Review: Hotel Rumbao in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Some hotels know how to exude a true sense of place. Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is one of them. 

As soon as I stepped into this recently renovated and rebranded hotel, I felt enveloped in Puerto Rican culture. Creative decor and artistic touches throughout the property reference the island — and provide wonderful photo opportunities, too. 

Opened in 2024 following a multimillion-dollar transformation of the former Sheraton Old San Juan, this 245-room property is the first Tribute Portfolio hotel in the Caribbean, and Marriott’s soft brand allows for lots of creativity in the hotel design. The results are impressive. 

Hotel Rumbao has several unique selling points. As the closest hotel to San Juan’s cruise port, it’s an ideal choice for pre- and post-cruise stays. And, as the largest hotel and only Marriott-affiliated property in Old San Juan, it’s well-positioned for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists as well as travelers who prefer a larger, full-service hotel within walking distance of the historic neighborhood’s top attractions. It’s also close to waterfront area Bahia Urbana, which is slated for major redevelopment, with a Ferris wheel, aviary and theater in the plans. 

During my stay, I enjoyed being steps away from Old San Juan’s picturesque streets, historic sites and excellent restaurants. I even enjoyed a view of Castillo San Cristobal, the largest Spanish colonial fortification in the Americas, from the balconies of my one-bedroom suite. For clients who value easy access to Old San Juan, this location is unbeatable.

I admired the hotel’s attention to Puerto Rican culture and traditions throughout the property. Colorful wall murals and carefully curated artwork reference the island's rich cultural heritage (one of the many cool touches: the grand piano in the second-floor lobby proudly displays the Puerto Rican flag under its lid).

Even the hotel’s name itself — "rumbao," which means “party," or a festive night out in Puerto Rico — captures the island’s spirit. 

Guestrooms at Hotel Rumbao

The hotel’s clever, creative approach to design is apparent on the guestroom floors. Rather than the usual “do not disturb” signs, for example, there are rotating wooden blocks mounted on the wall outside each room, with the option to display various messages. "Welcome to Rumbao" was visible at my door upon my arrival, and I later twirled it to "Please do your magic after the Rumbao" when I wanted the room serviced and "Not now, I was rumbeando" when I didn’t want to be disturbed.

I stayed in room 929, a one-bedroom suite that exemplifies the hotel's design philosophy. I enjoyed the ever-changing views of massive cruise ships, an interesting visual contrast to the nearby historic structures. I found the suite to be comfortable and nicely decorated; I especially liked the tropical green-leaf wallpaper and contemporary Puerto Rican artwork, all of which helped to create a bright, creative ambience without overwhelming the senses. 

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I also appreciated the thoughtful layout. I made good use of the work desk in the bedroom as well as the versatile living room, which was furnished with a large sofa bed, empty minifridge (perfect for stocking personal favorites) and multipurpose table that worked well for both dining and working. The suite layout and amenities make it a perfect option for families as well as for business travelers and digital nomads, since the dual workspaces are in separate rooms and make it easy for couples to stay productive. 

Amenities and Services

Hotel Rumbao has a variety of features that most hotels in Old San Juan don’t offer. The rooftop pool, for example, is a relaxing place to hang out, especially after a day spent exploring the city. The fitness center, meanwhile, features all the essentials for staying in shape. 

I was delighted with the hotel’s culinary offerings, as well — it’s a far cry from the could-be-anywhere menus at some large hotels. The attractive on-site restaurant, Kueros Island Bar & Kitchen, serves exceptional Puerto Rican cuisine — including mofongo, a traditional mashed plantain dish that’s one of my favorites. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace for those who want to enjoy a view of the bay (and perhaps some cruise ships) while dining, and the expansive breakfast buffet provides lots of healthful and indulgent ways to start the day. 

Another option for eating and drinking is Rumbao Market Lobby Cafe & Lounge, a casual yet stylish venue that serves everything from breakfast through cocktails and dinner. For last-minute needs while visiting, there’s also a Walgreens on the ground level of the hotel building. 

It’s important to note that finding parking can be a challenge in Old San Juan; Hotel Rumbao eliminates that hassle with its valet parking, and there is also a self-park garage nearby. That’s great for those looking to visit other areas, such as the nearby neighborhood of Condado. But in Old San Juan, it’s not even necessary to have a car, since it’s such a walkable neighborhood that’s a joy to explore. Hotel Rumbao’s proximity to the charms of San Juan’s much-celebrated historic heart is just one of many reasons to book a room.