Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences

Excelente lugar para pasar unos días de tranquilidad, comodidad y buen servicio. Debo destacar que sus empleados son bien accesibles, serviciales y carismáticos. ¡Excelente opción para vacacionar!

Angel was an absolute gem. He welcomed us with a bright smile and genuine enthusiasm, then took the time to point out all the hidden gems and must-see spots. His kindness and local insight made us feel instantly at home.

Excelente trato muy cálido y acogedor . Amabilidad en el todos los servicios, Muy tranquilo . Muy buena higiene. Me encantó el trato de Alicia , Noemi y Alondra muy amable y una atención que te hacen sentir en casa. Y todo el personal muy atento.

Nos quedamos en el hotel Don Rafa Boutique por dos noches en San Juan y la pasamos súper bien. La localización estaba perfecta para ir al Distrito T-mobile y nos encantó el rooftop con piscina. Hasta cenamos en el Canvas Restaurant que también está en el rooftop. Fue una experiencia muy especial para nosotros.
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We stayed at the Don Rafa Boutique for two nights in San Juan and we had a great time. The location is perfect if you want to check out the T-mobile district. We also loved the rooftop pool and Canvas Restaurant. It was a special experience for us.

What a fantastic boutique hotel. The staff treats you like family. Check in is easy, the rooms are clean. Beds are very comfortable. They are in touch throughout your stay to make sure you have everything you need. We stayed in the penthouse but have also stayed in a small room there that is equally nice. My daughter lives in San Juan so we visit often. My family spent a day on the rooftop pool and the bartender made sure we had drinks all day! They brought us appetizers to the pool deck at lunch. What a fantastic place. I hope they always have availability when I’m in San Juan!

Angel, the guy in charge of vallet parking is so kind, he helped us with information about transportation around and to the airport. He is well informed and willing to help. We liked the hotel very much and expect to return very soon.

Agradecida con Ángel por su amabilidad y generosidad. En varias ocasiones ha asistido con mucho respeto y cariño a mi mamá e incluso le regalo una sombrilla para que no se mojara. ¡Un gesto hermoso y un servicio de excelencia!

Booked this place hotel based on the reviews and it did not disappoint. Rooftop pool and views from the rooftop restaurant were fabulous. It’s Art deco theme is fantastic. Live music in the early evening and attention to the needs of their guests is amazing . Last year we stayed at the Mar…Tt and were underwhelmed. This small boutique kicks it in the butt!
Definitely recommend!!!

I came to Puerto Rico to celebrate my Birthday in January and did alot of research on this property before making my reservation. I had a three day stay before we headed to our cruise from the San Juan port. This Boutique Hotel is beautifully designed for the dark rich decadent feel. It's has an intimate vibe and alluring appeal. This Establishment is not on the first floor but on the second so it's either a quick walk up a few stairs or you can take the elevator. Doors are always locked and to gain access you can use your room key or ring the bell to get back in. We arrived too early for check in so the Bellman was able to store luggage while we went to get something to eat. Miramar is a thriving foodie neighborhood with dozens of restaurants to choose from all walking distance. There is also a restaurant on property but it was booked for a wedding that day. So we never got to eat there.

Upon checking into our room we were given accommodations on the second floor. This room is located next to the game and smoke room entrances. The room was beautifully decorated and felt truly content until we went to shower for dinner.
*shower had a broken socket tile in the shower by the shelf
*shower head was rusty and water sprayed all over. Pressure was nonexistent
*hair on the floor that was not my color

We didn't want to complain so we just left it and went to dinner. Once back in the room getting ready for bed. As I'm pulling the sheets down to get in the bed the mattress slips back from the wall and there is a dried dead bug with wings that's been there for some time due to the level of how old it was. I've work in Hospitality for 20+ years I understand staff forgetting something at times but this was just poor cleaning. That really bothered me and something I couldn't Ignore so I made a trip to the front desk to speak to management. Marco was on duty I showed him pictures of the issues and wanted to give the hotel the opportunity to rectify the situation. I was told to stop by the desk the next morning for new room due to inconvenience. That night I slept on the mini sofa my partner on the bed. Unfortunately I could not sleep in that room it was so noisy you heard every slam of each door on that floor. People talking when there outside smoking staff going by it wasn't a pleasant first night. We were seriously cranky coming down for breakfast with the lack of sleep that was included with our stay.

*Lobby breakfast tables were completely full with dirty plates and no where to sit.
*There was a lack of food selection to choose from
(Mini bagels, toast, cereal)
*no Utensils and when you did ask for some it took about 25 minutes. They went in the back curtain and disappeared.

In the photo provided of the lobby Breakfast area you can see empty plates completely full of garbage on each table. Once back in the room to pack our things for the room change we were switched to Penthouse 1. This is a two bedroom suite with a wrap around balcony full kitchen and walk in closets. I was given a bottle of champagne a beautiful Birthday Card that was definitely a nice gesture. Was really happy with my upgrade definitely made up for the previous night.

There is a pool located on the rooftop but it's more like a dipping pond to get cool from the sun. There is no bar access from the roof. Unless you are purchasing from the restaurant and the restaurant was never open when I was at the pool. If you need a drink the bar is located in the lobby. If you want a night cap please check with the front desk about the time the bar closes. When I wanted a drink one night before 8:30pm bar was already closed.

I’m very thankful for Marco for his service in trying to rectify the situation in a timely matter the upgrade was spectacular.

I just had the pleasure of having a “staycation” at the Don Rafa Boutique Hotel, and I can't recommend it enough! From the moment I arrived, we were greeted by Amaury, with exceptional guest service that made me feel truly welcomed. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect, always ready with a smile and helpful recommendations.

The hotel itself is a gem—immaculately clean, with an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The luxurious touches throughout the property, from the beautifully curated decor to the cozy common areas, create an inviting environment that’s perfect for relaxation.

One of the highlights of my stay was undoubtedly the comfort of the beds. They were incredibly plush, providing the perfect haven for a restful night's sleep after exploring San Juan. I also enjoyed the attention to detail in the room's decor, which added a unique charm to the experience.

Overall, my stay at the Don Rafa Boutique Hotel was nothing short of amazing. It truly is the best place to stay in San Juan for anyone looking for comfort, luxury, and outstanding service. I can't wait to return!

Just checked out & my stay was amazing! Perfect location in a local area. I was a little hesitant at first because my room was behind the front desk area however it wasn't bad at all. The hotel is secure and no one can come in without a key card. The pool was only 2 feet but I enjoyed Sun bathing in it. You can hear loud cars with loud music ride by every so often but again it's in a local area. Very clean. I'm not a needy guest however, The staff was very friendly every time I interacted with them. Not far from Old San Juan or Condado beach. Plenty of places to walk to as far as restaurants. Miramar Food truck park is an 11 minute walk. I walked from the beach one day and it was about 22 minutes. I can't wait to come back!

The hotel is classic with lots of art and story of Don Rafa. The hotel has QR codes that told story of the hotel and some of the art. The staff were really nice especially the night front desk guy. He was really helpful with recommendations of where to eat and other things to do in PR. We connected about his formal residence in NYC. Anyway he was really nice.||The only issue I had with the hotel is the complimentary continental breakfast. It could be better. It only consists of deli meat, breads, muffins, yogurt, box oatmeal & fruits. It definitely could be better & healthier.

Everything about Don Rafa was superb. The decor is fun, colorful, and interesting. Check in was a breeze. Staff are very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Gabriela is a fabulous, artistic bartender. Ask for her original creation and be prepared to be wowed. Spend at least one night enjoying the roof top restaurant, Contour. The neighborhood also has a selection of restaurants in close proximity. Old
San Juan is a short taxi ride over the bridge, no need to deal with congested streets. The airport is 15 minutes away. Don Rafa was well prepared for a power outage. Thank you to all who made our too short stay a wonderful experience.

We spent the week here with our kiddo under two and found that it was a perfect spot to stay with a babe in tow. We got the two bedroom suite which meant he had a separate place to sleep while we could have an evening to ourselves in the living room. There was plenty of space for him to play and to set up a travel crib (which the hotel provided!) alongside the queen bed. They also texted us every morning to ask if we wanted house cleaning services that day and to offer us one of two time frames for that to happen. I can't emphasize how helpful this is when you have a kiddo with a set nap time. The rooms were quiet, even with people staying on either side of us, I never heard them once when they were in their rooms. And it felt very clean- I love the lack of carpet for a high traffic area. I didn't worry at all about our kiddo crawling all over the floor. The outdoor closed in patio was a great place to enjoy the complementary breakfast or afternoon cocktails. And the pool, which is no more than 2 feet deep at it's deepest, was an excellent spot for a child to explore the water safely. The neighborhood featured excellent dining options (shout out to Miramar food truck Park) and a clean playground within walking distance. If you're looking for a place to stay with young kids in PR, look no further; this is the perfect spot.

Everything about this hotel was a 10/10. Perfect location, 5-15 minute drive max from everything you’d want to do in San Juan. It is also in the middle of two amazing highly recommended restaurants. Literally walking distance. The hotel was clean and aesthetically pleasing.. very picturesque. The staff was also very attentive and I love how they communicate with guest via text message, very convenient. I cannot recommend this hotel enough.

The employees at Don Rafa were phenomenal and very attentive. The rooms were spacious and very appealing to the eye. Continental breakfast was ok and the pool didn't allow for swimming rather lounging, but it did not take away from my experience. Would recommend this to others!

The location was perfect! Very close to all the things. Less than 15 minutes away from anything aside from the rainforest. The restaurant was closed while we were there, but we went next door to Casita Miramar which was amazing! They also had piano night in the lobby. The noise didn’t bother us, but it may bother you. The rooms are also closer together so if you make a lot of noise…people can hear you as well. Lol Anything that we needed it was given to us without hesitation! I couldn’t recommend this hotel enough.

Overall, this was definitely a 5 star stay! Hotel is small, intimate, and beautifully decorated. Service was great and it was convenient to communicate with the staff via text when we needed things like towels or even drinks at the pool. The pool was never crowded, always having a little villa to sit. We were on the third floor with the little social club space which was nice to hang out at when we were not in the room. Also liked hanging out on the second floor on the little patio outside the lobby area. I can’t say enough great things! Location was great. There’s a restaurant open 24/7 across the street which was super convenient during late nights when we needed a snack. There was also a smaller grocery store within walking distance as well. I would say the only downfalls/things to be aware of is if you rent a car, parking is $25 per day (parking is valet though so that’s nice), the lighting in the room was really dark so hard when you’re getting ready/trying to put on make up, and I wish there was a microwave to heat up some left over dinner I had stored in the mini fridge in our room. Other than these small things that really didn’t impact our stay, 1,000% recommend staying at Don Rafa!

Don Rafa checked all of the boxes for our family of 4. We stayed for one night before we left on a cruise. The location was close to the pier and easy to get to cool surrounding restaurants. The hotel was fabulous from the moment we arrived. The spaces were beautiful, clean, super instagram-worthy and the staff was friendly and very helpful. Drinks at the bar were fantastic but the bartender was even better- fun drinks based on our preferences and great advice for what to do in the area in our short visit. Our teenage daughters loved the rooftop sundeck with a perfect for laying in the sun! The room was spacious for us for one night with a comfortable bed and shockingly comfortable pull out couch. We were pleasantly surprised by the breakfast that was included. As mentioned, staff was eager to help, professional and happy to help in any way. This beautiful hotel met every need we had and provided way more than major chain hotels offer. We could not be any happier with our stay at Don Rafa.

I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Don Rafa! The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, making me feel right at home from the moment I arrived. The location is perfect, close to everything yet peaceful enough to relax. My room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained, and the atmosphere of the hotel was charming and elegant. The story of the building is represented in every corner of the hotel. It’s so beautiful. And you can’t miss the restaurant in the rooftop Canvas where I had a gourmet experience || I highly recommend Hotel Don Rafa to anyone visiting Puerto Rico. Can’t wait to return

We stayed here for our recent trip to San Juan! We really loved this hotel and overall had a great experience. The staff is very friendly and so helpful. They provided information for different restaurants and things to do in the area. Our room was spacious, clean, and had great air conditioning. We were actually very pleased with the free breakfast in the morning, despite some of the complaints in the reviews. There were baked goods, meat/cheese, fruit, cereal, oatmeal, and juice/coffee. There are cute tables in and outdoor to sit at while you eat. The rooftop is nice as well, with couches and the pool. The pool is very small/shallow, but it is really nice to relax in. Our only complaint with the pool is that it doesn’t seem to be heated at all, so unless it is super warm/sunny, the pool is too cold to enjoy. This goes along with our only other complaint with the hotel. The water for the showers was sooooo cold. We tried everything to get it even room temp, but our entire 4 night trip we had cold showers. The pressure was pretty good but it was freezing. We asked the front desk if there was a trick to getting it warmer, and they said unfortunately it’s just how it is.

From the check in to check out, the hotel staff made sure they knew we could count on them to make our stay the best it could be. Communication was good, they exceeded expectations by making sure our stay went smoothly. ||||The hotel itself was extremely comfortable and cozy with its eclectic decor and boutique fee. ||||We would definitely stay again when visiting San Juan. ||||

No hot water, no matter what time of the day. The water was never more than lukewarm. Ended up taking sink baths for the week. So very, very disappointing! I did notify the front desk but nothing could be done.
The hotel is gorgeous, the staff is above and beyond, the restaurant is delicious, the roof top pool and cabana is luxurious.
Getting back to the room after walking all day is a deal breaker!
Day 5
They did replace the entire hot water heating system, and the hot water was indeed appreciated. THANK You

We stayed here in a Miramar executive suite for a quick couples getaway. The staff was very friendly and we were able to check into our room early at 2:30. The suite was clean, gorgeous and comfortable. The bed was firm but soft on top which I love. There were a few snacks and drink in the room for purchase and a small lobby bar. The bartender made a great Vesper. The was a small continental breakfast available with the room but we didn’t take advantage of|it. There is a great little spot across the street called Ochocielos that has delicious breakfast and a fun local vibe. |There was some music that went a bit late into the night across the street so bring earplugs just in case. It didn’t really bother us. ||There are quite a few restaurants in walking distance. Old San Juan is ten minute Uber ride. ||I would definitely stay here again.

Attentive staff. Loved the suite. Large TV, spacious and comfortable bed. Tiny bathroom but nicely appointed and no problem. Coffee pot didn’t work in room. No ice. Loved the eclectic decor, outdoor garden to sit, bar and rooftop dining. Main complaint was no available snacks or dining after 10pm. We arrived just after 10pm due to flights and hungry until breakfast. Pretty good selection for the continental breakfast. We would stay there again.

This hotel is beautiful. The staff was beyond amazing. The room we had was beyond what you could imagine. The balcony wrap around both sides of the room. I could have actually lived in this hotel. We will be back to just stay for a few days, this time we were leaving on a cruise. I am a travel agent and would 5 STAR this for anyone ||

The hotel is in a very convenient location. Easy to be picked up and dropped off by Ubers/taxis. It's close to many Beaches, restaurants and attractions, many are walkable. Easy to get to and from the airport from the hotel.

Gabby, the bartender is phenomenal and has a unique and well curated sense of creation with her drinks. She made an incredible drink based off one of the menu items, not sure what she put in it but it was so fabulous, I ordered 2 and one for my mom.

Overall, every staff encounter was warm and personable. Everyone was happy to help and made our stay all the more special, adding the feeling of a more personal touch.

The hotel design, art work and plantscapes are vibrant and inviting. Such a classy environment and welcoming after a long day of travel.

Our only criticisms would be how loud the room/hotel can get. You can hear all the street noise, while it's not loud all the time, it can get loud at certain times. Occasionally you can hear chairs moving in the rooms adjacent. You can hear people talking in the hallway as well, as the stairwell is rather echoey.

Additionally, the rooms were not light very well. While you could get some decent natural lighting, it wasn't effective near the full length mirror or bathroom mirror. The bathroom was small with minimal storage, so doing makeup and hair there is a bit tedious. The full length mirror was ideal as you had several outlets near for your hair tools. There were maybe 4 lights in the room, but it was not very bright or close enough to the mirror to see well... especially at night. Adding a lamp near the mirror would really improve the lighting in the room tremendously. Especially as it's near the small desk... making it more useable

The curtains in the room however, were phenomenal. True black out curtains making it great for the nighttime when you don't want the street lights shimming into the room.

The final criticism would be that perhaps it would be more appreciated if the waste bin in the bathroom had a lid. Given the fact you can not flush toilet paper.

The bed was very comfortable and felt luxurious. Loved the mini fridge/freezer and the couch. The room felt very spacious and had ample storage and luggage space.

There are hotel cats, we personally loved this ..but I know this is not for everyone. However, wild cats are apart of San Juan and are everywhere. The cats appeared to be well taken care of.

The pool is not for swimming but more for lounging..I personally appreciated this. As the hotel is friendly for families and kids, it does not specifically cater to children in the public spaces.

Overall we really enjoyed our stay would recommend to friends and family they stay here as well.

The Don Rafa is a wonderful place to stay with an exceptional staff that truly makes the experience a step above. The beds are sublime and the linens match it in comfort. My only complaint is that there is very limited storage for clothes in the room. It would be a perfect 5/5 if there was a dresser to use. As it is, all our room had was 8 hangers and one small drawer plus some very slim drawers on the nightstands. Otherwise, we'll worth the price.

This meticulously renovated 1950's era building uses a mix of color, floor and wall coverings, patterns, fixtures and artwork to great effect. The hotel is incredibly well maintained and our Jr. Suite was huge, although the bathroom was small. Hang out in the cool lobby or relax and enjoy the view from the roof deck.

We had a great stay at the Don Rafa Hotel. The staff was excellent, the restaurant was as well, and the hotel was unique in its decor. The roof top pool was perfect for its purpose, an awesome place to chill. We stayed in a small suite. Our only nit pick was the bathroom - small (which is fine) but provided almost no where to put any toiletries - one meager shelf, located above eye-level. A few small shelves would have been most useful.||Easy walk to many shops and restaurants.

Amazing hotel. I loved this location. Very easy to get anywhere. The rooms were amazing. The staff was incredible. We thought this was one of the nicest places we have ever stayed.

The hotel has really interesting decoration and style. The rooms are spacious. For the price it is a great value.

Wonderful boutique hotel! I loved staying here. Easily accessible to all the San Juan attractions and lots of restaurant choices. The room was spotless and the bed was comfortable. I loved the unique spaces throughout the property and the roof pool area was lovely.

Loved this hotel! It looked exactly like pictures online! It is located about 15 min away from the airport in the Miramar neighborhood in San Juan. This was just past the “main strip” of hotels when you come into the city. It is in a very quiet, walkable neighborhood which had lots of restaurants, a movie theatre, & even a grocery store just around the corner. The service at the hotel was unmatched! Everyone was very nice & polite. They texted us each morning to see if we needed our rooms cleaned or if we needed towels for our room. The Queen room was spacious enough for my husband and I. The bathroom was small, but clean & efficient! No issues with water pressure or temperature. We would definitely recommend staying here.

We only stayed here one night, but the service and experience was exceptional. We arrived earlier than check-in time, but the front desk staff helped us out with holding our luggage until the room was ready and communicated via phone and text just as soon as the room was ready (and even had our bags waiting in our room when we got there). Cannot express how wonderful the staff is - everyone we talked with was so friendly and helpful. The room was lovely and comfortable - no issues whatsoever. Definitely would stay here again!

*Adding a star as the hotel proactively reached out and apologized for the bad experience*

The three most important parts of a good hotel experience are a good bed, a decent shower, and a quiet environment.

The other aspects that are nice to have, are a good location, decor, and other amenities.

This hotel failed miserably at the most important aspects while getting the less important ones right.

The good: our room was spacious and the decor was modern and classy. The main hall was warm, cozy, relaxing, and inviting. The location was quite good as well.

The bad: bed was not great, too soft and not supportive. The rooms on the main floor where we stayed are very loud as the "bar" is a part of the main lobby and doesn't close until 10 pm on week days. It feels like trying to sleep in an apartment with a bar on the other side of the wall. The shower had a used shaving razor which was gross but the really bad part was that the water pressure was incredibly low and the temperature was all over the place. It would take forever to get warm, then would be scalding hot, turn it down a bit and it would be fine for thirty seconds before getting cold. Adjust temperature and repeat until you're done. Really miserable shower.

What they don't tell you: main floor rooms (200 level) are very noisy and not at all relaxing. The "pool" on the roof is basically just a kiddie pool at 2 feet deep. They spray some sort of scent in the lobby that is kind of sickly sweet and nauseatingly strong, especially in the morning where it could be smelled all the way in our room, furthest from the lobby down a hallway.

We tried to talk to the front desk multiple times and there was nothing they could do or were willing to do to make the situation right. If we had known what we do now we would have given any other hotel in the area our business.

We've stayed in dozens of hotels in almost as many states and countries and somehow this has been one of the most frustrating. We wish we had stayed somewhere else.

Traveled to Puerto Rico for my boyfriend’s birthday. We stayed the first three nights at Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences. From the moment we walked in the hotel had a very lovely scent. The lobby was just beautiful. It was like traveling back in time. Service was great, we will definitely be returning.

Exceptional service and stay. Staff is very helpful and accommodating, the hotel is beautiful and they had a flamenco night in the lounge which was a good time

I enjoyed my stay at Don Rafa. Very cute, antique-like place. The room was like a studio apt. Very cozy & spacious (Junior suite). Staff was nice & the hotel is in a great location close to mostly everything, or a quick uber ride away. Although I was hit with an unexpected fee upon arrive, I’d still stay here again!! Didn’t get to try the restaurant, nor the rooftop pool due to the rain. But looking forward to visiting the next time I’m in San Juan!

Rating a 3 because this property is way over rated at 4.8 stars. Dont get me wrong…. It’s kewl with the blast from the past atmosphere. Booked a jr suite and the bathroom is smaller than an inside stateroom bathroom on the Love Boat. And that might be a generous analogy. Rest of the room is not very functional: large refrigerator which is useless, wet bar sink with countertop ice maker that takes up 1/2 of the counter space. No place to put luggage except the ground.

For reference we got stuck at the Holdiay Inn Express the night before due to a flight change. That room rivaled the Jr suite here and was better located.

The rooftop pool is a wading pool and there are no lay down loungers. Tapas menu at the lobby bar was excellent.

All together, if we returned, would spend the extra money for a suite or higher given the size of the bathroom.

My entire experience was lovely. The service was impeccable and the rooms were beautifully decorated with all the amenities I needed. I also loved that the location was so close to many restaurants and shops.

This is a lovely hotel. Alicia at the front desk and Gabby at the lobby bar we’re so awesome giving us suggestions to nearby bars and restaurants. Short Uber to old San Juan and Condado beach is walkable. We loved it! Casita Miramar is one block away. Make reservations.

Excelente hotel boutique, muy limpio, buena localización. El restaurante espectacular, buena vista hacia la laguna del condado y el mar, excelente comida y servicio.

This is a very nice hotel. The artwork was lovely throughout. The folks who worked at reception were very courteous and helpful.

I think my review wouldn’t even do this place justice it is so beautiful here at the Don Rafa . The staff was phenomenal & very attentive which I appreciate as a solo traveler. Thank you for having me I can’t wait to return !

All the staff was very helpful and friendly.
The size of our room was ok, but the sink in the bathroom was sooo litle that it was impossible to brush your teeth or wash your face withouth making a mess as the water was running out.
There is no good isolation, we could hear the elivator every time someone was using it.
Furthermore the breakfast options are too minimal, this is really something the hotel should upgrade.

5 Stars - Exceptional Stay at Don Rafa Boutique Hotel!

My stay at Don Rafa Boutique Hotel in San Juan was fantastic! The rooms blended charm, comfort, and practicality, creating a cozy and hassle-free environment. The concierge service truly stood out; the team was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent recommendations for everything from local attractions to hidden gems. Their insights really enhanced my experience. The hotel’s location is ideal, offering easy access to all the top San Juan activities. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants nearby, catering to all tastes and budgets, along with an arthouse cinema for a unique cultural experience. I highly recommend Don Rafa for anyone visiting San Juan!

We truly had an amazing time. The service with incredible, and we're actually looking forward to our next visit to the island and staying here

My husband and I stayed at Don Rafa as it was close to many restaurants near walking distance. It was also 10 minutes away from old San Juan. We enjoyed our stay and the location immensely! The front desk was super helpful, the valet parking was always prompt, and the room was perfect for our stay. One day we just had a lazy day and stayed in to watch TV, and it was perfect. We were Pleasantly surprised by the rooftop garden in pool the hotel provided for us.

Stayed here the weekend leading up to Thanksgiving and it was truly a 5 star experience. My wife spent a few hours researching hotels in the San Juan area and based off photos and reviews she chose Don Rafa. I’m glad she did!! The hotel is beautiful. We had originally booked a suite and we were upgraded to the royal penthouse. It was a magnificent experience. The penthouse is a 10/10 and highly recommend! It was clean, stocked and beautiful. We had the ability to do our laundry, store things in our fridge and even cook our own meals. Don Rafa provides a very convenient texting service where they check in with you daily asking if you need anything. Never had anything like that before and it was awesome. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating. They also have Parking right across the street in a private lot which was perfect since we rented a car.
We also had the pleasure of eating at the rooftop restaurant located at the hotel. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. The food was aesthetically appealing and also delicious. Our drinks were divine as well. The atmosphere of the restaurant felt very upscale but also cozy.
If you’re staying at the hotel definitely check out the restaurant as well.
The next time, and any time we visit Puerto Rico - we will 100% be staying at Don Rafa again. Thank you so very much for the once in a lifetime experience and for making our trip to Puerto Rico one we will never forget!! ❤️

My girlfriend and I had the opportunity to stay at this hotel for two days while visiting San Juan after a cruise we departed from. The location of the hotel was great! It had good walking distance to restaurants and a local speakeasy. The room was modern, had great water pressure and the rooftop pool was private. I would definitely stay again!

Amazing experience, absolutely beautiful hotel, with wonderful staff!!! They were very accommodating, kind, and professional!! We had a great stay there and will for sure be going back!!!

Don Rafa is a stunning hotel in the Miramar district. The decor is intimate yet luxurious. Walking through it felt like a history museum mixed with an art museum. However, there are some kinks to work out, which is why we won't be returning.

THE CONS
The first room we were in was no bueno - Room 506. The room was super loud, as it was near the elevator, and the AC emitted loud noises throughout the night. We stayed in a Miramar Jr. Suite - this room was spacious, but the bathroom was the opposite. It was the size of a closet. There was no shower door, which caused water to flood around the toilet. The television in both rooms also had issues - it couldn't connect to the cable. The staff attempted to fix it but were unable. I understand you don't go on vacation to watch television, but some people like to watch it to fall asleep. Little issues like this could be fixed and create a more comfortable experience.

The hotel has multiple amenities; a bar, a cozy breakfast patio, and a social room. Unfortunately, the rooftop pool area has seen better days. The cracks in the pool tiles and kids splashing aren't a welcoming environment.

THE PROS
I won't leave out the positives of this hotel, as it isn't all bad. The hotel is within walking distance to anything you need, such as grocery stores, activities, and many restaurants with different cuisine types. I highly recommend checking out Jamon Jamon, Casita Miramar, and Pizza E Birra.

The staff is the highlight of this hotel. Everyone we met went above and beyond to make our stay joyful and relaxing. On our second arrival, Marcos was amazing and helped us fix our door and recommended some local restaurants. The bar staff and valet were also lovely people.

We had a great week staying at Don Rafa! Very cool aesthetic and the room was very comfortable. The service was incredible, everyone was very helpful and there was a good amount of communication from the front desk. They even had a flamenco show one of the nights we were there. The location was also perfect for what we wanted, walking distance to some good restaurants and bars but not in the overly touristy areas around the resorts. It was also a short drive to Viejo San Juan and some of the beaches. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to stay in San Juan.

First time in so many years that a hotel has disappointed me so much, the room smelled completely of humidity INCREDIBLY, the bathroom was dirty and there was a chiripas behind the toilet! Front desk reception was very nice and friendly! The girl at the bar too, the valet parking service costs $25 a night and 70% of the time the staff was not there and you had to go get the car yourself, the concierge for the suitcases was not available when we arrived or when we left, the water in the shower was dropping, but the worst was really the smell of humidity

Five star is just simply NOT enough. Don Rafa Boutique and Hotel10000/10 - This hotel was in the center of everything. I booked through Expedia but I was able to call and pay in advance. Once I arrived the staff was so friendly, kind and professional. I told the staff I was celebrating my birthday and they made sure I was well taken care of. The hotel smelled amazing, very clean and well kept. I was able to text the front desk for assistance, they communicate very well via text. Overall LOVED this hotel. I’ve already recommended to family and friends. I will be back to La Grand Casa!

Very friendly and professional staff, always smiling and ready to assist. It was raining and the front desk was very kind to provide an umbrella for us so we could get around.
Breakfast was a plus and the location was great

We loved our stay as Don Rafa. Everyone from the valet driver to the receptionists and housekeeping were incredibly friendly and helpful.

Warm, helpful, wonderful staff, in a uniquely art filled boutique hotel. However, a nauseating perfume invades the first floors. The continental breakfast is lacking in anything healthful like whole grain cereal and bread.

As far as location, this was great and worked out well for our group. A quick walk away from a supermarket; we were also able to walk into the nightlife area near the casinos and enjoy that as well. We were also able to walk to the beaches and even walked to old San Juan one day even though that was a bit farther. We felt very secure and safe in the area; the building was locked and you needed your key to enter/exit. There was also a ramp for wheelchair accessibility which I thought was very considerate.

All of the hotel staff were very attentive, nice, and detail-oriented. I received a text asking for my arrival time to ensure our room would be ready, and each day I would also receive a text asking about housekeeping. This place really does seem to value your opinion and knows that communication goes a long way.

There is one elevator so depending on the business level, you may be waiting a bit. There is a nice staircase that you can take though if it is busy. We stayed Monday through Saturday and the first couple nights weren’t busy at all.

Our room (the two bedroom apartment) was very spacious and worked out well for our group of 3. Some highlights of the apartment were the paper towels and utensils provided in the kitchen, and the stove had a good overhead fan as well which was definitely needed the night we cooked burgers. There were complimentary bottles of wattle and coffee pods, and a spacious dining table for a whole family to enjoy a meal at. The apartment was modern, clean, the marble floors were nice, and the windows opened all the way which was also a good feature as there was a parade and it was cool to see it from our window. The beds were very comfortable and there were blackout and regular curtains in there was well. We also loved the fact that were was a washer and dryer in our apartment as well.

We enjoyed the rooftop pool (please note that it’s 2-3 feet deep) for relaxing in during the nighttime and the vibe on the rooftop is very relaxing and cozy. There is also a lounge area which was very comfortable to sit and hang out in as well.

Some things that could be improved on was the lack of storage. Not much space for anything in the bathroom and there was a closet in the bedroom, but minimal hangers and no dresser. We weren’t able to use the hair dryer as it kept shutting off on us, and the living room area was also lacking a coffee table. There are no TVs in the bedrooms, and spotty WiFi at times. There was one lamp in our room that had a different style of plug so it didn’t actually plug into the outlet, so we could only use one of our side bed lamps. I also was not able to plug my cell phone charger blog in at the same time as the lamp as it didn’t fit.

Overall, this place was an absolutely amazing place to stay at and I believe it would be a great fit for most people.

Amazing stay at Don Rafa. The Hotel is immaculately clean, well maintained, and the decor, art, and style is top tier. The service is impeccable and they are extremely accommodating and welcoming. Staff is absolutely amazing. Great location sandwiched between Condado Beach and T-Mobile Arena. Rooms could use a technology upgrade to include more automation and USB ports for personal devices. You will need a block to charge and maintain mobile devices. We stayed in the Puras Penthouse suite and it was amazing. One knock is the balcony doors didn't work and you could only exit to the balcony through the master. All in all would definitely recommend a stay here and made our PR Vacay a special one.

We absolutely loved it! I traveled with my husband for the weekend. The hotel was so beautiful! Everyone was super attentive. I constantly received messages if we needed anything, housekeeping, we even got a welcoming message also a reminder what time to check in and check out. If I had a question or anything I would message and I would get a quick reply. The place itself is so beautiful including the bedroom! I loved how it’s located near cafes, grocery store and restaurants. We will definitely return!

My wife and I were pleasantly surprised with the exceptional hospitality. The staff went above and beyond to attend to us. In fact, our experience was better here than it has been at some of the top hotels in U.S. Also, the hotel is conveniently located near restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store.

The service at this boutique hotel was exceptional, with an attentive and welcoming front desk team. The hotel's decor is thoughtfully detailed, creating a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. We enjoyed the rooftop, which offered a great space to relax, and the lobby, which was both inviting and well-maintained. The property felt safe and secure throughout our stay. Overall, it was an outstanding experience, exceeding expectations for a boutique hotel.

Loved staying at Don Rafa. Great location. Staff are as friendly, and very professional. I would definitely recommend Don Rafa Hotel to friends visiting the area. Shops are also walking distance. Very convenient.