Fairmont El San Juan Hotel - European Plan

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1776 reviews

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  Home away from home

  Have been coming to same place for over 40 years . We have experienced many changes through hurricanes … what I can say is that the service by the poolside and beach is exceptional . The staff is kind and hospitable. The weather is guaranteed to be hot and sunny . The entire staff is attentive to our needs and comfort from towels , pool floats , board games … The music 🎶 is chill yet lively . The drinks are a good portion and super yummy .Can’t leave out the ice pops that come around being handed out . If you are here around the weekend there is music and dancing in the lobby which we enjoy very much annually .

  Jan 21, 2025
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  Needs a renovation and terrible pool experience.

  I have never stayed at a Fairmont that needed a paint job. Rooms are shabby and the pool experience is terrible. If you want a Vegas pool party it might be your thing. Restaurants are ok. Overall would not recommend unless you are in college and are going on spring break.

  Jan 18, 2025
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  A relaxing week by the pool in the sunshine!

  We come to Puerto Rico almost every year for the last 20 years, usually in January, but this was our first time to the El. We've always wanted to stay here, but after seeing negative reviews, we were a bit concerned. Our first night was terrible because of noise from the room next door. Horrible, drunken women partying in the room next to us, with an adjoining door. We finally called security after asking them to keep it down, and that took care of it, until they came back even more drunk and obnoxious later that night. Needless to say, we didn't get a good night's sleep, and seriously considered leaving if things didn't change. I was afraid what i had read online might be true. Luckily these guests from hell checked out the next morning, and when we mentioned our ordeal to Frances at the front desk, she gave us a few comps to make up for it. From there on out, our stay was absolutely wonderful and everything we wanted it to be. We loved the multiple pools (don't miss the girl serving refreshing, free ice pops at midday!) and the beach, although there was some seaweed and the ocean was rough. The hotel doesn't control that, of course. The gym here is terrific and I got good workouts in daily. We had a great dinner at Caña, and our waiter made terrific recommendations that pleased us tremendously. We enjoyed breakfast there one morning, too. I had the buffet and my spouse ordered off the menu: you can't make a bad choice. The fresh juices and homemade jams are amazing: look for the pineapple one! If you don't want to eat on the premises every night (we didn't), grab a sandwich, salad, or soup across the street at Sobao. That place is nice; we went twice! Or grab an Uber to Panaderia España (if you know, you go!) Most days for breakfast though, we opted to use all the Starbucks gift cards we got for Christmas at the Starbucks in the hotel. That was such a bonus having that there. We were also very happy with the food and drinks served at the pools. Portions were large, so we often split something and felt satisfied. We found the staff friendly and caring. Everyone seemed very focused on making guests happy and their property shine. We also enjoyed meeting some of our fellow guests, who we enjoyed talking to. Yes, there are some small maintenance issues, but it's Puerto Rico and they've had a tough go. Give them a little break, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather and surroundings! All we wanted was a relaxing couples week by the pool and ocean, and we got that and more. We would return.

  Jan 18, 2025
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  Best Beach stay in San Juan!

  Stayed for a week in January 2025 at this gorgeous, warm and welcoming property, and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the rooms, the views, the service, the amenities, and all of the staff. There is a Starbucks in the lobby which held up to the quality of stateside Starbucks, there are shops where you can find exactly what you need for any occasion (I wanted a small wallet purse to hang around my neck), the lobby also becomes a happening club at night and there are restaurants and bars all over the property with friendly bartenders who will tell you stories about Puerto Rico if you strike up a convo. The elevators are fast and all 3 were working during the entire week. Fresh water is plentiful on each floor with reusable bottles that are included with your room. The hot tubs are hot, and the beach is ideal - sandy and easy to access. At night you will be asked for your room key while out walking the property and I liked this since it means they are keeping it exclusive for guests. Can't wait to come back for a non-work trip and relax and enjoy this exact location again.

  Jan 18, 2025
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  Enjoyed our Stay

  We stayed at the El San Juan for the last three nights of our annual trip to Puerto Rico. We enjoyed our time at the hotel and were pleased overall with our accommodations. We had a standard room, but found it to be quiet, comfortable, and clean. We spent most of our time on the beach and were impressed with the staff out there. They work hard and are consistently friendly and helpful to the guests. And, of course, the lobby area is gorgeous. It's like stepping into a different time. The main downside of this property is the dramatically overpriced food/beverages. I expected to pay resort prices, but still. We didn't even think about having dinner at the hotel. And, I know that we were there at a peak time, but I also found the pool area to be ridiculously overcrowded. That was fine; we preferred the beach anyway. But, if you're some that really wants to spend time at the pool, it might be best to visit off peak.

  Jan 17, 2025