Pros

  • Set in a lively and picturesque pocket of Old San Juan
  • Walking distance to historic sights, bars, restaurants, and shops
  • Choice of spacious and eclectic contemporary suites
  • Mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen Apple TVs in all units
  • Some suites have Juliet balconies and water views
  • Room service can be ordered from neighboring Mexican restaurant
  • Stunning ballroom and bar for weddings and events
  • Free Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • Limited on-site features
  • Some rooms lack windows and outlooks
  • No elevator, and hotel is four stories
  • Funky decor won't appeal to all
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Bottom Line

The mid-rage Monastery Art Suites is less of a hotel and more of an art-gallery-meets-urban-bed-and-breakfast -- minus the breakfast. Its nine colorfully decorated rooms and (huge) suites are individually curated with bold pieces and loads of artistic flair. While the vibe is boutique and upmarket, the property is not perfect -- common areas get rather hot, there’s no elevator, some rooms lack windows, and on-site features are lacking. However, the unique and playful interiors are perfect for travelers craving something off-center, and the address can’t be beat. And while there’s no on-site restaurant, the Mexican restaurant next door will deliver to rooms. Travelers seeking boutique style paired with an elevator could try the Casablanca Hotel.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Monastery Art Suites

Scene

Eclectic and playfully decorated spaces reminiscent of an art gallery

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. 

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Location

In Old San Juan, surrounded by historic sites and places to eat, drink, and shop

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. 

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Rooms

Playful, eclectic, and boldly colored rooms, with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and Apple TVs

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.

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Features

Room service from the Mexican joint next door, a stunning ballroom, and free Wi-Fi

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. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Monastery Art Suites

Scene

Eclectic and playfully decorated spaces reminiscent of an art gallery

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. 

See More Scene

Location

In Old San Juan, surrounded by historic sites and places to eat, drink, and shop

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. 

See More Location

Rooms

Playful, eclectic, and boldly colored rooms, with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and Apple TVs

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.

See More Rooms

Features

Room service from the Mexican joint next door, a stunning ballroom, and free Wi-Fi

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. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.