Apartment

Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace

Photo gallery for Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace

Exterior
Interior
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 8241.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
San Juan
  • Port of San Juan
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Pan American Pier
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • San Juan (SIG-Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom One

1 King Bed

Bedroom Three

2 Double Beds

Bedroom Two

1 King Bed

2 half bathrooms

Shower

Shower only

WC

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a palace? Ours is a romantic 200-year-old architectural wonder built for one of San Juan's earliest rum barons and remains one of the most beautiful properties in the old city. It features soaring, 18-foot ceilings, cathedral-style acoustics, marble floors and Moroccan tiles. You'll be surrounded by simple beauty, shower in a gigantic Roman spa, cook in an inspirational kitchen and listen to the coqui frogs in your private courtyard.

Property manager

Jon Vidar

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

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House Rules

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
WE OBSERVE AND STRICTLY ENFORCE QUIET HOURS AFTER 11 PM. NO PARTIES ARE PERMITTED.
You acknowledge that the house is built around open air space and that you may encounter more dust and sea salt than spaces that are completely closed
LIGHTS AND AC MUST BE TURNED OFF WHEN YOU LEAVE

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number 660813649

About the area

San Juan

Located in San Juan, this apartment is in the city centre. Port of San Juan and Pan American Pier are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Condado Beach and Escambron Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum or Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, power boating and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours.
Map
San Juan

What's nearby

  • Port of San Juan - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Pan American Pier - 8 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Condado Beach - 12 min drive - 4.1 km

Getting around

  • Domenech Station - 11 min drive
  • San Juan (SJU-Luis Munoz Marin Intl.) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Verguenza - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪La Factoría - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪La Taberna Lúpulo - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Casa Cortés ChocoBar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪El Jibarito - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace?

As of 5 May 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace on 1 June 2025 start from NZ$824.68, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Where is Live Your Best Life In An Actual Palace located?

Located in Old San Juan, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Calle Fortaleza and Port of San Juan. Condado Beach and Puerto Rico Convention Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

TK T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Place is beautiful and location is so convenient. Great for big groups or families
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

unique place

Enjoyed the stay, parking was/is not good deal, huge fines for parking in street near building. {where locals park}. Character of building is worth the stay. Wear insect repellent, as open roof does allow for woodland creatures.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

sylvia s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Old school colonial experience
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot to stay in Old San Juan

I booked this for a friends trip to Puerto Rico and it was perfect for our stay. Incredibly convenient to everything in Old San Juan. Everyone on the trip was wowed by the house and the architecture and the air conditioning was clutch for those 90+ degree nights.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Stayed for three nights and enjoyed being close to everything in Old San Juan. Beautiful old hacienda style home. This is the place to stay if you want to enjoy sights and nightlife. If you want a quiet restful night sleep, this is not for you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annette H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lots of charm for 3 couples

Unique special home for 3 couples. 18ft ceilings in this beautiful place with lots of ceiling fans throughout to help combat the heat. There is only AC in the bedrooms, which were so cool and lovely. The one bathroom worked out fine for us all as well, as the shower room is separate. Location, location, location was perfect for access to restaurants and shopping. Don't bother with a car for this part of your trip, but if you do, parking lots are nearby and cost about $30/24h.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zoe B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!

We had such a wonderful time. This place and the location is perfect!! We absolutely loved our time and would love to come back in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location

First time to san juan for mist of us and we coukd not ask for a better place. Locatio ,location and location. Walking distance to so many great restaurants, shopping and bars. Night life was amazing and all just a few blocks away. Did I mention how great the location is? The weather made me catatonic when I contemplated my return to hell, otherwise know as Maine. Lest i get off track… the lone bathroom and shower was never an issue. We will definitely make an encore appearance here soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Totally Unique and Amazing!

This place was unlike anywhere we have ever stayed on vacation, and I say that in a VERY good way! Upon arrival we were greeted with an expansive layout, which included a huge kitchen, living room and dining room and that was just the start. The open-air huge courtyard was something out of a movie, it is hard to describe how old-world it was! When it rained it was magical. Two out of the three bedrooms had small corner sinks which was nice to get ready in the evening and morning (the third bedroom didn't have a sink, but the main bathroom does so that was helpful). Each bedroom had a very strong AC which was welcome. Just be aware that the rest of the apartment does not have AC, but the airflow is amazing with the shutters open in the main living area. We honestly didn't have any issues with it. The spa shower and tub were like something out of an old movie set. You will just have to experience them for yourselves! Very cool! Jon communicated frequently and was easy to reach if you needed anything, but we were good the entire stay. The location was literally smack dab in the middle of Old San Juan, so it was a quick jumping off spot to the entire town. We had a car, and there was an easy to find garage parking about a block away, but honestly, I'd recommend NOT taking a car into Old San Juan due to the limited street parking. It is just a major headache and is an additional cost to pay for (nothing to do with the rental, just FYI for those with autos).
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location!

We loved our stay! The bedrooms were very comfortable and we all reported sleeping better than usual! We were there during an exceptional heat wave but the AC units in each bedroom were quiet and effective. Though we could hear the revelry of the street sounds, it did not bother our sleep. Located right in the middle of Old San Juan we could walk to all the sites — including Castillo San Felipe del Morro — and restaurants as we wanted. A short Uber ride got us to the beach. The one suggestion we have would be to add a grab bar at the entrance to, and another in, the shower for those with mobility issues. All-in-all, 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katrina E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Beautiful place, just as described,
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rum baron in old San Juan

The rum baron house is awesome. Plenty of room and the single bathroom is was not an issue at all - we were 4 adults. The location is fabulous for Old San Juan, so close to a lot of great spots. The bedrooms have AC if that is needed and Jon as great to communicate with. We would definitely stay there again next time we head to PR.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deesha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing experience

Absolutely recommend - the property is beautiful with a gorgeous courtyard and is well situated in Old San Juan. Jon was very responsive and communicative. Highlight of our trip and would love to stay here again. Don't hesitate to book if available!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Time

We had a great time staying at Jon’s place in Old San Juan. In addition to the very cool aesthetic and clean quarters, the location is perfect! Within steps from the front door we had access to many bars, restaurants, and walkability to all of Old San Juan. We would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the 200yr old Rum Mansion

This was a perfect location in Old San Juan for walking, shopping and dining. The property was above and beyond our expectations. We were so excited to to get out and see Old San Juan that we didn't have enough time to enjoy all the property had to offer - from the amazing kitchen to the outdoor sitting area. We would love to stay here again should we visit Puerto Rico. James - Arizona
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alex H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Rental!

Words can hardly do justice to how amazing this property is. You'll feel like royalty staying here, and you'll find yourself right in the middle of the most exciting part of San Juan. The location was even more impressive than the pictures can convey. It was clean, welcoming, comfortable, and beautiful.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Home in Old San Juan

The pictures truly do not do this property justice. It is absolutely beautiful! The air conditioning in the bedrooms kept us very cool and we had no issues at all with the temp. in the rest of the home. The location is perfect with everything you need in walking distance. It was the perfect stay for my birthday trip and whenever I’m in San Juan again I will be booking again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

julie j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Living the culture

The accommodations were exactly as described. The living space is open air (no A/C) and the bedrooms are A/C. If you are not open to that experience this is not for you. My 19 yr old girls LOVED the feel of the openness and embraced the culture. While you can hear everything outside it was part of the experience and became part of the memories that we brought back with us. There were 6 of us and 1 shower area but we easily managed showers. The same with the room with the toilet and sink… Simply not an issue. Each bedroom had a sink and mirror which Allows convenience to getting cleaned up to go out. We were 3 blocks from groceries. Eateries and bars were within blocks in every direction! Jon the host was very responsive anytime he was contacted. There was no parking there but a parking garage a few blocks away and a little further was outdoor parking.. All easy to get to. The beds were very comfortable. My ONLY critique would be for the kitchen to be a bit more stocked. There is enough to get by but with 6 people it was challenging . Would definitely stay again! Thank you Jon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing and historic space!

The pictures don’t do this place justice! It is awesome and we enjoyed it from the moment we arrived. The fans and many doors throughout help to keep it from being too hot and the rooms are nicely cooled with individual units at night. It would be good to know that on Friday and Saturday there can be some noise outside occasionally as people return home from bars and stuff at night, but by no means did it have any dramatic effect on our trip.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erik P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This is the place to stay if you are spending time in OSJ.

Place is very cool & historic, high ceilings, great layout and the location couldn't be any better. Jon was very responsive and check-in/check-out was easy.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing house, we would stay again in a heartbeat

The pictures do not do this property justice. This home is so unique, with high ceilings, great ventilation, perfect location, very comfortable beds, cool shower, and kitchen with nice appliances, 3 sinks and ample accessories. We absolutely loved the opportunity to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stuart R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding Old San Juan Home

A step back into the history of this wonderful city. House is gorgeous and well equipped. It has a few quirks like all old houses do, but owner communicates well. Walking distance to all the sights and good restaurants.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jim K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location and extremely responsive host!

Great location, cooking utensils available, very gracious host who was an excellent communicator. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carene O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Transported to another time

This was our first stay in this property. In a nutshell: WOW. It really feels like staying in a mansion from another era. It’s gorgeous, different, special. It’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever stayed in. We left reluctantly and wanting to have stayed longer. The owner and administrator both are dedicated and available and keep the property at top shape. The property and ambiance are spectacular. hopefully, this place will be on our regular rotation to come and stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

About the host

Hosted by Jon Vidar

Host profile image
Hi everyone! I'm an avid traveler and AirBnB guest, as well as host. I have two main AirBnB properties in Puerto Rico: 1) A 200 year old rum baron's mansion in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with both shared space and full apartment options; 2) A wellness retreat in the mountains of Utuado. I live full time in Puerto Rico and I love to host and show people my island!

Why they chose this property

Old San Juan is a vibrant, historic neighborhood that effortlessly blends the charm of its 16th-century colonial architecture with a lively modern culture. Located on a small island connected to mainland Puerto Rico, it’s a place where cobblestone streets wind through colorful pastel buildings, leading to iconic landmarks like El Morro and La Fortaleza, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The neighborhood is a treasure trove of history, offering visitors a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s rich past while inviting them to explore contemporary galleries, boutique shops, and a diverse dining scene. From traditional mofongo served in cozy eateries to innovative dishes at upscale restaurants, food lovers will find plenty to savor.

Old San Juan’s walkability makes it an easy and enjoyable area to explore. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking ocean views from the city walls, lively street performers, and bustling plazas that invite you to sit and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a neighborhood alive with music, art, and community, offering something for everyone.

Nightlife thrives here too, with cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and salsa clubs filling the evenings with energy and rhythm. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or someone seeking a laid-back yet dynamic environment, Old San Juan delivers. Its timeless beauty and welcoming vibe make it more than just a destination—it’s an experience you won’t forget.

What makes this property unique

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a palace? Ours is a romantic 200-year-old architectural wonder built for one of San Juan's earliest rum barons and remains one of the most beautiful properties in the old city. It features soaring, 18-foot ceilings, cathedral-style acoustics, marble floors and Moroccan tiles. Surround yourself with simple beauty, bathe in a gigantic Roman bath, cook in an inspirational kitchen and listen to the coqui frogs in your private courtyard.
The space
Immerse yourself in the legacy of Puerto Rico's oldest privately owned rum dynasty at this magnificent mansion, once home to the famed Fernandez family founders of Ron del Barrilito. Perfect for a luxurious group getaway, this Airbnb listing offers the entire house for exclusive use.

Our expansive mansion features six elegantly appointed bedrooms with a total of eight beds, making it ideal for groups of up to 12 guests. Experience the unique charm of two split bathrooms, two roman bathhouse style shower rooms, and two separate toilet facilities, ensuring privacy and convenience. Additionally, four bedrooms are equipped with personal sinks, further enhancing your comfort and readiness for the day.

The house is perfectly divided into two full levels, each with its own kitchen, living room, and dining area, allowing large groups to cook, dine, and relax with ease. The interiors are tastefully decorated, reflecting the rich history and opulence of a bygone era.

Central to the mansion is a stunning open courtyard, a serene spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails under the stars. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience steeped in history and luxury.

Book your stay now and live like a rum baron, surrounded by the legacy of one of Puerto Rico’s most illustrious families.

Languages:

English