Hyatt House San Juan

Originally opened in 2014, the Hyatt House San Juan is classy and contemporary. The large lobby includes a number of cozy sitting areas, ranging from a sunken alcove with long gray sofas to high-tops along the lobby bar. As guests might expect from a chain hotel, the Hyatt House doesn’t offer much in the way of local charm, but its compact layout imparts a surprisingly intimate feel.

The hotel is designed with extended-stay guests in mind, and it’s also a popular choice for pre- and post-cruise stays. With limited attractions and dining options found within walking distance, the hotel is best suited to guests with quick stop-overs or those with their own transportation.

The common areas were quiet during our visit, perhaps because the hotel’s suite-style rooms offer ample space to lounge, giving guests little reason to hangout in the lobby. This serene atmosphere does a complete 180 at breakfast, when the lobby is packed with families, couples, and singles of all ages lining up to take advantage of the free breakfast buffet. 

The Hyatt House San Juan is located in Miramar, a mainly residential area that’s home to a handful of other hotels and the Puerto Rico Convention Center, which is a nine-minute walk from the hotel. It’s about a 25-minute walk to Condado, which offers a beautiful beach, upscale shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

There’s a grocery store as well as several restaurants reachable within a 15-minute walk. But guests will need to rely on a rental car or taxi to access the island’s main attractions and entertainment hubs. It’s a 30-minute drive to Old San Juan, and a 15-minute drive to Luis Muñoz International Airport.

Guest rooms at Hyatt House San Juan are polished and attractive. They're decorated with business-like striped carpeting and a adult color palette of white, gray, and brown. Colorful artwork, which mainly features scenes of Old San Juan, adds character but rooms have a chain-like feel overall. All rooms include kitchenettes with single-serve coffee- and tea-makers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Rooms also come standard with large sofas, flat-screen TVs, plenty of closet space, and work desks with ergonomic chairs.

Bathrooms provide long countertops with square sinks and high-end KenetMD bath products. Some rooms have tub/shower combos, while others have glass walk-in showers. Suites include separate living areas with sofa beds, as well as kitchens with full-size fridges and freezers, stovetops, and dishwashers. Kitchens are well-stocked with utensils and cookware, plus there’s a kitchen island that can be used as a work space or cooking area. 

Although it lacks a beach, the Hyatt House has several other snazzy features that add to its appeal, starting with its lovely outdoor pool, surrounded by lush tropical plants. The deck is lined with lounge chairs and beach umbrellas along with a few patio tables.

Dining is also a focal point for the Hyatt House. The hotel’s chic lobby serves as the venue for H Bar in the evening, as well as the free breakfast buffet in the morning. This large space features a range of seating at tables and high tops with comfy burnt orange cushions. Seating is also available on a small, leafy terrace. H Bar offers light meals and shareable plates, in addition to cocktails, beers, and wines. The free breakfast buffet, called Morning Spread, includes a made-to-order omelet bar, along with a mix of hot and cold items. The lobby also includes the hotel’s tiny, 24-hour Guest Market, which features grab-and-go sandwiches, chips, chocolate, and other snacks. The hotel provides a free grocery shopping service, which allows guests to fill out a service card in the morning and have items delivered to their room later the same day. 

Fitness fanatics may appreciate the hotel's large 24-hour fitness center with a nice range of LifeFitness cardio machines and free weights. A small games area with billiards and foosball is found just off the lobby, across from the elevators. A modest business center offers two personal computers, and there’s also a meeting room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and self-parking is offered on-site for a fee.