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.