Stay Lifehacks

Lean into the homey hospitality of the hotel. The owners and staff are your best access to what’s going on locally. Think of them as your personal concierge service: ask for their favorite ‘pupuseria’ to get a real taste of the national dish of El Salvador, or to line up a good driver for a day trip. The information they give you from an insider’s vantage point is priceless, and your trip will be layered and accurate in a way that you could never figure out by yourself.

Make the most of your location by planning to use Uber or another ride-hailing app for all your transportation needs. They are quite affordable and widely available in San Salvador and are generally believed to be a safer mode of transportation than the taxis cruising the streets. An Uber ride from a quiet residential street hotel to a buzzing Zona Rosa with restaurants and bars or Multiplaza with shops takes merely 5-10 minutes. That's the best of both worlds.

One of the best side trips in town that many visitors do not get to enjoy: have your hotel call a driver for you to see El Boquerón National Park on top of San Salvador Volcano. Thirty to forty minutes from the city. There is an easy, safe walking trail to the rim of the massive crater, which is quite beautiful to check out. The weather is cool and refreshing; a perfect breach from the scorching city heat.

Relish the delectable, home-cooked Salvadoran breakfast – a major feature of the hotel. Instead of just having a quick bite, relish your time having local specialties such as fried plantains, beans, and fresh tropical fruits. That’s an extremely nice and traditional way to welcome your day. Just ensure you have a few US notes with you in cash, in small denominations for tipping and small purchases at local shops or markets.