Monastery Art Suites

Set on a narrow, closed-to-traffic cobblestone lane lined with grand old buildings, Monastery Art Suites is a striking sight with an ornate peach-and-white facade. Despite zero cars, this little street is a hive of activity: Umbrella-shaded tables and chairs from the Mexican restaurant next door spill out over the road, where tourists sip on margaritas and nosh on tacos. A cute little chapel and a pigeon park are perched at the end of the street a few doors up. Past the entrance, the ground floor foyer sets a bold artistic mood making it immediately clear this is a 180 from the average chain hotel. Two jet-black fiberglass greyhounds perched on bright yellow stands welcome guests to the property. Lush red velvet drapes, a metallic blue sideboard, and checkerboard tiles create a dramatic backdrop. Guests walk up wide marble stairs to the reception and lobby, where open white umbrellas hang from a lofty ceiling over bench seating backed by rich red and bright aqua cushions. As the hotel evolves -- into the ballroom; up more stairs; and into guest rooms, each space takes on its own quirky persona -- which all feels a little like roaming through an urban art gallery. The vibe is distinctly boutique, but given the minimal on-site features it feels like less of a hotel, and more of a bed-and-breakfast -- though breakfast itself is lacking. Despite its lively look, the property is very calm, as most guests are eagerly exploring the bustle right outside. 

Monastery Art Suites is located in the south-western corner of Old San Juan, placing an abundance of sites, restaurants, bars, and boutiques within walking distance. Worthwhile sites within strolling distance include La Fortaleza (six minutes), Paseo del Morro (12 minutes), Castillo de San Cristobal (11 minutes), and San Felipe del Morro Fortress (14 minutes). However, beaches require a drive. It’s around a 15-minute drive to Condado Beach, and 15 to 20 minutes to Balneario El Escambron. Luis Munoz International Airport takes around 30 minutes by car. 

The colorful artsy flavor established in common areas flows into all nine guest rooms, which come in a range of sizes and layouts. Each is typically divided into three spaces: a bedroom; a living, sitting, or dressing area; and a bathroom. Deluxe Rooms are the smallest, while Suites are rather vast in size with huge open-plan living and dining areas. While no two rooms are identical, they all feature high ceilings that soar over checkerboard floors and boldly colored furnishings. Lipstick-red headboards and armoires; yellow-framed mirrors; standing orange lamps; and zebra-print office chairs parked at glass work desks add to the rooms Technicolor charm. Beds are luxurious and comfortable with geometric-patterned bedding and plenty of cushions. Bathrooms vary from room to room, some are small and on the dark side, while others are large and chic with gray marble, walk-in showers, and rectangular sink basins floating on jet-black vanities. Hairdryers, irons, ironing boards, and a selection of individual toiletries are all provided. All rooms are also outfitted with flat-screen Apple TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers with oversized mugs sporting earnest messages. Some rooms have Juliet balconies, while others are windowless with no outlook. Light sleepers may want to avoid rooms that overlook pigeon park, as the flapping birds can cause a bit of noise and rustling. Daily housekeeping is provided.

On-site features are fairly limited, which isn’t surprising for a small-scale boutique property in the heart of Old San Juan. In-room dining is available from the Mexican restaurant right next door, which will deliver to rooms for a small fee. (Menus are tucked into each guest room.) Other than that, the ballroom and bar off the lobby offer a spectacular function and events space overlooking the historic street. Front desk staff can assist with tours and ticketing, and free Wi-Fi is provided, but that’s about it on the features front. There is no elevator, so climbing stairs is unavoidable which the mobility-challenged should keep in mind.