ALMA San Juan, the boutique hotel revitalizing the heart of Old San Juan, recently announced its affiliation with Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands. As the first Autograph Collection hotel in Old San Juan, the independent property brings its singular vision of Puerto Rican character, design, and culture to a global platform, joining a hand-selected portfolio of independent hotels celebrated for their individuality and sense of place — “Exactly Like Nothing Else”.
The affiliation opens a new chapter for a property that, since its December 2024 debut, has built its reputation on originality—from its restored landmark setting to a celebrated culinary program and ambitious collections of local art. That independent spirit aligns seamlessly with Autograph Collection’s ethos, making the transition a natural evolution rather than a reinvention. The property continues to be operated by Vivant Hospitality.
“Joining the Autograph Collection is a defining moment for ALMA San Juan and an affirmation of everything our team has built since we opened our doors,” said Monica Ramos, Director of Sales, Meetings & Events for ALMA San Juan. “This milestone reinforces our mission to create hospitality experiences rooted in Puerto Rican culture, where every detail reflects the island’s soul. We are proud to welcome travelers from around the world while continuing to serve our local community with the same authenticity, warmth, and sense of belonging that have defined ALMA from the beginning.”
“Old San Juan is one of the Caribbean’s most storied destinations, rich in culture, history, and a distinct sense of place,” said Ricardo Echeverri, Vice President, Owner & Franchise Services, Marriott International. “ALMA San Juan captures the individuality and local character that define the Autograph Collection, offering a thoughtful expression of its locale through design, cuisine, and cultural storytelling. We are proud to welcome the hotel to the Autograph Collection portfolio.”
Set within the Pisos de Don Juan building, the first Spanish Mediterranean Revival structure to rise over Old San Juan, ALMA pairs a meticulously restored historic façade with interiors that trade the expected Caribbean palette for a sustainable, light-filled calm. Natural fabrics and fibers in soft, earthy tones run through the 56 guestrooms and suites, many opening onto private balconies that frame Plaza Colón, the cityscape of the old quarter, and the wide blue of San Juan Bay. Above it all, a rooftop plunge pool and daybed provide a tranquil retreat overlooking the centuries-old streets of Old San Juan.
The hotel’s culinary program unfolds across two restaurants and three bars led by two of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated chefs. At Andaluz, Chef Jose Alvarez draws on techniques honed in Michelin-starred kitchens to bridge the shared Moorish roots of Andalucía and Puerto Rico through seasonal ingredients thoughtfully sourced from Puerto Rican farmers and producers. Meanwhile, the rooftop Mar y Rosa, from five-time James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Jose Mendin, weaves local ingredients into contemporary plates beneath the illuminated walls of Castillo San Cristóbal. By day, The Café pours Puerto Rico’s storied coffee for locals and guests alike, a daily ritual as essential to ALMA as the art on its walls.
Art plays a central role in the experience. The hotel’s curated collection features 128 pieces by Puerto Rican artists, assembled by one of the island’s most sought-after local art curators, Erika Medina Vecchini, with each floor dedicated to a different artist’s series so that the hotel reads as a vertical gallery of the island’s talent. From the colloquial street scenes of the lobby to the vintage Carteles in the suites, the collection turns a stay into an immersion in Puerto Rican culture, the fullest expression of a hotel whose name means soul.
ALMA San Juan, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection is part of Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, which allows members to earn and redeem points for stays at this property and at more than 10,000 destinations and territories around the world. With the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, members can enjoy a personalized, contactless experience, traveling with peace of mind.
To book a stay, visit www.almasanjuan.com or MarriottBonvoy.com. Follow @almahotelsanjuan on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, culinary experiences, and happenings at the hotel. The hotel is located at 405 Calle de San Francisco St, Old San Juan, PR.
