A new boutique hotel (opened 2018) in San Juan’s Condado District with beautiful accommodations, a sometimes buzzing social scene, and a sleek infinity pool overlooking the ocean, Serafina Beach Hotel caters especially well to couples and singles. The beach is partially boulder-strewn and not conducive to swimming (this factor has a strong negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating, lowering it from the upper A range to the lower A range) and on-site activities are limited; but the property offers outstanding water views from all rooms (of either the Laguna del Condado or the Atlantic Ocean), an excellent on-site seafood and Mediterranean eatery in aMare Restaurant, a pleasant and accommodating staff, an upscale outdoor pool bar surrounded by plush couches and lounge chairs, and reasonable rates (especially for the quality of the rooms and service; despite the weaker beach, the TripValue here is +1). Rooms come with smart TVs, MALIN+GOETZ bath amenities, plenty of natural light allowed by impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, well-stocked minibars, comfortable beds, and a contemporary beach chic style with natural wood and tones of soothing white and sea foam green. Activities include yoga classes, champagne brunches on the weekends, and walking tours of Old San Juan; the hotel staff can also arrange excursions to El Yunque rainforest or the bioluminescent bay, or water sports (such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing) in the immediate vicinity. The shops, restaurants, and nightlife of the Condado District are easily within walking distance.
As Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, the CDC COVID-19 testing requirement for U.S. travelers re-entering the U.S. from international destinations does not apply.