Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Designed by legendary Miami Beach architect Morris Lapidus, El San Juan Hotel officially welcomed locals and tourists alike beginning February 1, 1958. Throughout the 1960s, Puerto Rico became a beacon for American tourists and entertainers, and El San Juan Hotel followed as the grand dame of authentic Puerto Rican hospitality and entertainment. During the hotel’s first three decades, internationally renowned headliners performed on its stage each week, including Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, Carol Channing and Liza Minelli, among other icons of the time. Fast forward to today, and El San Juan Hotel remains a timeless Puerto Rican icon, seamlessly blending the best elements of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

As El San Juan’s authentic, island culture lives on, so do some of the hotels most cherished design elements. From the moment of arrival, it’s apparent that this is a place timelessly true to the island’s heritage. Lobby décor celebrates San Juan’s elegant past and present, with hints of the scent of hibiscus, the national flower, and stunning, hand-carved cherry mahogany from Santo Domingo. Another beloved feature is the oval-shaped, hand-blown chandelier from Czechoslovakia, the third largest of its kind in the world. The Banyan Tree, located adjacent to the Caña Pool Lounge and the Wellness Pool, is another widely recognized hotel landmark. Over 300-years-old, the magnificent tree has stood sentinel to witness many captivating weddings, receptions, and social activities. It remains one of the hotel’s most requested wedding venues to date.