San Juan, Puerto RicoIsla Verde
The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Beachfront lagoon resort
Isla Verde San Juan, Puerto Rico
Renovated
2020
Price
$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
SonestaBeachfront lagoon resort
This is an easygoing beach resort where daily life drifts between Isla Verde's surf and the sunlit pool deck.
What it’s good at
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Isla Verde Beach sits right outside, and neighborhood restaurants and bars are an easy walk down the avenue.
The rooms
Rooms are comfortable and functional in style, with curved balconies looking out toward the ocean or the city.
The lagoon pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Curving palm trees shade the free-form lagoon pool, where private cabanas fringe the water alongside a stone hot tub.
The spa and gym
Treadmills gaze straight out over the Atlantic surf, and Zen Spa Brisas provides massage rooms, steam, and sauna.
Akua Pool Bar
Submerged barstools sit right in the water beneath a shaded canopy, serving cold drinks without leaving the pool.
At the table
Ocean Breeze serves drinks directly on the sand, and Karaya mixes cocktails under tall arched windows by the lobby.
How it began
Architect Morris Lapidus designed the tower in 1962, when it first opened as the Americana Hotel.
San Juan
More like this
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
“Mid-century beachfront resort”
Alma San Juan
“Restored Spanish Mediterranean boutique hotel”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.