Ocean View Historic House in Old San Juan

Casa Lila is a beautifully appointed, historic home conveniently situated within walking distance of all the attractions, shops, and restaurants in Old San Juan. The proximity to the ocean is a bonus, not only for the spectacular view from the bedroom balcony, but also for the breezes which freshen and cool the house and back courtyard patio.

This is an ideal property for a romantic vacation or for a small family with older children. Both bedrooms are on the second floor which can only be accessed by a steep spiral staircase and this would likely be difficult to manage for toddlers or older adults with mobility limitations. At the top of the stairs are two ample bedrooms each with a full bathroom. The master bath is beautiful with a large tiled shower.

The owner of Casa Lila, Rosa Avalo, made the rental process simple with prompt communication during the booking process. She also provided an exhaustive list of her favorite activities and restaurants both in Old San Juan and throughout the rest of the island. Her recommendations for dining never disappointed, and all were accessible with no more than a 10 to 15 minute walk. Since parking is quite difficult on the narrow streets, walking around Old San Juan is the preferred mode of travel, and I never felt unsafe at any time of the day or night. For guests with a car, parking garages are located a few blocks away from the property and are reasonably priced.

My wife and I had the good fortune of meeting Rosa as we checked out. She is a gracious and welcoming hostess whose elegance is reflected in Casa Lila. I would stay at this property without hesitation the next time I travel to San Juan.

This is truly one of the most memorable houses I have ever rented. The view from the back bedroom is breathtaking. We loved opening the dining room french doors to the charming outdoor courtyard. The house was uniquely decorated, and couldn't have been better equipped. The only negative is the steep metal staircase to the bedrooms, but was not an issue for myself, husband, or teenage daughters. All that being said, what really made our vacation was Rosa. Not only was she extremely helpful answering numerous questions before our trip, but was just as attentive during our stay. There was a lot of construction going on next door, and we ended up losing power (and a lot of our groceries) the last couple of days of our stay. It was Easter and Rosa was on a cruise. Despite it being something out of her control - and the fact she was on her own vacation - she still responded immediately and helped us remotely. I hope we will be able to return someday, meet Rosa in person, and take one of her cheese classes! She is a very classy person, and most gracious hostess!!!

What a charming home! My husband and I found Rosa’s vrbo online, booked it and exchanged some detailed emails with Rosa prior to our arrival. Rosa was so helpful, suggesting sites to visit and recommended restaurants. She made it clear that we were to fully enjoy her “second home”. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay - and her homemade cheese which was left for us in the fridge. We even made a return visit to Rosa after our cruise so that we could participate in one of her amazing cheese-making workshops! We know that any future plans to visit Old San Juan will mean an email to Rosa to book another stay. Highly recommend!! Thanks Rosa!

On March 28, 2014 the four of us arrived at Rosa Avalo’s home for a much needed retreat from Nova Scotia’s long winter. We had corresponded with Rosa via “vrbo” and looked forward to our stay based on photos and the wonderful extra information Rosa had provided about Old San Juan and her neighbourhood, which she obviously loves. We were so excited to discover that Rosa’s beautiful home was exactly as advertised…and more! A warm and personal interior…a breathtaking view from the rooftop patio…wonderfully appointed bedrooms and ensuite baths that would rival those of any high end hotel…homemade cheese in the fridge and a repeated invitation from Rosa to “make ourselves at home”. We were enchanted. We roamed the cobbled streets and courtyards of Old San Juan knowing that we could look forward to returning to “our home”, climb to the roof with a bottle of wine and look out over turquoise waters and the Castillo de San Cristobal. And after supper drinks were enjoyed from the same perch…listening to the surf, staring at the stars and watching the cruise ships disappear into the night. What more can I say? The experience was an absolute treasure that we all look forward to repeating.

Have just returned from 5 nights in this lovely home in Old San Juan where I stayed with my son and daughter-in-law. I would highly reccommend it with the provision that if you are a senior person you might find the circular stairs a little challenging and the 2 bathrooms on the 2nd floor. Otherwise this home is outstanding. The furnishings, linens, art work, antiques, A/C, kitchen with dishwasher and enclosed patio are top quality and only superceded by the view from the 2nd bedroom. The location of 423 Calle Sol is also very convenient to any where in Old San Juan, including a nice beach just below San Juan Park/Plaza, just a bit away from San Cristobal, which is 1 building and across the street from Rosa's lovely home. you are not renting an apartment/house but are staying in a welcoming, comfortable home. The owner has great taste in her decor and as an artisan cheese maker you will find her cheeses, left for you to consume,also have great tastes! Hopefully I can return to this place again and/or sned others there to enjoy this slice of paradise. Thanks, Rosa, for sharing and caring!!!