Checking In: A Review of Dream Inn in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Welcome to Checking In, a series of posts dedicated to the places we stay when we travel

I’m back from a lovely getaway in Puerto Rico, and while I was sad to leave the island, I’m thrilled to be able to share another boutique hotel review with you today!

I’ve always been drawn to wordplay (I even have a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics – not that I necessarily use it, but I digress…), and Dream Inn caught my eye when scoping out boutique places to stay in San Juan. It’s a fitting name, given how the unique architecture of the hotel is also designed to catch your eye.

Brutalist architecture isn’t something I typically associate with the Caribbean, but somehow, this strong, modern minimalist building works in its vibrant Santurce neighborhood.

And thankfully, Dream Inn also suits the modern-day visitor to San Juan, providing an excellent home base during a weekend in the city.

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with the property but may contain commissionable links

Today I’m sharing an inside look at this unique property, as well as my honest thoughts on the guest experience.

So, who’s up for a good night’s sleep?

ABOUT DREAM INN

View through palm fronds on the Dream Inn roof — Dream Inn is located in the Ocean Park subbarrio, between Condado and Isla Verde

Completed in 2014, Dream Inn is a thirteen-room boutique hotel located in the Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan. Designed by local architecture firm Arq. José R. Coleman-Davis Pagán, the building is somewhat of a modern marvel that enhances the traveler’s experience. The building’s unique exterior isn’t just for aesthetics – it functions as a filter for both air and sunlight while also reducing noise from the busy neighborhood below.

Ocean breeze flows freely through the lobby area and hallways, instantly reducing the sting of San Juan’s hot sun as guests navigate the property. A rooftop deck and small pool area offer additional respite from the bustling city, but where things really cool down is the refreshingly air-conditioned rooms.

Each room has a private bathroom, closet with iron and ironing board, a safe, a television, a workstation, and a hairdryer. Although there are five distinct room styles available, I can only comfortably provide a detailed description of the Sunlight Room, where I stayed for two nights.

ABOUT THE SUNLIGHT ROOM

A view of the Sunlight Room at the Dream Inn — The Sunlight Room gets its name from the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Santurce

Of the rooms remaining at the time of booking, the Sunlight Room offered us the best value, with a comfortable sleeping area at a reasonable price. Though this room doesn’t have a balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows allow ample light during the day while blackout curtains filter out light at night.

The sleeping area includes a nightstand, a desk and chair (which serves as a second nightstand), a wardrobe, a minifridge stocked with beverages for purchase, and of course, a Queen-sized bed. Behind the bed is a small nook with another window and a wicker chair.

Like all rooms at Dream Inn, the bathroom in the Sunlight Room includes bath products in eco-friendly dispensers and a rainfall shower heated by solar power. Bath towels and beach towels are provided.

The sharp lines of the building continue all the way to the room’s concrete walls, but the effect is softened by dark wood and zen accents. Plus, of course, all the creature comforts travelers want or need…

DREAM INN AMENITIES

Alyssa sits by the pool at Dream Inn — Beyond the room, guests can enjoy lounging by the pool, in the lobby, or on the rooftop deck

View of cars parked at Dream Inn — A seemingly rare amenity in San Juan: free parking

Despite having only thirteen rooms, the list of amenities at Dream Inn is quite lengthy: Free WiFi, an assortment of coolers and beach mats available to borrow, bottles of sunscreen (and aloe!) for use in the lobby, a water filling station, a linear pool, a rooftop deck with chairs and hammocks, alcohol for purchase in the room and the lobby, free coffee and tea, and a limited number of free parking spaces. Whew.

MY EXPERIENCE AT DREAM INN

The lobby of Dream Inn in Puerto Rico — The lobby is staffed from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.

View of a fountain in the lobby at Dream Inn — Take a break from the busy city and watch the koi fish swim in the peaceful lobby fountain

Even though my flight down to San Juan went without a hitch, I still felt relief flood my body as I walked through the gate of Dream Inn. The hotel is designed to cultivate a sense of relaxation, from the sounds of flowing water in the lobby to the lounge-ready rooftop to the friendly and helpful staff.

Ringing the doorbell at the gate led us to meet Jorge, who welcomed us so warmly and handed over our keys along with a handy sheet of recommendations and a list of neighborhood spots that provide discounts to Dream Inn guests. Our conversation was the perfect introduction to Puerto Rico, and armed with insider tips, we headed upstairs.

A collage of four photos of the Sunlight Room's sleeping and bath areas — Rooms are stocked with everything a traveler needs, with the environment in mind

Air conditioning seems to be much more common in Puerto Rico than in other Caribbean destinations, and our room was an ice-cold reprieve from the afternoon sun. The room layout was a little unusual, but we quickly discovered that the nook behind the bed was the perfect place to store our suitcases after unpacking. The furnishings are minimal in a good way; any additional items and the space would feel cramped and cluttered. Tile floors kept the room feeling neat and clean, while the small desk and chair, ample tabletop space, a narrow wardrobe, and a bed in rich, dark wood added warmth to the concrete walls – and were all we really needed for a short stay.

The bed was firm but comfortable, and with 6 a.m. sunrises, I sent a silent thank you to whoever chose the blackout curtains. I know we weren’t the only ones staying at the property as I saw other guests throughout the weekend, but you’d never know it from the quietness of the room.

The solar-powered shower warmed my green heart, as did the eco-friendly toiletry dispensers. The shower takes a moment to heat up, but the pressure is generous and effective at rinsing off the day’s grime. My one (teeny-tiny) note on this space? I found it a little too dark to apply my makeup in the morning, and instead, I used the mirror by the window.

Exterior of Dream Inn — We solely relied on Uber during the San Juan portion of the trip, but I know the parking was very much appreciated by other guests!

A hammock on the roof at Dream Inn — The spacious rooftop deck is open until 11 p.m. each night

I wish we could have spent more time hanging out on the roof or by the pool, but as with all things, travel is a balance and the city beckoned us to explore. On the plus side, the building is very easy to spot, which is helpful after coming back from La Placita at 2 o’clock in the morning…

Overall, Dream Inn made for such a unique and fun stay in San Juan, and I would gladly stay here again on a return visit. I guess you could say that this property lives up to its name!

DREAM INN FAQS

Where is Dream Inn located?

Dream Inn is located in Ocean Park, one of the subbarrios of Santurce in San Juan, at 2009 McLeary Ave, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico.

Does the hotel offer housekeeping?

Yes, rooms are serviced daily unless the Privacy Please door hanger is placed outside of the room. Be sure you choose the correct side of the door hanger to face outward, as one side is for requesting housekeeping.

What time can I check in and check out?

Check-in is from 3 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and checkout is by 11 a.m. Guests arriving early may store their luggage with the hotel and will be given access to the roof and pool areas until their room is ready. Guests departing before 8 a.m. will receive instructions for self-checkout.

Are there any extra fees?

As is common, a $150 hold is placed on a guest’s credit card for incidentals, which will be removed after the stay. Besides making an optional purchase from the mini bar, other fees may be assessed for lost or damaged items or linens. Surprisingly, a fee for stained linens is something I’ve only ever seen while researching hotels in Puerto Rico, but it makes sense given that most things have to be shipped in and unnecessary replacements would be expensive and a hassle. Beyond consuming items from the mini bar, covering replacement items, or checking out late without permission, you shouldn’t expect any additional fees when staying at Dream Inn.

Does the Dream Inn offer parking?

Yes, there are a limited number of covered spaces out front, and they are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you arrive and find that all spots have been claimed, street parking is available on the surrounding blocks (just know you may need to search a little bit!).

What’s nearby?

There are plenty of cute coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and shops in this neighborhood (not to mention the beach!) – you could easily spend a weekend here and have access to everything you need within walking distance.

A few standout favorites from this visit are Café con Cé, Moni & Coli, Cafe Nineteen, and La Coffeetera. I’ll be sharing my full San Juan weekend guide in the coming weeks with recommendations in the neighborhood and beyond, so keep an eye out!

Forgot something at home? You’ll find a Walgreens just around the corner, open until midnight.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT DREAM INN

I often talk about value when it comes to how we spend our hard-earned paychecks on travel, and to me, Dream Inn feels like an immensely good value. What is value? In this blogger’s humble opinion, value is the point where the price you pay matches what you receive. Dream Inn is not a budget hotel by any stretch of the imagination, but this property offers an exceptional experience without overpaying for it.

Travelers create a notable impact on the destinations they choose to visit, and whenever possible, I think it’s important to choose smaller boutique properties over large, international resorts. By choosing a hotel with a smaller, local footprint, you’re not only helping conserve and preserve precious resources, but your tourism dollars are also much more likely to flow directly into the local economy rather than to a global corporation. Whether you choose to stay here or at another boutique property in San Juan, I encourage you to travel with this sentiment in mind.

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Questions for you

What are your must-haves in a hotel?

Have you ever stayed at such a unique-looking property before? Where was it located?