I stayed at Hotel Rumbao for 3 months in relocating to San Juan and I appreciated every colorful, rhythmic moment of it.
The pointed location; cultural welcoming; warm, hospitable staff; flavorful food & beverage at the Market and Kueros; and fun of Ocean Lab Brewing and Gran Casino Viejo. The inspirational, seasoned, memorable experience; everything was phenomenal.
The Hotel is located directly across the street from cruise piers 3 and 4. Each time a ship would arrive with passengers new to San Juan it would make me smile in seeing genuine Puerto Rican hospitality. Market vendors lined the streets, tourist companies announcing their tours of the city and taxis ready to take you where you need to be. This is the place to see and be!
If you book a room with a view, each time you draw open the curtains to see a ship in port you can’t help but feel inspired. The size and the wonder – Where has it been and where will it go next? One could write a story here.
Didn’t get a room with a view? No problem – Check out the view from the rooftop pool; it’s marvelous, much like the city itself. Another place for a great view - Have drinks or dinner, or both, on the terrace at Kueros Bar & Kitchen. As you overlook it all, feeling the rhythm and vivo, music plays and the sun, or the stars, shine and you can dance into the night.
The Rumbao cocktail is a must try – Jean, Victor and Nayah will take terrific care of you. The Paraiso and the Algo Sexy are also rhythmic cocktails for those who love gin. The Torched Tuna Poke Pegaitos, Criolla Coconut Ceviche, Crab Arepa Bites and Caribbean Rangoon are all excellent small share plates. For dinner try the Pan Seared Salmon, Surf & Turf Mofongo or Grilled Churrasco. Really Executive Chef Elvin Marrero does a great job with everything on the menu. Servers Sofia and Anais will ensure Caribbean excellence for a genuine experience. The Food & Beverage leadership team – Jorge, Yanisse and Breya – will ensure the kueros (drums) beat just right for you.
For morning coffee, a quesito, or an empanada head to The Market on the lower level – Stephanie and Angel are great! The Market is also stellar for a quiet evening cocktail, wine or beer. Try a flatbread – the bread, sourced by MLB, is perfectly sweet and salty. The Market evening crew – Isamel, Nathanel and Ana are just as superior as the morning leads.
Did you forget to pack something, or do you need something you didn’t expect? Head to Walgreens – it is conveniently located at the lower level of the hotel as well.
Are you ready to head to Old San Juan? You are only a few blocks away from Señor Paleta, Montadero Chocolate, Mi Pequeño San Juan, Guess, The Coach Outlet and Anita Gelato. Need a manicure or pedicure – check out Anam Spa & Cocktail Lounge. Of course, you should see Puerta de San Juan and El Morro. I told you Hotel Rumbao was the key to Old San Juan.
Need something for your room or mail service while you are out? Housekeeping Manager, Cindy Sierra, Assistant General Manager, Jihan Rivera or Front Office Manager, Marylis Gonzalez will ensure their superior staff handles your request with care. Front Desk employees Melanie, Josephine, Juan, Brandon, Edgar and Sarah are all terrific.
Finally, if you haven’t tried Ocean Lab Brewing or pressing your luck at Gran Casino Viejo – you should. All of Ocean Lab Brewing beers are born on the beach, for the beach. If beer isn’t your flavor, they have cocktails as well. Burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, tacos and a variety of entrees are on the menu. After dinner you can spin the roulette wheel or play a game of poker at Gran Casino Viejo. The casino offers 10 tables and 60 machines as well as a bar. Ocean Labs is just next door to Hotel Rumbao and Gran Casino Viejo. Two more places with rumba – right next to Hotel Rumbao.
Hotel Rumbao – The key to Old San Juan – It’s almost like it is its own little district.