See all properties
Entire home

The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA

Photo gallery for The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA

From the roof top wood deck.
View from the wood deck.
Front entrance through Norzagaray street.
Stairs to wood deck.
Norzagaray street.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Old San Juan, San Juan
  • Port of San Juan
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Pan American Pier
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • San Juan (SIG-Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area

About this property

The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA

Step Back in Time at This Timeless 500-Year-Old Colonial Gem in the Heart of Old San Juan
Nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, this historic 500-year-old home offers an unparalleled experience where the past seamlessly meets the present. Take a leisurely stroll through cobblestone streets lined with exquisite colonial architecture, where hanging balconies and vibrant façades transport you to another era. Encased by imposing fortifications built centuries ago to safeguard the city, this charming home is directly across from the majestic San Cristobal Fort, offering stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the fort’s timeless grandeur.

This home is a stone's throw from Old San Juan’s lively atmosphere, where you’ll find an array of duty-free shops, world-class international dining, and exciting nightlife. As the home port to some of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships, the city buzzes with energy and culture.

Recently and lovingly renovated, this entire house is exclusively available to guests, offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and historical charm. The second level, accessible by an elegant spiral staircase, features a spacious living area and a luxurious bedroom with sweeping views. For guests with mobility concerns, there is a queen sofa bed and a full bathroom on the first level, ensuring accessibility without compromising comfort.

Please note that the house has spiral stairs and balconies, so children should be supervised at all times.

With a maximum capacity of 6 guests, this enchanting space is perfect for families or groups looking to immerse themselves in the rich history and beauty of Old San Juan while enjoying the privacy and luxury of a beautifully restored home.
Keywords: Ocean View House, CASA LILA

Property manager

Rosa Avalo
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

The house front, with historic door into Old San Juan located around the corner.

Charming historic Spanish colonial home in exclusive street

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, (56 reviews)
Charming historic Spanish colonial home in exclusive street

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES.
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Parties are not allowed, and gatherings are allowed until 10 pm, please, be considerate to neighbors.
This is a non-smoking unit, however, smoking is permitted in the interior patio, please do not let smoke enter indoors.
General trash should be taken to green/gray dumpsters and recyclables to the blue ones.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 0679221425

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

San Juan

Located by the sea, this holiday home is in Old San Juan, a neighbourhood in San Juan. Port of San Juan and Pan American Pier are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Condado Beach and Escambron Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum or Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and ecotours.
Map
Old San Juan, San Juan

What's nearby

  • Port of San Juan - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Pan American Pier - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Condado Beach - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center - 6 min drive - 4.7 km

Getting around

  • Sacred Heart Station - 8 min drive
  • San Juan (SJU-Luis Munoz Marin Intl.) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Verguenza - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪El Jibarito - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Caficultura - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Casa Luna Rest - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mercado La Carreta - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Historic Seaside Haven, CASA LILA located?

Located in Old San Juan, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of San Juan National Historic Site and Port of San Juan. Condado Beach and Puerto Rico Convention Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

KRISTIN B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

We absolutely loved our stay here. I traveled with my mom, husband, and two kids, and the house was perfect for all of us—spacious, beautifully designed, and with a stunning ocean view. We had coffee on the balcony every morning and wine in the evening. It was peaceful and relaxing, but still close to great restaurants, shops, and everything we wanted to see. The host was incredibly responsive and easy to communicate with. We’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

35 wedding anniversary

Beautiful property with wonderful historical charm, beautiful people and Rosa couldn’t have been more helpful.The whole trip gave us wonderful memories,Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luis U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Place to Stay in OSJ

Our stay at Casa Lila's place was fantastic! The house was spotless, beautifully decorated, and perfectly located for exploring the city. Rosa was incredibly responsive and provided great local recommendations - we felt truly welcomed and would definitely stay here again!"
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful views!

Enjoyed the views from the patios and the overall vibe in this old part of town. Thanks for the hospitality !
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Old World charm at its best!!!

There is hardly anything more than I can add to all the great reviews here, but thanks. Thank you Rosa for your kindness. She and her husband helped us when we were lost. We will always be appreciative for your generous hospitality and how you personally welcomed us into your home, which is lovely and in keeping with old world charm. The views are magnificent, the ocean breezes were personally exhilarating, and the location could not be more ideal for those who come to fully experience Old San Juan.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

sean t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location!

Casa Lila is situated in the perfect location in Old San Juan. The view from the rooftop deck is incredible, great for enjoying drinks and listening to the waves. Restaurants and bars are all within walking distance from the property. The house itself is maintained in a style reminiscent of its history.The parking situation worked fine for us, however those with mobility issues may find the walk from the lot a couple blocks away to be challenging. The street itself is narrow and parking is quite limited so it is necessary to unload one's bags quickly and move the car. We hope to visit Old San Juan again and would definitely stay at Casa Lila.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can’t think of a better location in Old San Juan

If you want the feel of historic San Juan but want to have a view of the ocean while on vaca, this is your place. Host Rosa was an amazing communicator and set us up with a tour guide and good dinner recs, tho I have to say we had amazing food everywhere in the city, including at “Carli’s” and “La Madre”. Home is lovely and beautifully appointed. The only challenge for us was sleeping in the warmer temps on the second floor the one night the ocean breezes didn’t move any air. This place is truly the best of everything and we highly recommend!.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short but sweet!

We had a great stay at a very comfortable Villa. It was incredibly relaxing and cozy....great management and communication with Rosa. We will definitely be back..
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

wendy w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Where you want to be

I cant say enough about this property. Before we even arrived the owner was so helpful in fininding some of the best places to eat and shop. The house itself is modernized to include all the creature comforts in an absolutly stunning OSJ row home in the best location. No car needed ! The rooftop deck was our favorite place to be when not exploring the city. Beds were comfortable and linens were just what we were hoping for. Kitchen had everything you would need to eat in. Staying here was one of the highlights of our trip ! home with the beat best views
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ali H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect place to stay in San Juan

We loved this house. It was beautifully acquainted, extremely spacious and in the perfect location to be close to restaurants and bars in San Juan. I went with a group of 5 girls for my bachelorette and staying here was a major highlight of this trip. Rosa was an excellent host and very responsive with communication throughout our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Old San Juan Home

This beautiful home is located in the best possible part of Old San Juan. It is exquisitely decorated and is a wonderful place to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Even better than the description and photos!

Wow! Wow! We are definitely returning to this well kept and interestingly decorated house. We were be blown away by the view of the ocean and the interior of this lovely home. Casa Lila is a must stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home in great location

Had a wonderful stay in this beautiful old home that hi-lights the history to old San Juan. Location is perfect views of ocean and access to restaurants.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Parker G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

March visit

Very cool space, excellent location, amazing views, great host!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vikki M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Gem in the Heart of Old San Juan

We had an incredible stay at this beautiful historic home in the heart of Old San Juan. From the moment we arrived, the experience was flawless. The location couldn’t be better—situated within walking distance to all the major landmarks, charming streets, and vibrant local restaurants. Exploring the city was effortless with everything so close by. The home itself is a stunning piece of history, well preserved but includes all the amenities you could need. The blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort made our stay feel unique and memorable. The hospitality was top-notch. The hosts were warm and attentive. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, providing excellent communication. We truly enjoyed every moment of our stay and would highly recommend this historic home to anyone looking for an authentic Old San Juan experience. It was an unforgettable vacation, and we can't wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter Week

I have had the pleasure of visiting Puerto Rico on numerous occasions. This time I chose to spend my entire week in Old San Juan at Rosa’s home. It was a great experience, to spend the days exploring the back streets and little gems downtown. Ample places to relax and dine out each evening, ending the night on the roof deck by the ocean. There were two of us at Casa Lila, so it was nice to have a private bath connected to each bedroom. It was a pleasant and relaxing week in Old San Juan. Thank you Rosa for your hospitality.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Natalie C.

This was an amazing house in old San Juan

This historic home is so unique and well-kept. I loved just walking around and looking at all of the items on the walls. Rosa is clearly a world traveler and dedicated to your comfort. We enjoyed incredible views of the ocean and were with in steps of some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico . I intend to stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017

8/10 Good

Connie M.

Liked: Communication, location

Great location

We stayed for 5 nights, in town for a wedding. Pros:1) Gorgeous views, both the master bedroom patio and rooftop deck were amazing, stunning! It was one of the main reasons we chose this property.2) Location was fantastic, (another main reason) right next to the historic fort in Old San Juan, walking distance to everything. Family that either stayed or visited Old San Juan stopped by and just loved both the location and views. Great restaurants/cafes all within a 5 to 10 minute walk.3) Rosa was lovely, gave us great recommendations for dining.4) If you love antiques and art, this place was loaded with super cool things. Our daughter loved it!Cons:1) Spiral staircase was treacherous, 22 (or more!) steps. We’ve stayed in a rental home with a spiral staircase (so thought we’d be ok) but this one was much higher and rather unnerving :/2) Beds were not the most comfortable for us, on the hard side and bedding was not great. An upgrade in the mattresses and bedding would have gone far.3) Bathroom off the main bedroom was ok, vanity and mirror had seen better days, drawers falling out. Not a lot of options for storing your toiletries.Not cons but wanted to note: Step up and down from bathrooms and closets. We were ok, but could be concerning going to the bathroom late at night. Don’t think it was noted in the listing so wanted to mention. Also, I am very particular about cleaning, so wasn’t the cleanest for me, but for most I’m sure it would be fine.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

My husband and I have been to Puerto Rico a few times via cruising but this year for our annual get together with friends we wanted to stay and explore the beautiful historic Old San Juan. We chose this property for its location and we were blown away by its historical charm and decor but with all the modern amenities you would want. The views are spectacular! Morning coffee in the courtyard was so tranquil and it set the mood for our day of exploring all this beautiful city has to offer. Our late afternoon drinks on the rooftop were a must before we headed out for dinner and experienced the nightlife of OSJ. To top it all off, Rosa is a dream host and responded within minutes of anything we needed which wasn’t much as she has truly thought of everything. We can’t wait to return in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josef U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true Immersion Experience.

I wanted an immersion experience for our yearly family get together. I can find nice boxy hotel rooms anywhere. Rosa’s villa delivered. The experience of living in a 500 year old house in Old San Juan looking out over the ocean was unforgettable. We spent most of our time in the indoor patio overlooking the sea and watching passing traffic, both foot and vehicle-very cool during the Iron Man competition. No roughing it in this historic villa. Any modern convenience desired is here. From gourmet kitchen to waterfall walk-in shower. I can’t say enough about our experience, just being walking distance to everything is so convenient. In addition Rosa is the best communicator I’ve ever dealt with regarding rentals- thank you, Rosa.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda & Douglas B., Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Captivating, enchanting, charismatic!

Rosa is a perfect host, easy to communicate with and quickly responsive when needed. Bedding and linens are all top quality and so comfortable! Old San Juan is a gem. But I didn’t expect this hypnotically beautiful, historic, artwork-filled house to gently entwine and bewitch me with such force that it would be so agonizing to leave. The house itself, along with its location, is idyllic perfection. The roof deck! The bedroom balcony! The hammocks! The pictures tell you what words cannot begin to do justice to. But the interior seaside courtyard!! She is now a cherished old friend that is part of my soul. Thank you Rosa, I will never forget my stay at Case Lila!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rick T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing house in Old San Juan!

Casa Lila is a charming historic house with a wonderful ocean view. Close to everything. Beds and pillows were comfortable. Plenty of hot water with large bathrooms (no bathtub). Great Washer & Dryer with plenty of towels. Kitchen also well stocked with cookware. Rooftop was amazing (yoga in the AM/sunset & cocktails in the PM) Tips: WiFi - if you need it, make sure to get the correct password upon arrival. Upstairs Bedrooms - not easy to carry heavy luggage up to the bedrooms! Bakery - most closed at 5:00 pm vs websites/Google of 6:00
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcelino

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Casa Lila is a beautiful well taken care of property. My family and I loved it. The accommodations and amenities were top notch. The house is a 500-year-old Spanish colonial, and it still has that charm with fully updated comforts. The bathrooms (3) were all updated and fully functional. The kitchen had all the major appliances that provided comfort and functionality. The beds were all spacious and comfortable. The host provided very clean linen and we had our own a washer and dryer. The place was spacious and practical. Superb location for walking in Old San Juan, to Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, Paseo De La Princesa, art museums, San Juan proper, etc. In one of the rooms, you wake up to the sunrise over looking Castillo San Cristobal. It’s literally across the street. We will rent this property again come our next San Juan, PR vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A True Cultural Experience

We absolutely loved our experience at Casa Lilla. This 500-year-old home sits directly across from the Cristobal Fort and faces the ocean in historic Old Town. The location could not be any better...just minutes from the historic sights, restaurants and watering holes. Each of the rooms is beautifully decorated. The house also has a first-floor courtyard, second floor balcony and rooftop entertaining spot for morning coffees, sunbathing, and sunset cocktails. We mainly dined out but used the kitchen and dining room for breakfast and evening board/card games; the kitchen has everything you need to prepare full-on meals, if you wish. We took a car hire from the airport and used taxis/Uber to go to Santurce, Condado and nearby beaches. There are parking lots nearby for rental cars, but we were glad to avoid this as it really was not necessary to have a car. We booked about five months ago and found communicating with the owner to be a high-quality experience; she was so positive and answered our questions with quick, informative replies. We stayed here three nights before then traveling to the south side of El Yunque to stay in a villa house with a pool for the next five nights. Casa Lilla was the perfect way to kick-off our trip to Puerto Rico; the home is truly enchanting.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

About the host

Hosted by Rosa Avalo

Host profile image
I am a chemical engineer and a cheese expert, being founder of the first aging cheese manufacturing plant in the island.

Why they chose this property

I chose Old San Juan because of its historical background and well preserved monuments. My property is one of the few historic houses with spectacular Atlantic Ocean view and it is located across the street from a 16th century fort.

What makes this property unique

Tax free shops, grocery stores, beach, 5 star restaurants, bars and all at walking distance. Safe to walk and friendly and quiet neighborhood. Public parking space within three blocks, one spot for free for my guests only.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests