Boutique hotels with charm in Old San Juan?

Hey Annemarie, i'm not a San Jaun expert (only been twice) but I stayed at the Hotel El Convento. It has a great location but I remembering it being fairly pricey and not as nice as I would have expected for the price. But if you're looking for airbnb or other hotels you can use that as a reference point for a good location and go from there. Even if you don't stay there it's worth a stop in to see the place. It was built in the 1600's as convent and you can still get a decent mojito there just as the nuns did 400 years ago ;)

Have fun!

Hi! I definitely recomend Hotel El Convento. It is small, very beautiful and has that antique colonial feeling of Old San Juan. This hotel has that local charm you are looking for. It has a great location; you can take a walk to El Morro, El museo del niño, El Paseo de la Princesa, and other important places. Of course there are other nice hotels you can check out. 

Have a great vacation!

Hi Annemarie. I recommend two places that are very interesting. 

My first recommendation is The Gallery Inn.

http://www.thegalleryinn.com/

Its like you are staying in a abandoned spanish ruin and its filled with art and statues. It is very rustic and brick like. My sister used to be a Host there and she loved how it made her feel like she was in a "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie.

My second recommendation is the hotel would be over the salsa club of the Nuyo Rican cafe. It is called Da House.

http://dahousehotel.com/hotel_fotos.php

Yes it is extra loud and you will need ear plugs but it will make you feel like you are truly in the Rum Diaries movie. 

Sorry that I am referencing movies so much it just makes it easier to share the vibe in that way. I just noticed johnny depp is in both haha..in no way am i promoting him haha  

good luck in your travels.

Annemarie, look at Hotel El Convento.  I haven't been there but have heard good things.