Where To Stay In San Salvador: Best Accommodation In 2024

Bradley Williams
Written By:
Bradley Williams
Last Updated:
December 31, 2023
Knowing where to stay in San Salvador can make your whole visit! So here's our top picks of San Salvador accommodation to help make the most of your stay.
San Salvador accommodation

Welcome to San Salvador, the city that boasts of having the biggest shopping mall in Central America!

Getting the ideal San Salvador accommodation can be a great adventure in itself.

There are many hotels, hostels and resorts in this small region each catering to the needs of different types of travellers - from solo travellers to families and couples.

To get your perfect choice, you definitely need to be clear about your budget and the style of accommodation you prefer.

That’s why I’ve compiled this comprehensive list featuring what we consider to be our 10 best choices of where to stay in San Salvador. 

Allow us to help you find your perfect accommodation.
Let’s dive in..

Why use Booking.com or Agoda for accommodation in San Salvador?

Booking.com is by far the best booking site we’ve used in our many travels and adventures. One of the main reasons we love it so much (and recommend it) is because they offer the best prices.

Secondly, they have the biggest range of hotels and hostels in San Salvador. But it’s not only limited to San Salvador, we’ve used Booking.com when booking accommodations in South America, Europe and Asia.

We also like the fact that their website is so easy to understand and simple to use. And to make things even easier for you, there’s a free mobile app you can install on your phone. This app makes it possible to make reservations on the go.

But if you want to make sure you get the best price, it is well worth checking Agoda as well! They have a similarly extensive range of properties in El Salvador and sometimes come in slightly cheaper when you take into account AgodaCash. This is a cashback service valid on certain properties.

It gives you credit that can then be saved up and used on future bookings which is cool! Either way, to ensure you get the best rates, I’ve provided links to both sites for all properties below.

Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read more in our Privacy Policy. Learn more about how we create and update content in our Publishing Guidelines.

Where to stay in San Salvador: Our top 3 picks

Barcelo

Best luxury hotel in San Salvador

  • Outdoor pool
  • 24-hour room service
  • 3 on-site restaurants

Cinco Hotel B&B

Best mid-range San Salvador hotel

  • Airport shuttle
  • A la carte restaurant on site
  • Pet friendly

Hotel Oasis

Best budget accommodation in San Salvador

  • Airport shuttle
  • Buffet and a la carte restaurant on site
  • Free private parking

The Best Accommodation in San Salvador, El Salvador: Our 10 Top Picks

1. Barcelo - $$$

Best luxury hotel in San Salvador

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Barcelo is one of the best 5-star hotels in San Salvador. The staff here are very kind, friendly and keen on ensuring you have a comfortable and memorable stay at the hotel. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and there is a free private parking area.

The accommodation at Barcelo offers a beautiful view of the city or volcano. Each room features a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, air-conditioning and a private bathroom. 24-hour room service is provided plus a 24-hour front desk to answer all your queries and concerns.

You'll love the food in this hotel. There are three restaurants on-site where you can have your breakfast and other meals. The wide range of cuisines includes American, local, Mexican and international. As for activities at Barcelo, you can swim in the amazing outdoor pool, workout at the fitness centre or pamper yourself with a nice massage at the spa.

Special Features:

  • Outdoor pool
  • 24-hour room service
  • 3 on-site restaurants

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

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2. Courtyard by Marriott - $$$

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Courtyard by Marriott is a 4-star hotel with great accommodation in San Salvador. No need to worry about hot weather when staying here, the rooms are large, airy and fitted with air-conditioners. There's also an outdoor pool where you can splash around or enjoy a good swim.

Each room in this luxury hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a laptop safe and a CD player. There is both free WiFi and wired internet throughout the property. You also get a minibar, work desk and coffee maker. With all these luxury amenities, Courtyard by Marriott is what I'd consider one of the best hotels in San Salvador.

This property boasts a 24-hour gym so you can have a good workout any time of day or night. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a drink or two in the Lobby Bar and socialize with other guests if you wish. 

Special Features:

  • 24-hour gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Free WiFi and Free wired internet

Check Prices On Booking.Com

3. Real Intercontinental - $$$

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

When it comes to luxury hotels in San Salvador, Real Intercontinental is certainly one to consider. This 5-star hotel is strategically located right in front of one of Central America’s biggest shopping malls. Guests can easily walk to the mall where there are several restaurants, boutiques and a cinema. 

Real Intercontinental has stylish rooms with air-conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, mini-bar and a coffee maker. The private bathroom is well equipped with a shower and toiletries. There is access to high-speed WiFi at a fee. 

This hotel is well known for its delicious food and world-class service. There are three concept restaurants each offering a unique cuisine. There is Brazilian & local, Italian & Mediterranean and Japanese. All the meals are quite a delight, good luck deciding on what to choose and what to leave.

Special Features:

  • Airport shuttle
  • 3 restaurants on site
  • Outdoor pool

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

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4. Terra Bella Hotel Boutique - $$

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Conveniently located near restaurants and bars, Terra Bella Hotel Boutique offers comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. There is a garden at the centre of this bed and breakfast that adds a nice touch of greenery to the property. There’s also a terrace where guests can sit and relax.

For travellers looking for nice accommodations in San Salvador boutique hotels, this B&B fits the bill. The rooms here are well maintained, with comfortable beds. Some are air-conditioned and include a seating area with a flat-screen TV. There is a 24-hour front desk available.

Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking. The B&B offers a tasty continental breakfast every morning. Guests can go into town for their other meals. You can get suggestions for the best places from the staff here, they are very kind and always willing to help out.

Special Features:

  • Free private parking
  • Breakfast in the room
  • 24-hour front desk

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

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5. Cinco Hotel B&B - $$

Best mid-range San Salvador hotel

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Cinco Hotel B&B has great rooms in San Salvador in a place called Gran Zona Rosa. We truly loved, not just this cosy B&B, but also loved how well situated it is! The rooms are air conditioned and some include a seating area and a private bathroom. Guests have access to a comfortable dining and seating area right outside the rooms where they can hang out. 

There is even a kitchen available if you’d like to prepare a snack or a meal. This property boasts of a beautiful garden with flowers and nice greenery. A terrace is available where guests can sit and relax or even have their meals. The natural surrounding creates such a lovely relaxed ambiance.

The room rates at Cinco Hotel B&B include your breakfast. You can have this at the restaurant or out on the terrace. A unique addition to the property is a nice organic shop where you can buy organic products and even get a few souvenirs. 

Special Features:

  • Airport shuttle
  • A la carte restaurant on site
  • Pet friendly

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

cinco hotel and bnb

6. Las Magnolias Hotel Boutique - $$

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

This San Salvador hotel offers ideal accommodation for solo travellers, families and couples alike. The rooms are spacious, clean, air conditioned and include a seating area with a comfy sofa and cable TV. Each room has its own private bathroom which is well equipped with a shower, hairdryer and toiletries. 

The hotel is about a 10-minute drive to central San Salvador, while just a walking distance to many shops, restaurants and museums around. An outdoor pool is available on the property in a beautiful garden. These are nice spots for guests to relax during the day or night.

The staff at Las Magnolias Hotel are exceptionally kind and friendly. They’ll make you feel right at home when you arrive. As for food, the hotel offers a free breakfast. There’s a restaurant on site (Acajutla) which also serves lunch, dinner, high tea and cocktails.

Special Features:

  • Outdoor pool
  • On-site restaurant
  • Airport shuttle 

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

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7. María José Suites - $$

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Maria Jose Suites is a walking distance to lots of shops and restaurants. This is one of the best places to stay in San Salvador. The hotel is very clean and includes a large separate kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals. There is also a living area for relaxing.

Another aspect of this boutique hotel that makes it one of the best is the rooms. Each room is air conditioned, has a flat-screen cable TV, microwave and coffee machine. You also have a desk and comfortable seating area. The private bathrooms are also equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay including a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Free breakfast is provided. It’s an a la carte continental cuisine. Simple but delicious. Guests can hang out on the terrace or the garden and use the free WiFi available throughout the property. 

Special Features:

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free private parking
  • Airport shuttle

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

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8. Hostal Doña Marta - $

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Located within a gated community, Hostal Dona Marta offers cheap accommodation in San Salvador. There are a variety of rooms at this B&B. Some are private rooms with private bathrooms, a family room and two dormitory rooms. All the rooms include a fan, cable TV and a garden view. In the bathrooms, the B&B provides free toiletries for all guests.

Outside guests can sit on the terrace or the garden. There is an above-ground swimming pool where guests can swim and splash around to cool off from the hot weather. The staff here are really nice and friendly. Always willing to assist and ensure you’re comfortable. A free continental breakfast is provided. Other meals can be ordered at the restaurant on site. The menu mostly includes local dishes and seafood.

Special Features:

  • Swimming pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Free private parking 

Check Prices On Booking.Com

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9. Domus Hotel - $

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

Domus is a great option if you’re looking for cheap hotels in San Salvador. It’s a 3-star hotel with a number of amenities to guarantee a comfortable stay within a tight budget. The property has a garden, a restaurant & bar on-site and a shared lounge.

The rooms are spacious, clean and ideal for all types of guests including families, couples and solo travellers. Each room includes a seating area, a desk and a flat-screen TV. Some of the rooms also have a patio. You can access free WiFi anywhere within the property.

At the hotel’s restaurant, there’s a delicious a la carte breakfast available daily. The property’s concierge service can organize tours for guests off-site. Within the hotel, guests can pay for evening entertainment, happy hour or a soothing massage at the health and wellness facilities.

Special Features:

  • On-site restaurant
  • Free private parking
  • Garden with outdoor furniture 

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

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10. Hotel Oasis - $

Best budget accommodation in San Salvador

More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews

San Salvador budget hotels like Hotel Oasis make travelling so affordable and still quite enjoyable. This bed and breakfast provides cheap accommodation and has staff that are always happy to welcome guests and make them feel right at home. You’ll love the atmosphere here.

The rooms are colourful, clean and tidy. Some of them have a balcony where you can sit and relax. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. There is free private parking for guests on the property as well.

When staying at Hotel Oasis, it’s very easy to mingle and make new friends. There are common areas where guests can hang out e.g a shared lounge and a garden. Breakfast is provided every morning and for other meals, a variety of local dishes are available at the restaurant on-site.

Special Features:

  • Airport shuttle
  • Buffet and a la carte restaurant on site
  • Free private parking

Check Prices On Booking.Com

Check Prices On Agoda

View a full range of photos

What are the best places to visit in San Salvador?

San Salvador is one of the most touristy places in El Salvador. There are some great attractions here and a good number of places to visit.

  • Shopping - Let’s begin with the city itself. San Salvador is home to the biggest shopping mall in Central America. So when you are here, take the opportunity to tour this amazing mall and do some shopping. There are many boutiques and shops so you won’t lack options of what to buy. This mall also has theatres and a cinema, so while you’re there, you can watch a movie before leaving.
  • Volcano time - Another place to visit is the San Salvador Volcano, located in El Boqueron National Park. You can hike to the top and enjoy an aerial view of the surrounding area. Make sure to check out the crater and take some photos. It’s beautiful.

For more inspiration on places to visit in San Salvador and further afield, check out our other post on the best things to do in El Salvador.

When it comes to the best places to stay in San Salvador, there are many options that suit different types of travellers. We hope our list has inspired you to plan a trip to this wonderful destination. Let us know where you stay when you go and what places you visit. Happy travels!

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