of the other places we wanted to try.