Picolo recommends · Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Alma San Juan
A pool on the roof, the old town spread out below, and El Morro at the end of the street for an early walk.
From the rooftop pool at Alma you look across the roofs of Old San Juan, the colonial quarter with pastel houses and blue cobblestones. The harbour, the squares and the old Spanish forts are all close by.
Downstairs there are two restaurants and a café, so breakfast and dinner can be sorted without leaving. But the point of staying here is the streets outside, which are at their best early and late.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Alma San Juan
This is our pick in Old San Juan for anyone who wants history on the doorstep. You can walk to the fort at El Morro before breakfast and be in the restaurants around Calle San Sebastián by night.
There is no beach in the old town. For sand and sea you need a taxi to Condado or Isla Verde, so this works best as a city stay or as part of a split trip.
What you get
- Rooftop pool with old town views
- Two restaurants
- Café
- Rooftop terrace
- Central location in the colonial quarter
A day at Alma San Juan
- Morning
- A walk up to El Morro while the air is still cool.
- Midday
- A coffee in the hotel café before the heat sets in.
- Afternoon
- A swim on the roof with the old town around you.
- Evening
- Mofongo, the island dish of mashed fried plantain, near Calle San Sebastián.
Location
Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Open in MapsQuestions about Alma San Juan
Does Alma San Juan have a pool?
Yes. The pool is on the rooftop terrace, with views over the rooftops of Old San Juan.
Is Alma San Juan close to the beach?
No. The hotel is in the old town, which has no swimming beach. Condado and Isla Verde are a taxi ride away.
What can you walk to from Alma San Juan?
The harbour, the main squares and the forts, including El Morro, are all within walking distance of the hotel.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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