Planning your visit to San Salvador? Finding the right hotel is key to making the most of your stay. Whether you’re in search of luxury hotels, charming boutique accommodations, or budget-friendly hostels, you can find a variety of options in San Salvador that cater to all types of travelers.
My guide below covers my top picks for the best hotels in San Salvador, based on comfort, amenities, and location. From upscale stays with world-class services to affordable and cozy spots, discover the perfect place to call home while exploring El Salvador’s vibrant capital.
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Where to Stay in San Salvador
These are the three top neighborhoods I would recommend staying in. If you look at a map, you will see that they each lie along the western side of San Salvador.
1. San Benito: If you are a first-time visitor to San Salvador, I recommend you stay in the San Benito neighborhood. This upscale neighborhood includes the area known as Zona Rosa, a hub for shopping. dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions such as the Museum of Art (MARTE). Staying here means you are within walking distance of so many things. San Benito is where the largest concentration of luxury and boutique hotels are as well as many of San Salvador’s top restaurants.
2. Santa Elena: This is known for being a peaceful, affluent residential area just south of San Benito. It’s close to major shopping and dining destinations like La Gran Vía and Multiplaza. You can find both mid-range and high-end hotels here, including the Hyatt Centric, which is one of my favorite hotels in San Salvador.
3. Colonia Escalón: This neighborhood lies just to the north of San Benito. Colonia Escalón is another upscale area that offers a mix of residential charm and commercial activity. This is where you will find the recommended Hilton Hotel as well as many affordable hotel options. There is a good variety of restaurants, including 1893 Restaurant, which is among my favorite gourmet restaurants in San Salvador. The area is safe, with many embassies and businesses. Plus it offers great views of Volcán San Salvador.
Another area that deserves mention as you may it while searching for places to stay in San Salvador is The Historic Downtown (Centro Histórico). It may show up as a place for budget travelers. But there are actually very few hotels here. This area had been known to be unsafe in the past but has improved and attracts tourists to see the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and other historic sites. One of my favorite bars in the city, Club La Dalia is also here. But I personally wouldn’t stay in this area. Stay elsewhere and just come to visit during the daytime.
Top Luxury Hotels in San Salvador
San Salvador is home to several top-tier luxury hotels that offer a premium experience for travelers seeking comfort, elegance, and world-class amenities. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, these luxury hotels ensure a sophisticated stay with impeccable service and a range of high-end features.
1. Barcelo
Barcelo at a Glance
Barcelo is widely considered one of the top luxury hotels in San Salvador. And personally, it’s my favorite of them. It is located directly across from a new shopping mall called Bambu City Center and is walking distance to many of the best restaurants in the city. The rooms are very nice ad large, with a state-of-the-art fitness center on the top floor and even a salon for a haircut. There is an outdoor pool, though it seems to be rarely used. Churchill’s is a bar with a 19th century feel, while Strikers Sports bar in on the ground floor.
Pro: Location and Amenities
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2. Hyatt Centric
Hyatt Centric at a Glance
This San Salvador hotel opened in 2021, and so the accommodations are top notch. The third-floor pool deck with bar is the best of all the hotels, despite the pool being fairly small.
Lots of solo business travelers seem to stay here. It’s a couple miles south of San Benito and right across the street from the very popular La Gran Via shopping mall. It’s a great option if you are ok being 10 minutes away from Zona Rosa.
Pro: Modern hotel with excellent pool, bar, and restaurant.
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3. Sheraton Presidente
Zona Rosa
Sheraton Presidente at a Glance
This very large hotel is situated right next to the San Salvador Art Museum. It has the largest pool of all the hotels, but very few people ever seem to be in it. But it’s probably the best pool for kids.
There is a fitness center and spa. The onsite bar and restaurant are a bit non-descript but serve their purpose. Sheraton caters to a mix of business travelers, families, and tourists. It has a great location, and that’s a big reason why it’s on this list.
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4. Hilton
Colonia Escalón
Hilton at a Glance
The Hilton San Salvador stands out as one of the best luxury hotels in the city, combining a modern feel with top-tier amenities. It is located in the upscale Colonia Escalón area, adjacent to Torre Futura, one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the city. It offers easy access to business centers, dining, and cultural attractions.
The hotel features spacious, contemporary rooms with panoramic city views, a rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, the Hilton San Salvador delivers exceptional service and comfort, making it a premier choice for a luxurious stay in the capital.
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Best Boutique Hotels in San Salvador
These boutique hotels all have great locations near Zona Rosa and offer good value for the budget.
Kaleo Hotel Boutique
Zona Rosa
Kaleo Hotel Botique at a Glance
This is my favorite boutique hotel, located just on the outskirts of Zona Rosa. While it doesn’t have a pool or gym like the larger hotels, it is a fraction of the price.
Rooms are clean, and there is a small restaurant for breakfast and coffee. Because I value location and spend my days exploring the city rather than taking full advantage of the amenities, this is my top choice for a boutique hotel.
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Laurentia Hotel Boutique
Zona Rosa
Laurentia Hotel at a Glance
If you want what could be considered a charming hotel with a good location and price, then Laurentia Hotel Boutique could be for you. It’s located on the north end of Zona Rosa, near Republik, one of the best nightlife spots in the area. There is also a branch of Cadejo Brewing and Roots Food Artisans with a great breakfast right across the street. But like anywhere in this area, everything in this area is just a short walk.
Laurentia does have an onsite restaurant, which isn’t quite as fancy as the name Winery Steak & Bar implies. But is good for an early evening wine and appetizer before going out for the night or will suffice if you prefer to stay in one evening.
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Hotel Citlalli
Zona Rosa
Hotel Citlalli at a Glance
Hotel Citlalli is a very basic boutique hotel, but it’s close to a few of my favorite bars and breakfast spots in San Benito. Breakfast is not included in the price of the room, but they have a very basic restaurant that serves a few options. I skipped it every day in favor of exploring the local restaurants.
This hotel is directly across the street from a few of my favorite restaurants, notably the Green House for breakfast, Lobby for dinner and drinks, and Delikat for the pastries. But it’s also walking distance to everywhere else in Zona Rosa.
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Budget Hotels and Hostels in San Salvador
For travelers looking to explore San Salvador on a budget, the city offers a variety of affordable and welcoming hostels. These budget-friendly accommodations provide not only cost-effective lodging but also a great way to meet fellow travelers and experience local culture. Whether you’re a backpacker or simply looking to save on accommodation, these hostels deliver comfort, convenience, and a friendly atmosphere without breaking the bank. These are my suggested hostels and budget hotels to stay.
La Zona Hostel: My top budget choice due to the great location in Zona Rosa. Though this is an expensive area of San Salvador, it’s central to everywhere.
Hostal Cumbres del Volcán: Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Ximena’s Guest House: Affordable guest house with basic amenities.
