This is the last post in the Puerto Rico series (for now…). If you missed them, you can read more about our adventures and all my recommendations for Old San Juan, Condado and elsewhere in Puerto Rico here and here.
In my last post I had given you a teeny sneak peek into the gorgeous hotel we stayed at, but I really felt that it deserved a more comprehensive review, as we had such a lovely time there. So, without further ado, here’s my full review of the Serafina Beach Hotel, Condado.
First up, if I’m completely honest, I kinda wanted to stay here after seeing JetSet Sarah’s beautiful Insta-stories while she was staying. That’s one of the things I love most about following other travel bloggers, all the top tips and first-hand accounts!
As I discussed in my previous Puerto Rico posts, I had been itching to get back over to San Juan, post-Maria, and see how the recovery efforts were going. One of the reasons I was so excited to stay at Serafina is that it is the latest resort to open, brand new since the hurricane and an important step in bringing much needed tourist dollars back to the area. I was not disappointed.
Set on the right on the beach in Condado, Serafina Beach Hotel has ocean-front rooms as well as rooms that look over the lagoon. We had opted for a lagoon-view room (price peeps, they are a bit cheaper) but next time I would definitely splash out for an ocean-view room. The lagoon views are not without their own charm but once I saw the spectacular ocean views from the pool, I sorta wished my room had the same.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY READING: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – A Travel Guide
Our room was large and really comfortable. Decorated in white, grey, teal and sea foam greens it really incorporates the water views into the room and is very calming. This is further accentuated by the use of natural wood tones and the magnificent floor to ceiling window, which really helps to bring the outside in. There is a definite beach house vibe. It all looks clean, bright and modern too, which I appreciated. The mini bar was fully stocked and had some tasty little treats, although I was somewhat disappointed to find that there were no in-room tea and coffee making facilities.
Downstairs in the lobby was more of the clean and simple blues and whites with interesting lighting features and quirky pieces of decor. The lobby area has a bar and a small but well curated clothing boutique with some really beautiful pieces. But drawing you out of the lobby, and practically running outside, is the spectacular view of the pool and ocean.
Go through the revolving glass doors and out onto the pool deck to find the pool bar which serves coffee, cocktails and light bites. Pull up a lounger and enjoy uninterrupted views across the infinity pool and out to the ocean, watch the pelicans fishing as you sunbathe, it really is a beautiful location to wile away a couple of hours.
And when you start to get peckish, just head next door to aMare restaurant. The restaurant shares the stunning ocean views and the outdoor patio area is a beautiful place to dine.
I, sadly, only had a chance to sample breakfast and lunch at aMare, but I was thrilled with the delicious looking Italian menu. Breakfast has a great selection of the usual favourites (I opted for the avocado toast because it’s delicious/I really am that basic) along with some combo breakfasts if you’re feeling a bit hungrier.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY READING: San Juan, Puerto Rico – A Travel Guide
When lunch rolled around I struggled to choose between all the Italian classics, I really needed more lunches there! I eventually chose the ‘linguine alle vongole’, as it has been a long-term favourite and I so seldom find it on the menu. (The ‘cacio e pepe’ and the ‘porcini e arugula risotto’ only narrowly lost out though! And what about trying the ‘black truffle and champagne risotto’?? Mamma Mia! Got to stop now, making myself hungry again…)
Service in both the hotel and restaurant was friendly and attentive. The staff are quite a young crew, in keeping with the ‘Social, Sexy, Serafina’ vibe they are cultivating. I see from their social media that they have started various events including sunset yoga and other ‘Serafina Happenings’. I am excited to get involved.
If you are looking for a fresh vibe in San Juan with chic style and distinct South Beach feels, Serafina Beach Hotel is for you! I know that I can’t wait for my next visit!
Booking:
We made our reservation at the Serafina Beach Hotel through Hotels.com, my chosen site for researching and booking accommodation. We collect nights as we travel which can be applied towards a free night in the future!
Serafina Beach sounds like a very nice hotel! I love the view you had from your room! The food looks good too!.
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Thanks Patricia! It really was a spectacular place to stay! Highly recommend it!
What a beautiful hotel! And that pool <3 <3 <3 I would love to stay there someday!
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You wouldn’t regret it Niki, it’s really lovely!
wow that is what I call a vacation! The accommodations, the food and that beach just beautiful destination. I have been to Puerto Rico but never to Serafina beach now I want to go back!
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You should Adriana! Such a fantastic place to visit, did you love it?
Those views are stunning! I love the floor to ceiling window in your room. I’d be chilling on the edge of that pool all day!
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It was very hard to drag myself away from the pool!! 🙂
Oh my goodness, this looks gorgeous and I want to go here! I’m pinning this for later, thank you so much!
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Fantastic!! Hope you get to enjoy it one day!
You did it again! You’ve made me want to pack up and leave everything behind!
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Well now, I wouldn’t be very good at my job if I didn’t make you want to pack those bags straight away, would I? 😉
You have me ready to jump on a plane right now! Everything looks so gorgeous and amazing. I’ve only been to Mexico so far but Puerto Rico is on my list and now so is this hotel.
Ahhh this honestly seems like the perfect place to go to for relaxing vacation! I love the interior of the hotel room and the photos you got are incredible! 😍💕
This place looks amazing!! That pool is awesome and that linguine mouthwatering! What a great adventure.
That view from the room is spectacular and love that huge mini bar! haha Really lovely honest review!
Wow Loved the place a lot. I wouldn’t want to leave. The food is most tempting.
this hotel just looks so gorgeous! how beautiful
This is GORGEOUS!! Thanks for sharing! I’ll definitely remember this for the future!
This looks gorgeous! We stopped briefly in San Juan to board our cruise but never really got to see the sights. I’ve been wanting to go back! We will definitely check out the Serafina Beach Hotel!
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Jen, you absolutely should! It’s such a lovely place to visit! I hope that you enjoyed your cruise as well!
The view from the hotel room is so pretty.. Everywhere looks so appealing and comfortable. Definitely a travellers dream spot. I live your blog name too
That hotel is absolutely the dream😍! Everything from bed to the food & from view to the pool area looks amazing.
Oh my goodness! This hotel is absolutely beautiful! That swimming pool by the beach is everything and the rooms look super spacious. I would definitely love to stay at this hotel some day.
Okay, I fell in love. That infinity pool and those rooms with sea view look just stunning, relaxing and luxurious. I will keep this one in mind if going to Puerto Rico!
This hotel looks amazing! The views seem incredible, the food looks delicious, and the nautical design is so fitting. Thanks for sharing such a great recommendation!
I love your images and they way you have described the hotel. It makes one very tempted to go and stay there
Man this is so chic, the view, the bar, The room! I have never stayed on the island I will definitely check this out the nxt time I go! Love this review