Howard Johnson San Juan: A Colorful Midscale Hotel - History, Amenities, and Current Status

This updated article preserves the original's focus on the Howard Johnson hotel in San Juan - its colorful design, open layout, and guest-focused service - while noting that many such properties have changed ownership or been rebranded. Readers are advised to verify the hotel's current operational status, brand name, and amenity list before booking.

A brief portrait

The Howard Johnson in San Juan built a reputation for bold colors, open layouts, and a friendly, tropical personality that matched the city. In its heyday it showcased features familiar to the Howard Johnson brand: an outdoor swimming pool, a small spa, in-room refrigerators, on-site bars, a restaurant, and a café. Those attributes helped position the property as a convenient, midscale option for travelers seeking a bright, informal base in Puerto Rico.

What made the property stand out

Guests repeatedly praised the hotel's open-plan circulation and windows that let light and breezes into public spaces and rooms. The design emphasized discovery: public areas often revealed small, pleasant surprises on a second look - a compact garden, a shaded courtyard, or an unexpected view toward the city.

Staff service was another recurring note. The hotel leaned on the Howard Johnson brand promise of consistent, approachable service, which contributed to positive word-of-mouth among leisure travelers exploring San Juan's beaches and historic districts.

The present-day picture (verify before you book)

Many midscale chains and individual properties have changed ownership, brands, or operating status since the early 2000s. I have preserved the hotel's historic character above, but the current name, ownership, or open/closed status of the Howard Johnson in San Juan should be confirmed before planning a trip. Specific information on whether the hotel still offers the same list of amenities (pool, spa, in-room refrigerators, bars, restaurant, café) also requires up-to-date verification.

If you are researching this hotel now, look for recent guest reviews, the property website, or booking platforms for the latest photos and amenity lists. Local tourism sites and the Puerto Rico tourism office can also confirm whether the property operates under the Howard Johnson name or has been rebranded.

Tips for travelers

• Verify the hotel's current brand and operational status before booking.

• Compare recent guest photos and reviews to confirm the condition of public areas and rooms. ¹

• If the historic charm - bright colors and open layout - is important to you, ask for room photos or a room-on-request note when reserving. ²

Bottom line

The Howard Johnson in San Juan earned a place in travel memory for its vibrant presentation and straightforward amenities. Today, those qualities remain useful guideposts, but you should confirm the property's current identity and offerings before making travel plans. ³

1. Confirm whether the Howard Johnson property in San Juan is still operating and, if so, under what brand/name. [[CHECK]]
2. Verify the current amenity list (outdoor pool, spa, in-room refrigerators, bars, restaurant, café) for the property. [[CHECK]]
3. Check recent guest reviews and photos to confirm the hotel's current condition and service level. [[CHECK]]
4. Confirm ownership (e.g., Wyndham or other) and any rebranding or closure announcements. [[CHECK]]