O:live Boutique Hotel

A boutique hotel just outside of old town San Juan, Puerto Rico, that takes its inspiration from the Amalfi Coast? As a concept, it’s impossible to fault. And if we’re writing to you about it, then you can expect that the execution lives up to the promise. Condado, a rather new-looking corner of San Juan, may not be Sorrento, exactly, but once inside the Olive Boutique Hotel you’d be hard pressed to remain a cynic — it’s a new build, meaning the finishes are sparkling fresh and modern, as is the in-room gadgetry, but it’s steeped in antique atmosphere, thanks in large part to a generous smattering of antiques from Italy, Spain and all around the Mediterranean.

And other sorts of atmosphere as well. This is an intimate hotel, just fifteen rooms, and a decidedly romantic hotel to boot, peekaboo showers and all; less a place to bring the whole family than, perhaps, a suitably inspiring place to start one. Dinner means a trip to the rooftop restaurant, Sage Steak Loft, where local flavors meet steakhouse classics with a view — then back to a room that’s quiet, low-lit, and can’t fail to set a certain mood.

Please note: Olive Boutique Hotel does not accept guests under the age of 18.