If you are traveling in Puerto Rico and don’t want to stay right in the center of San Juan, Numero Uno Guest House in Ocean Park is a great option at a decent price. The neighborhood is about a 10 minute drive from Old San Juan, and much quieter at night. The guesthouse sits right on the beach for easy access to a refreshing swim first thing in the morning – or a nice walk along the shore at night. This is definitely a neighborhood beach – where locals hang out listening to music and enjoying the sun, which keeps the area from feeling too touristy even with the hotel’s presence. You’ll see children playing and teenagers dancing, and really experience the energy of the people; which is really what makes Puerto Rico such an amazing place to visit.
The rooms are a comfortable size, with a queen bed, desk, and a small closet. The AC units here are quite strong – it was literally freezing when we walked into the room – a necessity in hot humid places like Puerto Rico. The bathrooms were very clean and had no plumbing issues of note – I suppose the water pressure in the shower could’ve been a bit stronger for me, but that’s just a matter of preference.
Each room opens to a communal area with couches, books, and balcony access for the smokers with a view of the beach. There are also some pricier rooms with private decks, and even hot tubs.
Pamela’s is the bar and restaurant on the main floor, next to the pool, with tables both indoors and outside on the beach. The food is amazing, to say the least, and the atmosphere is super relaxing; the staff is comfortable in conversation and quite humorous, which adds to the easy going feeling. I wouldn’t suggest having a mojito at the bar, it wasn’t the best, but the Pina Colada was damn good, and who can’t resist a Corona on the beach?
They have no vending machines, drinks are available through the restaurant & bar only, but there is an ice maker to keep what beverages you may have purchased cool.
Numero Uno is located in a gated community with a guard at the entrance. The beach access from the pool area is closed at night, so entry to and from the hotel can only be done with a key (or buzzing the desk) from the main entrance. Should you be going on some other tour in areas outside of San Juan for a few days and returning, they will also be able to safely hold your belongings which you would rather not carry.
Numero Uno Guest House
1 Calle Santa Ana
San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico
(866) 726-5010
