A New Boutique Hotel Just Opened In San Juan’s Condado Neighborhood

A new boutique hotel has opened in San Juan’s Condado district, introducing a small, design-focused property to the neighborhood.

Magdalena 1163 is a four-story hotel developed by entrepreneurs María Isabel Esteve and Carlos López-Lay. The property has ten suites, positioned for travelers looking to stay within walking distance of Condado Beach, restaurants, and the district’s commercial corridors.

The hotel offers a mix of Studio, Deluxe, Junior Suite, and two-bedroom accommodations. Interiors follow a contemporary design, with warm neutral tones and an emphasis on functionality. All suites include a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and Nespresso machine. Rooms also feature layered lighting and subtle ceiling detailing as part of the overall design.

Artwork is incorporated throughout the property, with pieces that reference Caribbean culture. The collection includes designs by Rogative, sculptures by Bernardo Medina, photography by Fuera e Foco, and works by Cundo Bermúdezand Julián Ruiz.

At the top of the building, the hotel has a rooftop level with an indoor lounge and an open-air terrace overlooking Condado. The space can host private events for up to 40 people. A separate meeting room accommodates up to 10 participants and is equipped for presentations and virtual meetings. The rooftop also includes a gym for guest use.

Additional amenities include continental breakfast, a guest lounge with snacks and beverages, parking, car rental options, and laundry service. Guests can communicate directly with hotel staff through the Kipsu platform, which provides 24-hour messaging before and during the stay.

Magdalena 1163 opened following a $7 million renovation and currently operates with a staff of six employees. The hotel has also partnered with nearby restaurants, allowing guests to access much of Condado’s dining scene on foot.

The project marks Esteve and López-Lay’s entry into the hospitality sector after careers in the automotive industry. Magdalena 1163 joins a growing mix of smaller hotels in Condado, offering a limited-room alternative to the area’s larger beachfront properties.