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  5. Reviews of The Garden Apartment, The Willow Apartment, & The Tropical Apartment at Casa of Essence in Old San Juan

Review score

Based on 43 apartment reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.3

  • Comfort

    9.1

  • Location

    10.0

  • Facilities

    9.0

  • Staff

    9.3

  • Value for money

    9.1

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 21 August 2025

    8.0
    Great location and easy access to local attractions
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The air-conditioning never got really cold, it was ok in the main bedroom but my son complained of being hot in the hallway on the sofa bed. This is really picky of me but the decor was a bit strange. Lots of fake flowers and a mismatch of old looking dark furniture and in some areas more contemporary styles... all in all I thought the decor was perhaps a bit, dare I say, cheap looking for the price you pay? It's a minor thing to be fair. I got the details to access the property quite late on the day too so I was panicking a bit as I was told I would get them earlier the same day. I know this is a bit of nit picking but wanted to be thorough and fair.

    Lots to like! The location is just excellent with shops and attractions just a stone throw away. A grocery store next door, coffee shops and restaurants all within 1-3 minutes walk. The bed was very comfy. The kitchenette was well stocked and had everything you need for a short break. Wi fi was great and the roku tv allows you to sign in to your apps to watch Netflix, Disney+, etc. The indoor garden and bar was lovely too and my son enjoyed spending time chilling there. I also loved the fact there was a 'no key' access to the property.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 August 2025

    9.0
    Perfect escape right in the city
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights

    There are multiple door codes to get in which helps with safety but is a bit stressful when it comes to having them all on your phone especially if its dying. Each doorway is on a different level so there are lips all across the house. Not hard to navigate but if you aren't paying attention easy to trip on. The light from the hallway comes into the main room a bit but I had an eye mask that helped.

    This apartment is somehow a quiet escape within Old San Juan. It is so easy to get to and is right in the middle of it all. The air conditioning is strong and the kitchen cute. The shower and bathroom are excellent. I liked having so much space to spread out!

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 June 2025

    10
    Great location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location… walking distance to all things San Juan. Loved the garden patio as well as our apartment… very spacious.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 June 2025

    10
    Had a very nice stay in this very cute apartment.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Some of the electric outlets do not work. That is really not a big deal though. Place is cute.

    The location was great. Nice, clean place to stay.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/S

    It was a beautiful apartment right in old San Juan. Just walk out the door and you can explore.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location and the apartment was very comfortable and big.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2025

    8.0
    Simple accommodation with all the essentials and more in an incredible location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We stayed in the Garden Apartment, which was a little awkward because of the layout of the old building. It had a kitchen, bedroom, shower room, bathroom and a bedroom, but no windows, though a lot of natural light came from the skylight in the living room. It had everything we needed but it wasn’t a place I really wanted to hang out too long in.

    The location was incredible. Not too loud. The building itself was a very cool old building, specifically the hallway was incredible. The apartment had everything we needed, including a full kitchen. An iron was also included and there’s a cool old elevator!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not many outlets but it worked fine anyway

    Location was great, close to restaurants, grocery store next door, close to everything in old San Juan

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 January 2025

    10
    It was centrally located and beautifully decorated. All needed kitchen appliances new.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    They answered messages very quickly. The owner showed me around a little, allowed early checkin, let me charge my phone and kept my belongings safe in my reserved room while they finished cleaning it. Exceptional

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2024

    10
    Peaceful Place to be safe
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It’s was cozy and peaceful . Close to restaurants and stores

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 July 2024

    10
    Great location!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Door codes were sent in advance.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 June 2024

    9.0
    It was very clean, comfortable, and at close proximity to everything.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There wasn’t anything to not like.

    I liked that the property was at close proximity to the places we wanted to go to.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    9.0
    Nice cozy place with a great location
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was three people, but bedding and towels was prepared for two.

    Location was great! Host gave great tips and answered quickly

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 March 2024

    9.0
    Fantastic location in Old Town. Super cute apartment.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Apartment
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bathroom door needs a little love in order to shut all the way. But not a big deal. I would definitely stay here again.

    Prime location in the eastern part of old town. This makes it easy to take a cab in and out. it was great to have an elevator in the classic old building. Air-conditioning unit cooled the bedroom well. There was a fan in the kitchen and another in the hallway that helped cool those areas. Windows are older and didn’t close all the way. But it was not a problem—we had no issues with bugs coming in. Overall, it was a great stay. We enjoyed the very cute garden theme and comfortable bed. The fact that the shower room is separate from the toilet/sink room works well for multiple people.. Super cute kitchen! Very quiet place on the 4th floor. Super responsive host—my questions were answered within about 20 seconds every time. Amazing!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2024

    10
    Great, l
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was contactless so as soon as we landed Crystal hooked us up with all the info we needed to get in and out.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 October 2023

    8.0
    We enjoyed our stay here; it was quiet, mostly comfortable, and well-located in Old San Juan.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The water temperature for the shower could not be regulated beyond "warm" and "hot". The toilet with sink was in a different room from the shower, which was okay, but the room lacked shelving on which to comfortably put our toiletries. It would have been nice to have some staples in the kitchen, i.e., sugar, salt, pepper.

    The location was good, quite easy to navigate the Old City from the apartment. A small store next door was handy for water and snacks. The owners kindly left a bottle of apple cider to greet us.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 July 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It would have been nice to know prior to our stay that parking would be an issue. Indoor sigbs to designate stairwell would be helpful.

    The decor was beautiful! The room configuration alllowed us to utilize the AC unit in the living room space.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 June 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a delightful stay at Casa de Essence. Crystal was very responsive and a great communicator. She offered great suggestions and was accommodating with our luggage after checkout. The apartment was nicely decorated with a unique charm. We would definitely return again.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2023

    8.0
    please see above comments ;)
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights

    window coverings in the bedroom to block out the light during night time please. NO hot water. sadly water was slightly warm at best. Thermostat on the water MOST DEFINITELY needs to be turned up. the only reason facilities and comfort did not rate the highest is because of these two important things. the only other thing is the birds....I hope they do get more flying space very soon :)

    having the entire apt with different and important living spaces. VERY kind hosts, easy to get a hold of and communicate with. bright and cheery. TV set up. security of 2 locks at the entrance. elevator. plants.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 March 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 1 night

    The location of this apartment was phenomenal1 It was in the center of all the best spots.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 14 March 2023

    8.0
    generally, it was a very nice stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The second bed (a kind of futon ) was uncomfortable.

    Excellent location. Very clean and quiet. Nice bedroom with a comfortable bed.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Unique and charming.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2023

    10
    I loved the singing of the birds
    • Couple
    • Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    So quiet

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 November 2022

    8.0
    Great location that was perfect for our purposes.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not refined, no staff on duty during the length of our stay.

    Great location, comfortable bed, roomy interior.

    Stayed in November 2022

Showing 1 – 25

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