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Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio

Apartment with kitchen, 8-minute walk to Port of San Juan

Photo gallery for Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio

Patio - Guests have exclusive access
Bedroom - Doors open directly onto patio.
Typical colonial architecture, an arch divides the bedroom and the living room
Double size futon unfolds
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Place, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Juan Gate
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Port of San Juan
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Juan (SJU-Luis Munoz Marin Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Full 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio

Charming one bedroom, one bathroom furnished ground floor apartment in historic Old San Juan, located in the residence of the late Master Puerto Rican painter Alfonso Arana.

This beautiful building of restored Spanish Colonial architecture is characterized by thick walls and brick-stone floors; all doors of the apartment open to a private, lush, interior garden. With ceiling fans throughout (no air-conditioning), this lovely apartment has an airy, tropical feel.

This is an “L” shaped, open floor plan apartment with a fully functioning kitchen. The bedroom has a queen size bed, and is separated by an archway from the living room, which can easily be used as a second bedroom. This setting is ideal for individuals, couples, and small families.

Our apartment is on Calle San José, just around the corner from the Cathedral and City Hall and two blocks from the main square, Plaza de Armas, the supermarket and open-air cafes.

Attractions
•San Jose Church (1 block)
•La Casa Blanca, home of Ponce de Leon (1 block)
•The Cathedral, which houses Ponce De Leon's remains (Across the Street)
•Pablo Casals Museum (within walking distance)
•El Morro Fortress (within walking distance)
•Felipe Fort (within walking distance)
•San Cristobal Fort (within walking distance)
•San Juan Cathedral (within walking distance)
•Isla Verde Beach (7 miles)
•Condado Beach (3 miles)
•San Juan Nautical Club (3.5 miles)

Other Puerto Rico attractions include:

•Luquillo Beach (30 miles)
•El Yunque Rain Forest (25 miles)
•Arecibo Observatory (50 miles)
•Camuy Caves (50 miles)

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Due to COVID-19, we have relaxed our cancellation policy. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number 141359

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

San Juan

Located by the sea, this apartment is in Old San Juan, a neighbourhood in San Juan. Port of San Juan and Pan American Pier are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Condado Beach and Escambron Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum or Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
San Juan, Puerto Rico

What's nearby

  • Plaza de Armas - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • San Juan Gate - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • La Fortaleza - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Port of San Juan - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Sacred Heart Station - 10 min drive
  • San Juan (SJU-Luis Munoz Marin Intl.) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Factoría - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Taberna Lúpulo - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Drunken Cookies - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cafetín Serie 1.0 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Sansebar - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful 1st Floor Apartment with Private Patio located?

Located in Old San Juan, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista and Port of San Juan. Condado Beach and Puerto Rico Convention Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 152 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anita G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Gem in Old San Juan

The apartment was a wonderful way to experience old San Juan from the middle of the historic district. Art work decorates the outdoor patio where the bedrooms and kitchen are located. Mosquito netting allows for a natural experience of neighborhood charm.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katelin W., Albuquerque, NM

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A gem in the heart of old San Juan

This was my first time to Puerto Rico and I cannot think of a better place to stay than Luis’ property. The architecture, the art, the location and everything in between was lovely! When I come back to Puerto Rico in the future I’ll definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Old San Juan charm

Absolutely beautiful place. Description was spot on. The pictures you see do not do it justice. Location was perfect. This was the ideal location for our romantic getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alesia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great as usual

Second time we stayed here and we love it! The host is very very very nice person! I highly recommend the property and the location. Supermarket right around the corner. Places to go. Beach is 10$ by Uber. Wonderful. Experience the true authentic old San Juan!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julian P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place. Great location.

We had a really nice stay at this apartment in Old San Juan. Our host, Rey, was super responsive and accomodating. The apartment is spacious and it is nice to be able to open all the doors to a private courtyard on hot days. The bathroom and kitchen are modest, but served our needs well. You enter the apartment through two locked gates, which makes it feel secure, and the location - tucked to the back of the building - kept it quiet and shaded from the sun. The apartment is in the middle of Old Town San Juan with all the sights within walking distance. Overall, a great place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvette C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location with a home feel.

This is my 2nd time staying with Luis. It’s in the perfect location between restaurants, the Fort, churches and yet it’s very quiet and peaceful. The kitchen had all the amenities to make quick meals and during our stay, the refrigerator broke. Once notified, he had it replaced quickly which was much appreciated since we came during a heat wave. I’d highly recommend it!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Kitty V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Apartment in Old San Juan

This property was in a great central location in Old San Juan and Luis was a wonderful host. The apartment was clean and pretty. Only issues were a lack of some basic items...no dish soap, no paper towels and no extra toilet paper. Also, the faucet in the kitchen was coming off its base.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jaidy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very unique experience

The apartment was perfect! The open air floorplan with all of the tropical trees and plants in the courtyard were so beautiful and unique. The apt was incredibly clean and simply decorated. The bed and pillows were very comfortable, and the location couldn’t have been better. This is our third stay in Old Dan Juan and this was the most charming and special place we’ve stayed. The mosquitos were a non-issue (didn’t even need the net). It rained every night and we left the doors wide open. No problems. The sound of the rain, one sweet sounding bird, and some music next door, lulled us to sleep every night. If you are used to quiet Hiltons with AC, TV’s and lackluster style, this is NOT for you. So please don’t book and then leave a bad review because you couldn’t handle the cool factor. Xo
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

John R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Most interesting stay in Old San Juan

Very reasonably priced, an artist’s house in an outstanding location, very unique, an experience in Old San Juan living in a large open plan first floor residence. Artwork everywhere, stone/tile floors, en suite with a stocked kitchen with fridge, microwave, electric stove top. Just one note : no AC but comes with fans. Bed is super comfortable. Mozzies a bit of a factor. Our hosts, siblings Rosa and Luis, were incredible. Rosa checked in with us a lot. My own communications with Rosa were very open and friendly indeed. There is an outstanding open tropical indoor garden, replete with exotic plants and my favorite, a little coqui who charmed me to sleep nightly with his sweet calls. We would eat breakfast out on this indoor patio/stone floor garden area. The house is that of a major PR artist. Artwork greets you. There is a lively bar scene next door but the location, OMG, the location is amazing. San Sebastien with the best mojitos on the corner of San Sebastien/San Jose is known by all in PR, it seems!! Or at least to all Uber drivers we used! You are close to amazing restaurants on Calle de Sol, San Francisco, San Justo. Spiga and Manolin for incredible breakfasts. St Germain, El Almacen, La Madre amongst the many many incredible choices within 5 minutes walking. I recommend it. It rained a lot during our week long stay, we remained nice and dry.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rosa was an exceptional host whose generosity made our trip unforgettable.Her home exceeded all expectations, it was a clean, beautifully decorated sanctuary that provided the perfect respite after a day of adventure.Its accessibility and prime location are unbeatable. It’s the perfect place to stay if you are planning a trip to Viejo San Juan. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Éliane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Au centre des attractions

Incroyable moment ! Mme Rosa a été une fantastique hôte! Elle était prête à nous aider à tout moment! Très bien placé si vous voulez sortir les soirs dans les bars. Tout est près. endroit vraiment propre et chaleureux. Pas de meilleur mot que Parfait! Merci encore nous reviendrons :)
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

SUSAN G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Complete Bliss

We loved every minute of our visit. Perfect location. Close to everything we wanted to see and do. The property was quiet and serene. We will be back to stay again, without doubt.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful stay

The hosts were incredibly kind and accommodating. The property is gorgeous and is in an ideal era
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Loren S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Very surprised the first night how noisy the tree frogs were.Needed ear plugs. Place could stand a remodel. Some outlets in kitchen didn't work. Hoist is a very good hoist.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home in paradise

Coming here is so relaxing it is like coming home. Location is perfect and patio is amazing. The host is a delight.We will certainly be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Lodging in Old San Juan

This property is in a perfect location in Old San Juan -- a short walk to the Basilica and El Convento Hotel. The rental consists of most of the first floor of a historic Old San Juan building . You enter the rental after passing through a large entry hall that evokes the feeling of an art gallery. The rental unit has a very large bedroom with an adjacent sitting area, and a kitchen / dining area, all overlooking a beautiful courtyard. The courtyard is for the exclusive use of this ground floor lodging. We had beautiful breezes that swept through the gallery, through the courtyard, cooling our rental. The lodging provided everything we needed for our two-week stay. TThe host is gracious and responded immediately to our request for a new coffee maker carafe as the one we originally had leaked. Our host could not have been nicer. We had a great stay and look forward to returning to this property.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Great location but lacking home comfort

I am attempting to be succinct but this is the most thorough review I've left behind. And I only leave this here b/c this place has soooo much potential but it feels neglected, like a second though. And that's evident by how slow the host responds from abroad.The location is great and the unit has such great bones and outdoor courtyard but it needs a refresh; cheap ac unit, new bug net, new sheets and towels (think of a 17 year olds 5 year old towel), and new rugs. This would all cost a few hundred dollars and completely change the comfort level. Those were the biggest gripes, along with the vicious bugs (which may be addressed with cheap screens or even nailing some netting on the door holes). See below for more detail.Check-in/gettin in and out: Front door requires jiggle, exposed wire you have to squeeze hand through to pull latches. Unit: Could easily have nets or screen doors to allow more ventilation. Desperately needs new bug net, towels, sheets, and rugs. More storage or furnishings would liven up the unit. And a cheap air unit with an exhaust hose would do the place wonders and keep everything from being moist/humid, and importantly would not require unscreened doors to remain open that allows bugs in.I appreciate the stay, the place, and location. But it was a bit heartbreaking to have a place with such great potential have the most minimal of comfort.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Shlok S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute apartment with excellent location

The apartment is located in the heart of Old San Juan and the location was just amazing. Everything is in the range of 1-10 minutes of walking. The outdoor veranda/garden is very cute and a very good experience to have. The L shape concept of the apartment and the openness is unique.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aubrey L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

The courtyard was the best thing. Everything was lovely about our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Lizza R.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
If you are selecting this apartment for a stay around the time a storm is coming or passing- reconsider. When we arrived, days into our reservation due to delayed and cancelled flights- the lockbox was missing its key. The contact listed for urgent matters seemed annoyed I even called him- but thankfully provided a different code and lockbox for us to try that worked. It was completely different from the box pictures in CI instructions. When we get in the place there is a strong odor of mildew- water stains all over the futon. The host did not answer his messages once we arrive or even prior when I inquired about a refund. A handyman of the host arrived shortly after we did, equally dismayed and disappointed at the stage of the place with no solution for us besides all three grown adults sharing one bed. I appreciate him for his due diligence as he attempted to contact the host several time before finally getting through to his daughter. I appreciate that I was able to get a refund in the end but I had to use my vacation time to book an entirely different place for the same day- incurring unnecessary costs. The host never spoke to me again until the refund was processed where all he said was he is sorry the storm effected us all. He was in a whole different time zone sending me pictures of him on vacation in Belgium instead of having his employees confirm the space was usable for a reservation confirmed weeks prior to arrival. Completely unnecessary experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Miriam N.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Buen apartamento

El apartamento como tal es una joya escondida en el Viejo San Juan. La entrada autónoma personalmente nos costó un poco. Llegamos sin internet; tuvimos que pedir ayuda a gente que pasaba por la calle y nos estamos como una hora para poder abrir. Es un apartamento amplio, bastante desaprovechado para lo que podría ofrecer a nivel de espacio pero bien equipado con lo necesario. El patio es precioso, todas las puertas dan a el. El apartamento NO tiene aire acondicionado, lo único que hemos extrañado, aunque con los ventiladores de podía estar bien. Recomendable
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible experience

This apartment is everything that you possibly wish for when staying in Old San Juan. It’s incredibly close to all the towns points of interest. The supermarket, pharmacy and parking garage are around the corner. There are many restaurants and bars in walking distance. Castillo San Juan is within walking distance. Plaza de Palomas is down the street. The apartment was perfect and well appointed. The owners and manager were in constant communication with us. We will be back to Old San Juan as long as we can once again stay in this apartment. It was and incredible experience!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great space, great communication

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay in viejo San Juan! Hosts were good about communicating and the place is a lovely colonial building.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Tzu-Jo L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Beautiful place, but mosquitos and no WiFi

We recently stayed at this property for five days and unfortunately encountered a few issues. Firstly, the wifi was unreliable. We only had access for one night and the following morning during our entire stay. Despite communication with the host, the problem persisted without resolution. Though it might be a technical issue beyond their control, it was very frustrating, particularly because cellular connection was poor as well. Additionally, the presence of mosquitoes was excessive. Despite efforts with mosquito incense, bug repellent, we were still bitten extensively, leading to both of us contracting dengue fever. There was more mosquito in the rental than any other space anywhere we visited, likely because of the beautiful garden features. Despite these challenges, it's worth noting that the location is amazing and the fans provided kept the temperature comfortable. The property is also beautiful and provides a lot of space. The host is also responsive.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A peaceful retreat in Old San Juan

The the entire first floor (apartment and courtyard) was such a gem in the middle of Old San Juan. It was beautiful, well-stocked with all we needed, clean, and so private and peaceful. Just a nice space to rest and feel like you’re unplugging while exploring the city. There is no A/C but we really enjoyed leaving the doors open and sleeping with the ceiling fan on under the mosquito net. We’ve been to Old San Juan many times and stayed in a variety of places, but this was by far the best we’ve experienced.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Rosa Meléndez Ibarra

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Luis Alfonso and his two sisters, Rosa and Isabel, spent their early childhood in Old San Juan. Their house was in the Caleta de las Monjas until their departure to France in the early 1970's.
In 1985 their father, the late painter Alfonso Arana, returned to buy this house in Calle San Jose and it became the family home. It is a beautiful building with the patio on the ground floor and beautiful terraces upstairs. Alfonso Arana used to call it "his Palace."
In 2009 Luis Alfonso and his siblings decided to open the house for guests, and furnished the downstairs apartment for vacation rentals. Luis Alfonso lives on the 2nd and 3d floor of the house, and his sisters reside in Massachusetts and in Connecticut. We love our Old San Juan home and hope you enjoy your stay there!

What makes this property unique

Volunteers or Relief Workers working for Non-Profit / NGOs, will receive a small discount (Standard Rate) in recognition for the their valuable contribution to the recuperation effort, after the natural disasters that have affected our country. The three night minimum stay could also be reduced to only two. Please describe the work that brings you to PR and send appropriate documentation to benefit of this offer. Gracias!

Favor preguntar por las tarifas especiales para artistas o residentes de otros pueblos de PR que necesiten un lugar en el Área Metro por razones médicas, de trabajo, estudios, etc.

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English, French, Spanish
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