Wet
Photo © Zain Deane
The ultra-stylish Water & Beach Club Hotel in Isla Verde has two options for nightlife seekers, and both are equally in demand. Liquid is the nocturnal metamorphosis of the hotel's restaurant, Tangerine, into a funky lounge/club. Wet is the hotel's rooftop, open-air lounge, and a very cool place to kick back and bask with all of Isla Verde and the ocean spread out below you.
Contact: 787-728-3666
N Lounge
The Normandie Hotel, designed and shaped like an ocean liner, has placed its N Lounge on its "prow," jutting out from the rest of the building. The effect is pretty cool on a warm night, when you can grab a drink at the indoor bar and, if you're lucky, find a spot on one of the outdoor couches that curve around the balcony, and mingle with other Sanjuaneros. This is the place to go for those who prefer a chill lounge scene to a rave.
Contact: 787-729-2929
Dragonfly
Anchoring Fortaleza Street, Dragonfly is a dimly lit, intimate place even for dinner; at night, it turns into a velevety cool lounge, and one of the city's most desireable nighttime destinations. The Asian-inspired food, drinks and decor help set an exotic tone that's far removed from the Caribbean, and it attracts a well-heeled clientele. You'll regularly find long lines of eager Sanjuaneros and tourists waiting for a chance to get in, and the everybody is dressed to impress; in fact, if you have the gumption to wear shorts here, the staff at Dragonfly will promptly put a sarong around your waist. It doesn't stay open as late as some of the clubs around town, but hey, that's what the after-hours places are for.Contact: 787-977-3886
Kú Lounge
Kú Lounge derives its name from the former Kudetá Restaurant. While the restaurant reinvented itself and lost its name, Ku remains ever-popular. Located on trendy Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan, the second-floor club is a sensuous and sumptuous place to spend the night. Chandeliers, plush suede seating, and champagne bottle service add to the allure, as does the long line of chic young hopefuls waiting for entry.
Contact: 787-722-6949
The Upper Level Lounge
On the second floor of the in-house casino, the Ritz-Carlton's Upper Level Lounge is a spacious place and more mellow than many of the other lounges on this list. It also has several niches with plush seating and tables for two and four that give you a sense of privacy. If you want to mingle, head to the long communal table near the bar. There's a live DJ and projection screens where you can catch a game on while you're out on the town.
Contact: 787-253-1700
Koco Lounge
Photo © Oof! Restaurants
At the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, there are many places to hang out late at night. The lobby has a hopping vibe at all times, with a beautiful bar and live band. The casino is a perennial favorite. But the newcomer, Koco Restaurant, Rum Bar and Lounge, might just take the cake. Its cool green and brown natural hues, comfy rooms and funky bar have attracted a hip crowd.
Contact: 888-579-2632
Eternal Lobby Lounge
Photo © Zain Deane
Rounding out my list is a relative newcomer to the late-night scene. The lobby-level Eternal Lobby Lounge at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel is one of the hottest places in San Juan to grab a drink, catch a live DJ on weekends, or relax on the outdoor terrace with a drink or two. The lounge combines a few environments; the open-air terrace overlooking the ocean, a funky-looking bar with plush seating and spacious booths, and additional seating spilling over into the lobby itself. Last time I was there, the crowd was lively, the music was thumping, and the outdoors provided a welcome reprieve from the energy of the club. I look forward to going back.
Contact: 866-317-8934
